Strong Geomagnetic Storm May Illuminate Northern U.S. Skies with Aurora Borealis

A powerful geomagnetic storm is forecasted to affect Earth's magnetosphere, potentially causing extensive technological disruptions while offering a rare opportunity to view the northern lights from many northern U.S. states.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a warning for a G4-level geomagnetic storm—a severe classification—following recent emissions from the sun known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). The scale for these storms peaks at G5, which denotes an extreme event.

NOAA reported this latest CME as the most vigorous and swift eruption seen in recent days, connected to one of the most intense solar flares in the ongoing solar cycle. This flare was noted around 5 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday and reached an R3 level, classified as strong. Such flares can significantly interfere with high-frequency radio communications on the part of Earth receiving sunlight and can also impair low-frequency navigation systems.

Predictions from the Space Weather Prediction Center indicate this intense storm will likely impact Earth around midday on Wednesday, although the exact timing remains uncertain.

Additionally, the NOAA also anticipates a G3-level (strong) geomagnetic storm impacting Earth on Thursday.

While these geomagnetic disturbances pose a risk to critical communication networks, they also present the opportunity for observing the aurora borealis as far south as Alabama and Northern California, starting Tuesday night.

The University of Alaska, along with the Space Weather Prediction Center, forecasts the best visibility for the northern lights to begin from 10 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday and continue until approximately 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

During this period, vibrant aurora displays might be seen in regions including Portland, Oregon; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and New York City, with possible sightings near the horizon extending as far south as Oklahoma City and Raleigh, North Carolina.