Northern Lights Forecast: Aurora Possible In 19 States From Wednesday

The northern lights, usually reserved for Arctic latitudes, could dance over 19 US states this week—including some that haven't seen aurora in years. NOAA forecasts a G1 to G3 geomagnetic storm from Wednesday July 1 through Friday July 3, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. The aurora borealis will most likely appear along the northern horizon in states bordering Canada, from Washington to Maine. As the sun ramps up toward solar maximum in its 11-year cycle, intense solar activity has become more frequent. In May 2024, a G5 storm brought northern lights as far south as Florida. This week's event, while weaker, still has potential for impressive displays. The Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA issued the alert on July 1. The storm is expected to reach G2 moderate levels on Wednesday and possibly G3 strong on Thursday. States in the aurora viewing zone include Vermont, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and others. Best viewing is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, away from city lights. The northern lights forecast comes as public interest in space weather surges, fueled by recent high-profile storms. While G3 storms are not rare, the ability to see aurora in 19 states highlights the growing accessibility of aurora chasing through apps and alerts. However, light pollution remains the biggest barrier for urban skywatchers. The CME will continue to impact Earth through the weekend. Another CME may follow, and skywatchers should monitor NOAA's OVATION model for real-time updates. This geomagnetic storm offers a prime opportunity for Americans as far south as Illinois to witness the aurora borealis—a spectacle typically reserved for polar regions.