Aurora Watch
It looks like the increased chance of seeing auroras could continue into the weekend, with the Sun blasting out two more coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that could potentially impact Earth.
That means that within the space of just a few days, a handful of CMEs could brush past our planet, including the one that was forecast to arrive on October 8–9, the night of the Draconid meteor shower peak. It’s safe to say there’s a lot going on in the sky right now.
NOAA has forecast G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm conditions for October 9 and October 11. But watch this space, as things can change quickly. There’s also a chance that some or all of the CMEs miss Earth altogether, as their paths and potential impacts can be tricky to predict.
With New Moon on October 10, there’ll be no bright moonlight to interfere with aurora viewing. This weekend may be a good time to head out and look up.
What’s Behind the Latest Solar Activity?
On October 6, active region 4549 on the Sun produced an M1.4 solar flare, which was accompanied by a halo CME .
The CME is mostly directed north of our planet; however, current forecasts suggest that Earth may receive a glancing blow. NASA modeling suggests this CME could reach Earth in the early hours of October 9 (UTC), although the exact arrival time remains uncertain.
Later on October 6, the same active region produced a slightly stronger M1.8 flare, which was associated with another, weaker CME. NASA modeling currently predicts this second CME could reach Earth late on October 9 (UTC), with weaker geomagnetic effects.
On October 7, there was a C7.9 solar flare with an associated slower CME that could deliver a glancing blow to Earth on October 11.
The following day, October 8, the same active region produced an M6.7 flare accompanied by another CME, which could catch up to the slower CME ahead of it, according to NOAA modeling. Both CMEs are forecast to skim Earth on October 11. However, scientists are continually assessing their trajectory and potential impact time.
There are also two coronal holes that are turning toward Earth, sending fast solar wind our way, which may also enhance aurora activity.
Remember that if the CMEs do reach Earth, we still need the magnetic fields accompanying them to line up in the correct way to trigger widespread aurora activity.
Where Can I See the Aurora?
Aurora visibility will depend on the overall geomagnetic levels and potential shorter bursts of activity. In the Northern Hemisphere, the northern lights (aurora borealis) could be visible farther south than usual in these locations if G2 levels are reached:
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North America: Canada and the northern US in states including Idaho, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Maine.
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Europe: Scandinavia, as well as northern UK, and parts of Russia.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the southern lights (aurora australis) could be visible further north than usual in these locations:
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Australia and New Zealand: Tasmania and the southern parts of New Zealand.
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Chile and Argentina: The southernmost tips of the countries.
Keep in mind that these are predictions. To maximize your chance of seeing the northern or southern lights, check local aurora watch groups for real-time updates in your area.
Sunrise and sunset times for your locationWhy Auroras Happen
When particles from the Sun reach Earth, they interact with gases in our atmosphere, like oxygen and nitrogen. This creates glowing curtains of light called auroras, usually green, but sometimes red, purple, or even blue, depending on the gases and the energy involved.
We have recently been in the period known as solar maximum, the most active phase in the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, marked by increased sunspots and frequent solar eruptions. That means that, during solar maximum, solar flares and CMEs are more likely, making beautiful auroras more likely too.
What are the northern and southern lights?What Are Coronal Holes?
Coronal holes are regions on the Sun that look darker in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and X-ray images. They appear this way because they are cooler and less dense than the surrounding plasma. In these areas, the Sun’s magnetic field lines open outward into space instead of looping back to the surface.
You can think of them like “channels” in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, where solar wind can stream out more freely. The solar wind always flows from the Sun, but coronal holes produce faster streams. These high-speed streams temporarily enhance the speed and intensity of this ever-flowing solar wind.
When these fast solar wind streams reach Earth, they can interact with our planet’s magnetic field, sometimes sparking geomagnetic activity and brighter auroras—especially if the solar wind carries a strong southward magnetic component, which is more likely around the equinoxes.
While generally less dramatic than coronal mass ejections (CMEs), these streams can still produce noticeable space weather effects.
Coronal holes can persist for several solar rotations, so their impacts can recur roughly every 27 days—the time it takes the Sun to spin once on its axis at the equator.
What Are Coronal Mass Ejections?
Coronal mass ejections are massive bubbles of hot plasma and magnetic fields ejected from the Sun into space.
CMEs often occur alongside solar flares, which are bursts of energy from the Sun, but unlike flares, CMEs involve the physical expulsion of plasma and magnetic fields. When Earth-directed, these solar storms can interact with our planet’s magnetic field, producing auroras and geomagnetic storms.
We can usually see the effects of a CME on Earth within a couple of days.
