Northern Lights Visible Across 22 US States Tonight
Auroras are expected to be visible from Alaska to Illinois due to continuing geomagnetic storm conditions tonight. Both northern and southern lights could intensify as Earth faces a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) launched from the sun during an M7.4 solar flare yesterday.
Geomagnetic Storm Forecast
The fast-moving CME is predicted to arrive late tonight or early Friday morning (UTC), likely causing strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. This comes after an unexpected aurora display overnight when a glancing CME combined with a high-speed solar wind stream pushed geomagnetic activity to G3 levels, sparking auroras across northern U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Warnings and Expectations
- The Met Office has issued G3 storm watches for November.
- If the CME's magnetic orientation connects well with Earth’s magnetic field, auroras could be dramatically enhanced in high and mid-latitude regions.
Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov said, "An aurora photographer's dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend," noting that G3 to G4 storm levels may occur by Friday as multiple CMEs interact with Earth's magnetic field.
These solar events present an excellent opportunity for observing dazzling auroral displays across a wide area due to increased geomagnetic disturbances.
Summary: A powerful solar event is expected to enhance auroral activity across many US states tonight, creating prime viewing conditions through the weekend.