Solar Storm May Bring Northern Lights Across 22 US States

A solar eruption from the Sun may create visible northern lights across Canada and as many as 22 US states after a coronal mass ejection reached Earth’s vicinity, with NOAA monitoring possible geomagnetic storm conditions beginning Thursday night and Friday morning.

According to NOAA, the coronal mass ejection followed an M1.4 solar flare on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The agency issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch for Friday, Oct. 9, as the solar material was expected to arrive.

The storm could expand the auroral oval farther south than usual, but NOAA said visibility depends on solar wind conditions, cloud cover and the magnetic orientation of the incoming material.

Northern lights occur when charged particles from the Sun interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere during geomagnetic storms. The resulting energy creates waves of colored light visible in the night sky.

NOAA’s forecast indicated auroral activity could begin around 11 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 8, with a stronger viewing period possible near 5 a.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 9.

At G1 storm levels, NOAA identified Alaska and northern states including Washington, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire as areas with better chances of seeing auroras.

If conditions reached G2 levels, NOAA said faint auroras could become visible farther south in parts of Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Colorado, Pennsylvania and New York.

The darker skies approaching the new moon could improve visibility of faint colors, while the final display would still depend on local weather and solar conditions.

Observers looking for the aurora are advised to find dark locations away from artificial lights with an unobstructed northern horizon. NOAA noted that eyes may need about 20 minutes to adjust to low-light conditions.

The display may appear as a dim arc or haze before becoming more visible. Smartphone cameras can capture additional color using settings such as "Night Mode" or "Pro Mode" with longer exposure times.

For photography, keeping the camera steady is important because auroras are best recorded through longer exposures. A tripod or stable surface can help reduce movement during image capture.