What Are the Different Types of Flares?
Not all solar flares are created equal—scientists group them into different categories based on their strength:
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A-class and B-class flares are very small. They don’t have much impact on Earth.
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C-class flares are a little stronger. They usually cause minor effects, if any.
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M-class flares are medium-sized. These can sometimes cause radio blackouts near Earth’s poles and create brighter auroras if linked to a CME.
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X-class flares are the biggest and most powerful and can lead to widespread radio blackouts. If accompanied by a CME, they can also produce strong geomagnetic storms and spectacular auroras even far from the poles.
NASA explains that solar flare classes work “much like the Richter scale for earthquakes,” where each higher class is 10 times more energetic than the one before. So, an X-class flare is 10 times stronger than an M-class flare and 100 times stronger than a C-class flare.
Each class also has a scale, from 1 to 9—the higher the number, the stronger the flare, though X-class flares have no upper limit.
Solar Cycle 25: More Storms Ahead?
The current solar cycle is called Solar Cycle 25. NOAA and NASA previously confirmed it was more active than initially forecast. This led to an updated prediction of an earlier peak at a higher intensity.
The peak, known as the solar maximum phase, is characterized by elevated sunspot numbers, solar flares, and CME activity, which carry an increased likelihood of geomagnetic storms and widespread auroras.
The data shows that solar maximum was reached around October 2024 , but scientists note that auroral activity often remains strong for several years after the peak. This means that spectacular northern and southern lights may still lie ahead.
Previous Updates
October 7: What’s Behind the Latest Solar Activity?
On October 6, active region 4549 on the Sun produced an M1.4 solar flare, which was accompanied by a halo CME.
The CME is mostly directed north of our planet; however, current forecasts suggest that Earth may receive a glancing blow. NASA modeling suggests this CME could reach Earth in the early morning hours of October 9 (UTC), although the exact arrival time remains uncertain.
There is also a second CME on the way. Later on October 6, the same active region produced a slightly stronger M1.8 flare, which was associated with another, weaker CME. NASA modeling currently predicts this second CME could reach Earth in the evening of October 9 (UTC), with weaker geomagnetic effects.
October 7: Aurora and Shooting Stars in One Night?
If you’re a fan of the aurora, the night of October 8–9 could be a good time to look up! The northern and southern lights could make an appearance as Earth may receive a glancing blow from a coronal mass ejection (CME).
NOAA has issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for October 9. Don’t get your hopes up too soon, though. The CME could miss our planet altogether. CME arrivals can be tricky to predict, particularly when only a glancing blow is expected.
Our advice? Keep an eye on the forecast and head outside after dark on the night of October 8–9 if conditions look promising. Check local aurora watch groups to see if there’s any activity where you are.
Even if you miss out on the aurora, if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you might be lucky enough to spot a Draconid shooting star, since the meteor shower peaks on October 8–9. Luckily, there’ll be no bright moonlight to interfere with aurora or meteor viewing, with New Moon just around the corner on October 10. It may be a good time to head out and look up.
Can you spot the Draconids?
August 26: Update
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has extended the G2 geomagnetic storm watch due to an additional CME launched after an M2.2 solar flare on August 26.
Current watches:
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August 27: G1 (minor)
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August 28: G2 (moderate)
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August 29: G2 (moderate)
August 26: What’s Behind the Latest Solar Activity?
In this case, the G1 and G2 alerts issued by NOAA have two different origins.
The expected August 27 activity is due to an Earth-facing coronal hole, which allows solar particles to more easily stream out, elevating the solar wind headed our way.
In addition, an M7 solar flare on August 25 produced a CME, which is predicted to glance Earth around midday UTC on August 28. A C-class flare on the same day, from the same active region (4513), also produced a smaller filament eruption . When combined with the larger M7 flare-related CME, predictions become more uncertain for both travel paths and arrival times.
Together, this solar activity enhances the chances of auroral displays over the coming days.
August 26: A Colorful Eclipse Backdrop?
We are all eagerly awaiting the almost total lunar eclipse on August 27–28, and the Sun might just have thrown in an extra bonus for avid skywatchers.
With a high-speed stream from a coronal hole and two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) heading toward Earth, NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (minor) watch for August 27 and a G2 (moderate) watch for August 28.
If we are lucky, the arrival time could coincide with the lunar eclipse for North American watchers, though the current predictions place it slightly later.
June 6: Update
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has canceled its G3 (strong) and G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watches for June 8 and 9, respectively, after data suggested the June 6 CME may have already delivered a glancing blow on June 8.
