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Solar Storm Set to Illuminate U.S. Skies with Northern Lights: Where You Can Witness the Spectacular Aurora

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Solar Storm Set to Illuminate U.S. Skies with Northern Lights: Where You Can Witness the Spectacular Aurora

A powerful solar eruption is currently racing through space toward Earth, bringing with it the potential to create stunning auroras visible across various parts of the globe.

In the United States, many will have a chance to witness the captivating green and red lights of the aurora borealis on Thursday night. This spectacle is made possible by a “severe” geomagnetic storm, as forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storm is driven by a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a massive burst of plasma and charged particles—which prompted NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center to issue a rare G4 geomagnetic storm watch, marking the second such alert this year.

While solar storms can disrupt satellites, GPS systems, and power grids, this watch is a welcome opportunity for aurora enthusiasts. The interaction between solar particles and Earth’s magnetosphere is expected to extend the aurora’s visibility far beyond its usual range, allowing more people across the northern hemisphere to see the vibrant display.

Here’s what to know about the northern lights and how you can catch them on Thursday night in the United States.

NOAA Issues Rare G4 Geomagnetic Storm Watch

NOAA has been tracking a CME since Tuesday, which erupted from the sun and is expected to reach Earth by Thursday afternoon. The agency uses a five-level scale to measure geomagnetic storms, ranging from G1 to G5. The current storm is classified as a G4, just one level below the most severe category.

G4-level storm watches are rare; the last one, issued in May, was the first since 2005. That storm caused minor power grid disturbances and GPS interference but also led to remarkable views of the northern lights in areas where they’re not typically seen.

Where Will the Auroras Be Visible?

While auroras are most commonly visible near the poles, strong geomagnetic storms can push the lights farther south. The incoming storm has a Kp index of 8, indicating that the auroras will be especially active and visible much farther from the poles than usual.

NOAA suggests that Thursday’s auroras may be visible overhead in many northern U.S. states, possibly even reaching as far south as Alabama and northern California. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and light pollution in each location.

The states best positioned for viewing include:

  • Alaska
  • Washington
  • Idaho
  • Montana
  • North Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Michigan
  • Wisconsin

Additionally, parts of Nevada, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and North Carolina may also experience heightened aurora activity, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute, which monitors the phenomenon.

Best Time to See the Northern Lights

The best chance to view the northern lights will be within an hour or two of midnight on Thursday, provided skies are clear. As solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, they create glowing green and red hues through collisions with atmospheric gases. This process, steered by Earth’s magnetic field, has mesmerized humans for centuries.

NOAA offers an online aurora dashboard to help skywatchers track the phenomenon and improve their chances of catching the display.

Why More Auroras Are Occurring Now

Aurora sightings may become more frequent in the near future due to increased solar activity. The sun is nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, expected to culminate in 2025, according to NASA.

As Solar Cycle 25 reaches its height, the number of sunspots and magnetic disturbances will increase, triggering more solar flares and CMEs. These eruptions of electromagnetic radiation and plasma can spark additional geomagnetic storms, leading to more opportunities for aurora displays across the globe.