Space weather experts say a powerful geomagnetic storm could soon make the northern lights visible far beyond their usual range, potentially reaching parts of the southern United States.
Solar Eruption Headed Toward Earth
A coronal mass ejection, or CME, erupted from the sun on Sunday and is expected to reach Earth within 24 hours, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center and the U.K.’s Met Office. The burst of solar material and magnetic energy could trigger strong to severe geomagnetic storm conditions.
Auroras Could Reach the Deep South
Forecasters warn that G3 (strong) or G4 (severe) storm levels are possible. Under those conditions, auroras could be visible as far south as Alabama and northern California, a rare sight for much of the continental U.S.
Northern lights form when charged solar particles collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing them to glow and create colorful displays across the night sky.
Visibility Depends on Conditions
Whether the auroras are actually seen will depend on several factors, including the CME’s magnetic orientation when it arrives and local weather conditions. NOAA recommends viewing between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. local time and traveling to the darkest possible location for the best chance of seeing the lights.
Potential Impacts Beyond the Sky
In addition to auroras, the storm could disrupt power systems, spacecraft operations, radio frequencies and satellite navigation. A G3 storm may require voltage corrections on power grids and cause intermittent navigation issues, while a G4 storm could lead to more widespread grid problems and increased satellite disruptions.
Spacecraft could also experience surface charging and tracking difficulties.
Solar Activity Remains Elevated
The sun reached the peak, or solar maximum, of its 11-year cycle in October 2024 and has continued producing intense solar flares and geomagnetic storms. NOAA says heightened magnetic activity from sunspots is expected to continue through 2026, increasing the likelihood of future aurora displays.
NOAA officials are still analyzing data from the latest CME as they refine forecasts for the coming days.
For more updates on the geomagnetic storms, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.