Severe Geomagnetic Storm Could Illuminate Skies Across 17 U.S. States Tonight

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A strong geomagnetic storm classified as G3 is expected to bring the breathtaking northern lights to as many as 17 states across the U.S. tonight, April 16, following the arrival of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun earlier this week.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that conditions for viewing the auroras are favorable, particularly in northern states and some parts of the Midwest. The display may be visible as far south as 45 degrees latitude, potentially illuminating skies in states such as Washington, Idaho, Montana, and even northern New York.

“The aurora may become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon,” said a NOAA representative. “The general public should consider monitoring our webpage for the latest information and updates.” The NOAA indicates that it is important to check back frequently, as predictions can improve significantly within a half-hour of the appearance.

States with the highest chances of observing the auroras include Alaska, Washington, northern Oregon, northern Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, northern Iowa, Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Regions spared from light pollution will offer the best views of the auroras.

Tonight’s geomagnetic storm was sparked by multiple CMEs that erupted from the sun on April 13, reaching Earth ahead of schedule. NOAA anticipates that while a G3 storm will occur tonight, G1 storm conditions may continue into Thursday, which usually does not result in auroras appearing in the continental U.S.

The Kp index, which maps auroral activity, may rise to 6, indicating that the auroral oval could extend further south. “For a Kp of 6 to 7, the aurora can be bright and active, making it possible to see the aurora from the northern edge of the United States,” the NOAA said.

This surge of solar activity coincides with the sun reaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, termed Solar Cycle 25. This increased activity has led to heightened occurrences of both solar flares and CMEs, many of which do not originate from typical sunspots.

Although solar flares themselves do not directly cause auroras, they often act as precursors to solar storms. Over the past weekend, the sun unleashed eight M-class solar flares between Friday and Monday, contributing to the current storm conditions.

Last May, a powerful G5 geomagnetic storm resulted in auroras visible as far south as Florida. For the May 2024 event, GPS systems were disrupted for agricultural use due to intense solar activity, but largely, power grids were able to manage the surge in geomagnetic currents.

The public is encouraged to use NOAA’s dashboard to track when and where the northern and southern lights may become visible. This resource is updated in real time and can show auroral activity as soon as new data becomes available.

For those aiming to capture the beauty of the northern lights on camera, utilizing your smartphone’s “Night Mode” feature can enhance your photographs. Night Mode allows for longer exposure settings, typically between five and ten seconds, making it easier to capture the colorful phenomena.

As tonight’s viewing opportunity unfolds, experts wish for clear skies and hope for a stunning display for those in the affected regions.