Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Paint Skies With Northern Lights Across Much Of The U.S.

Severe geomagnetic storm could paint skies with northern lights across much of the U.S. United States A severe geomagnetic storm alert is in effect as charged solar material from the Sun collides with Earth’s magnetic field, potentially unleashing spectacular aurora borealis displays much farther south than usual on Monday night into Tuesday morning. According to space-weather forecasters, a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) a massive burst of solar energy and plasma that left the Sun after a strong solar flare is responsible for the disturbance. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised its space weather watch to G4 (Severe) level as the CME’s effects are expected to continue through Tuesday.
The storm could make the northern lights visible across much of the U.S., including states from the Upper Midwest to New York, New Jersey and beyond a rare sight so far south. Aurora hopefuls in the NYC-NJ Tri State area have been warned to look toward clear, dark skies late Monday night into early Tuesday for a possible display. Other regions from the Susquehanna Valley to North Carolina, Colorado and even northern California may also get a chance to see the colourful lights if conditions align. Geomagnetic storms occur when solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, energising atoms in the upper atmosphere and producing shimmering lights typically near the Arctic Circle. However, a G4 classification indicates unusually strong activity that can push aurora visibility much farther south than normal. Forecasters caution that strong geomagnetic storms can also affect technology, including satellite communications, GPS navigation, high-frequency radio systems and power grid stability though major outages aren’t expected.
To maximise your chances of spotting the northern lights:
Head to dark, open skies away from city lights between late evening and early morning. Northwest Newsradio 97.7 | AM 1000
Keep an eye on cloud cover clear skies greatly improve visibility.
Northwest Newsradio 97.7 | AM 1000
Whether you’re a skywatcher chasing auroras or just curious about this cosmic show, tonight may deliver one of the most widespread northern lights displays in years.