June 6: Update
Another coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on June 6, following a M1.8 solar flare. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center states that at least part of the CME is expected to impact Earth.
Latest geomagnetic storm watches:
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June 8: G3 (strong)
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June 9: G2 (moderate)
June 4: What’s Behind the Latest Solar Activity?
Over the last couple of days, there have been multiple solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
While some of these CMEs have been projected out into space and are not forecast to hit our planet, at least three CMEs appear to have Earth-directed components, meaning that part of the CME may reach Earth’s magnetosphere—our planet’s invisible shield.
These CMEs were associated with three significant flares from sunspot region 4455 on June 3: an M9.3 flare, an M7.7 flare, and an X1.0 flare—the strongest category of solar flare.
The Space Weather Prediction Center notes that the forecast is further complicated by a high-speed stream from a coronal hole just south of the source region of the CMEs. This could deflect the energy more northward, above Earth’s orbit, meaning the geomagnetic storms could be weaker than forecast.
June 4: Multiple Solar Storms Head Toward Earth
Heads up, aurora chasers! The northern and southern lights could be visible much farther from the usual auroral zones, thanks to a flurry of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) currently heading toward Earth.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 (Strong) watch for both June 4 and 5, with a possibility of G4 levels depending on how Earth-directed the CMEs are.
At least three CMEs are forecast to impact our planet around 18:00 UTC on June 4, though the timing could vary by several hours—CME arrivals are notoriously tricky to predict. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on local conditions and look skyward when it gets dark in your location.
If you live in a mid-latitude location where it gets dark at a reasonable hour, this may be a great time to watch for aurora displays.
Don’t forget to check local aurora watch groups for updates in your area.
May 18: Update
On May 17, NOAA extended its geomagnetic storm watch to the following dates:
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May 18: G1 (minor)
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May 19: G1 (minor)
May 14: Update
On May 14, NOAA extended the latest geomagnetic storm watch to three dates:
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May 15: G2 (moderate)
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May 16: G1 (minor)
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May 17: G1 (minor)
May 13: Don’t Miss the Northern Lights This Weekend
The northern and southern lights could glow farther from the poles than usual in the coming days thanks to fast solar wind flowing from an Earth-facing.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for May 15 and a G1 (minor) for May 16.
Even though nights are well on the way to getting lighter as summer approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, it may well be worth waiting for dark for the chance to see the aurora put on a show.
April 24: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
There’s been a flurry of activity on the Sun over the past 24 hours. Multiple M-class solar flares have been recorded, one of which produced a coronal mass ejection (CME) that could give Earth a glancing blow and trigger a geomagnetic storm on Sunday, April 26.
Remarkably, there have been twin X2.5 solar flares from the same active region, one peaking at 01:07 UTC today, April 24, and another just hours later at 08:13 UTC.
The earlier X2.5 solar flare produced a CME, although it is not directed toward Earth and is not expected to trigger geomagnetic storms or the resulting auroras. So far, the second X-flare also appears to be associated with a strong CME, but it too is unlikely to be Earth-directed.
In addition, multiple coronal holes are currently facing Earth, which could send high-speed solar wind streams our way in the coming days.
Together, this mix of solar activity creates a promising “aurora cocktail” for the weekend.
April 24: Northern Lights Set to Glow Again This Weekend
After impressive mid-latitude aurora displays last weekend, more northern and southern lights could glow farther from the poles than usual in the coming days.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch for April 26.
If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, this could be a good opportunity to see the northern lights before the aurora season winds down until autumn, when nights become darker again.
April 16: Update
The heightened activity from the high-speed solar wind stream could extend into Sunday, meaning we may get another night to enjoy aurora displays. A G1 (minor) watch has been issued for April 19.
Latest geomagnetic storm watches:
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April 17: G2 (moderate)
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April 18: G2 (moderate)
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April 19: G1 (minor)
April 16: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
A large coronal hole is currently facing Earth, which means a high-speed stream of charged particles is heading toward our planet.
When this enhanced solar wind arrives, it will interact with Earth’s magnetic field, potentially boosting geomagnetic activity and increasing the likelihood of auroras over the coming nights.
April 16: Northern Lights May Light Up the Weekend Sky
If you’re an aurora fan, it might be a good idea to look up over the next couple of nights.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for April 17–18, which means that auroras could be seen farther from the poles than usual, potentially over northern and upper Midwest US states, as well as mid-latitude regions around the world.
Head outside after dark for a chance to see auroras glowing in the night sky. With a New Moon, darker skies improve the chances of spotting fainter displays. Check local aurora watch groups to see if there’s any activity in your area.
