**HOOK:** A powerful solar storm is racing toward Earth, promising a rare and dazzling display of the northern lights across 25 US states this weekend.
**LEAD:** According to Forbes, a coronal mass ejection (CME) left the sun on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and is expected to trigger a strong aurora borealis visible from 25 US states on Saturday night, June 13, into the early hours of Sunday, June 14. Space weather forecasters have issued a “strong” Northern Lights alert, putting millions of Americans in the potential viewing zone.
**CONTEXT:** The northern lights, or aurora borealis, usually stay near the Arctic Circle. But when a CME slams into Earth’s magnetic field, charged particles rain down into the upper atmosphere, creating shimmering curtains of green, red, and purple. The current solar cycle is ramping up toward its predicted peak in 2027, making such geomagnetic storms more frequent. This particular CME left the sun at high speed and is expected to arrive Saturday afternoon or evening US time.
**KEY DETAILS:** States with the highest chance of seeing the lights include Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and others along the Canadian border. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center typically rates such storms on a G-scale; a “strong” alert suggests G2 (Moderate) to G3 (Strong) levels. Viewing conditions depend on local weather — clear skies away from city lights are essential — and the best window is roughly from 10 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday local time. No special equipment is needed; just look north after your eyes adjust to the dark.
**ANALYSIS:** This Northern Lights alert highlights growing public interest in space weather as aurora chasers and casual skywatchers alike turn to real-time forecasts. It also underscores the sun’s influence on technology: strong geomagnetic storms can disrupt GPS, radio communications, and even power grids. With solar activity increasing, scientists warn that infrastructure operators should remain vigilant. For now, however, the storm is a natural spectacle rather than a threat.
**OUTLOOK:** Skywatchers should check local cloud cover forecasts and monitor NOAA’s aurora dashboard for live updates. If the CME arrives as expected, social media will likely be flooded with photos from across the northern US. Subsequent CMEs may produce similar displays as we approach solar maximum in 2027, giving many more Americans a chance to see the aurora from their own backyards.
Science
→ Neutral
‘Strong’ Northern Lights Alert For Saturday: 25 States May See Aurora
The northern lights may be visible overnight from 25 U.S. states on Saturday, June 13, into Sunday, June 14, after a coronal mass ejection left the sun Thursday.
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
- 25 US states are under a strong Northern Lights alert for Saturday night, June 13–14, 2026, following a coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from the sun on Thursday, June 11.
- Likely states for visibility include Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, among others along the Canadian border.
- The CME is expected to produce G2 to G3 geomagnetic storm conditions, meaning the aurora could be visible as far south as the 45th parallel or even lower under clear skies.
- Prime viewing hours are between 10 p.m. local time Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday; light pollution and cloud cover are the main obstacles.
- This event comes during Solar Cycle 25, which is approaching its predicted peak in 2027, increasing the frequency of coronal mass ejections and auroral displays at mid-latitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Northern Lights alert is an advisory issued by space weather agencies when a geomagnetic storm is expected to make the aurora borealis visible at lower latitudes than usual. It includes the expected intensity and the geographic area likely to see the display.
According to Forbes, 25 US states are potential viewing zones, with the best chances in Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and other states along the Canadian border.
The optimal viewing window is from about 10 p.m. local time Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday. The exact timing depends on when the coronal mass ejection arrives and local conditions.
A coronal mass ejection from the sun releases charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field. When the storm is strong enough, the aurora can be seen far south of its usual Arctic range, sometimes reaching the northern US.
No. The aurora is best seen with the naked eye in a dark location away from city lights. Binoculars or a camera with a long exposure can enhance the view, but they are not required.
Northern Lights alerts from reputable sources like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center are based on real-time solar data and have good accuracy, though exact timing and intensity can change as the CME approaches.
Topics
Original source
www.forbes.com
Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to post a comment or reply.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!