Aurora Borealis Alert: Strong Geomagnetic Storm Tonight

A solar storm arriving at Earth on Monday evening may bring the northern lights into view well beyond their typical Arctic home. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA SWPC) said that a coronal mass ejection — a cloud of charged particles released from the Sun — arrived at Earth’s magnetic field around 5 p.m. EDT September 1. The impact caused a G2, or moderate, geomagnetic storm, which could strengthen and be upgraded to a G3, or strong, overnight. 

Where The Aurora Could Be Seen

Meteorologists predict the aurora borealis (the northern lights) could be visible across much of North America.

The best chances are for viewers in Alaska, Canada and/or northern U.S. states.

Depending on whether or not the conditions cooperate, the aurora glimmer could stretch further south to parts of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes and possibly into northern Illinois.

The aurora will be easier to see if skies are clear and dark with little light pollution from cities and towns.

The aurora will most likely show activity late Monday through early Tuesday morning, typically peaking around midnight.

How To Improve Your Chances Of Seeing It

Experts suggest going somewhere with little to no light pollution and allowing your eyes to adjust for 15–20 minutes before watching for the aurora. To the human eye, the aurora most often appears as faint gray or white streaks but a camera, even a smartphone camera will produce  brighter green or pink colors.

Patience is also key. The aurora usually tend to appear in bursts before it fades for a period and then will flare up again.

Why Storms Like This Are Happening Now

The Sun is currently experiencing the active phase of Solar Cycle 25, which started in 2019, and has now peaked. During this phase, solar flares and eruptions increase, sending energy streams to the Earth.

These storms can disrupt satellites and radio communications, but they create beautiful auroras. Because strong space weather is anticipated to continue through 2025, it will allow more people in lower latitudes to see the northern lights. 

Are There Risks From This Storm?

For most individuals, it would mean colorful skies. But NOAA warns that strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, satellites and navigation systems, particularly at higher latitudes. Operators in those systems are tracking the storm's progress, but no major impacts are expected.