February 4: Update
Just over an hour ago, at 12:18 UTC, the Sun unleashed an X4.2 solar flare. Yesterday (February 3), an X1.5 flare occurred at 14:18 UTC. The latest X-class flare count from this region is now 6. Solar region 4366 remains active as it rotates into a better position.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has added a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch for February 6.
Updated geomagnetic storm forecast:
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February 5: G1
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February 6: G1
If skies are clear, keep an eye out after dark.
February 3: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
Just over an hour ago, at 12:18 UTC, the Sun unleashed an X4.2 solar flare. Yesterday (February 3), an X1.5 flare occurred at 14:18 UTC. The latest X-class flare count from this region is now 6. Solar region 4366 remains active as it rotates into a better position.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has added a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch for February 6.
Updated geomagnetic storm forecast:
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February 5: G1
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February 6: G1
If skies are clear, keep an eye out after dark.
February 3: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
The Sun has been extremely busy over the last 48 hours, producing a flurry of solar flares. Luckily for aurora chasers, one of these flares produced a CME, which scientists have forecast to arrive at Earth on February 4 around 21:00 UTC (plus or minus 7 hours).
This activity is coming from a complex sunspot region larger than our planet. It has sent out 4 X-class flares—the largest class of solar flare—since February 1.
One of these flares was a remarkable X8.1, which scientists have declared the third largest since 2017. This flare produced a CME that has been forecast to give a glancing blow to Earth on February 4. The other three flares were X1.0, X2.8, and X1.6.
There have also been dozens of M-class flares. However, solar flares are not what drive auroras; we need the CMEs (which often occur alongside solar flares) to produce geomagnetic storms in our planet’s atmosphere.
As the sunspot region 4366, producing all of this exciting activity, is currently rotating into a better position, any CME launched from this region later this week is more likely to be Earth-directed.
February 3: Aurora Alert: Major X-Flares and an Incoming CME
If you’re a fan of the northern and southern lights, there may be some excitement this week.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G1 (minor) watch for February 5, which means that auroras could be seen farther from the poles than usual, potentially as far south as northern Michigan and Maine.
The SWPC expects more exciting solar activity in the coming days, so even though the aurora outlook is relatively modest right now, things could develop if more coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are sent our way. In short, keep your eyes on the skies.
January 20: Update
The northern lights put on a spectacular show last night, with widespread displays reported across North America. Auroras were seen in many US states, including California, Texas, and New Mexico.
There were also reports of auroras across much of Europe, with sightings extending as far south as Italy and southern Spain.
The CME impacted Earth earlier than expected, with G4 geomagnetic storm levels reached at 19:38 UTC, when the shock front arrived.
Latest geomagnetic storm forecast:
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January 20: G3
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January 21: G1
January 19: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
On January 18, the Sun unleashed a powerful X1.9 solar flare, which peaked at 18:09 UTC. Soon after, the Sun launched a CME associated with this flare—an event which could spark brighter, more widespread auroras than usual if conditions align.
The CME appears as a full halo in coronagraph imagery, meaning the eruption looks like it’s expanding in all directions around the Sun. Its magnetic orientation will be a key factor in determining whether auroras will intensify or remain modest.
January 19: Fast CME Could Light Up the Skies in the Coming Hours
We could soon be in for an exciting sky show. A high-speed full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) is heading toward Earth and is forecast to arrive in the coming hours around 01:00 UTC on January 20.
For North American watchers, the expected arrival should coincide with Monday evening into the night, which is good timing if auroras ramp up.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has released a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm watch for January 20 and a G1 (minor) watch for January 21. Forecasts may be updated as the CME nears and is measured closer to Earth.
If the CME triggers a severe geomagnetic storm, the northern and southern lights could be visible well beyond the usual polar regions—potentially reaching mid-latitudes.
The strength of any auroral display will depend on how the CME’s magnetic field interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere.
November 12: Update
The latest CME reached Earth at 19:17 UTC on November 12. NOAA reports that we appear to have been struck by the edge of the eruption.
As of November 13, conditions are described as weakening but variable. Although the peak of the latest auroral activity seems to have passed, continued high solar wind speeds and shifts in the magnetic field orientation may still drive geomagnetic storms between G1 and G3 levels.
Latest geomagnetic storm watches:
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November 13: G3 (strong)
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November 14: G1 (minor)
November 12: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
Early on November 11, the Sun unleashed an X5.1 solar flare, which NOAA reports may be one of the strongest of the current solar cycle. Soon after, the Sun launched a CME associated with this flare, which is heading toward Earth.
There have been three X-class flares—the most powerful category of solar flare—in the past week, all accompanied by CMEs with Earth-directed components. Like all CMEs, these ejections carry charged particles and a magnetic field. If conditions align, the magnetic field can connect with ours, and charged particles can interact with gases in our atmosphere, producing the mesmerizing lights that we see in the sky as the aurora.
The CMEs from the X1.2 and X1.7 solar flares have resulted in the G4 activity that we’re experiencing now on November 12. Scientists and aurora chasers are still waiting for the CME from the X5.1 solar flare. NOAA reports that this latest CME is the fastest and most energetic of the recent eruptions and that there is the potential for G4-level geomagnetic activity when it impacts Earth’s magnetosphere—our planet’s invisible shield.
November 12: Powerful Solar Storm Triggers Auroras Far from Poles
Incredible things are happening in the sky. Our previous updates have been tracking the latest developments from the Sun, which has been sending a flurry of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) our way.
Yesterday (November 11), NOAA upgraded the geomagnetic storm watch to G4 (severe) for November 12—the G4 threshold was indeed reached at 01:20 UTC, and continued from there.
Auroras were visible across much of the United States for those with clear skies, with auroras spotted as far south as the US-Mexico border, and even into Mexico. Northern lights sightings were also reported in Scandinavia, the UK, France, and Germany.
November 11: The Sun Unleashes One of the Strongest X flares of 2025
Our previous update was about the X1.7 solar flare that produced one of the two CMEs that are heading our way. Today, (November 11), yet another CME is on its way, triggered by an X1.2 flare that erupted just 26 hours after the X1.7.
A G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storm watch remains in place for today, and NOAA has upgraded the watch for November 12 to a G3 (strong). Auroras could be visible much farther from polar regions than usual.
Plus, the Sun has now unleashed an even larger event: an X5.1 solar flare at 10:04 UTC—which NOAA reports is likely one of the strongest flares of the current solar cycle.
November 10: Two CMEs Expected to Reach Earth Soon
The situation on November 10 is that the Sun continues to send more of its dramatic activity our way. Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the Sun on November 7 and November 9 are expected to reach Earth in the coming days. The CME on November 9 was connected to an X1.7 solar flare.
NOAA has issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch for November 10 and a G2 (moderate) watch for November 11–12. Aurora visibility may extend beyond the usual auroral zones.
November 9: What’s Causing the Latest Aurora Activity?
Big things are happening on the Sun recently, and there’s a lot to unpack about the latest geomagnetic storm forecast.
According to SWPC, this forecasted geomagnetic storm is caused by one of four notable coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the Sun on and between November 3–5. While three of these CMEs are expected to mostly miss our planet, SWPC has reported that one has a more Earth-directed component, estimated to impact our planet’s magnetosphere today and potentially into tomorrow.
On November 4, the Sun unleashed two X-class flares, the most powerful type of solar flare. These are the first X flares since June this year. Both of them produced CMEs; however, reports indicate that the CME now heading our way may have originated not from these flares, but from an M-class flare that occurred on November 5.
With so many flares and CMEs occurring over the last few days, it’s a difficult situation to disentangle with regard to the exact timing of the CME arrivals and any potential glancing blows to our planet.
If that wasn’t enough excitement, there is also a coronal hole currently facing Earth. This means that high-speed solar wind is flowing in our direction, sending both more and faster charged particles our way, further enhancing the potential for widespread northern and southern lights.
In short, it’s not very often we get the chance to witness a G3 storm, so be sure to look up over the next few nights for the chance to see mesmerizing aurora displays.
November 9: Two CMEs Expected to Reach Earth Soon
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G3 (Strong) watch for November 6 and 7, with a G1 watch in place for November 8.
As of 05:27 UTC, the G3 threshold was reached; however, levels are currently G2 at the time of publication, with the potential to reach G3 again over the next couple of days.
This is exciting news for aurora chasers. At G3 levels, the northern and southern lights will likely appear in locations much farther from the usual auroral zones.
November 7: CME Reaches Earth
The first expected CME has now impacted Earth, and a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm watch remains in place for today (November 7).
In addition, a slower CME that also erupted on November 5 is on its way and is expected to reach our planet on November 8. Because of this, the G1 (minor) watch has been upgraded to G2 (moderate) for that day.
October 31: G1 Watch in Effect for Halloween
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch in effect until 15:00 UTC today, October 31.
With the watch coinciding with Halloween, skywatchers might be treated to a ghostly glow in the night sky.
October 28: Will We See a Halloween Sky Show?
A G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for October 28–30, as fast solar wind from an Earth-facing coronal hole makes its way towards our planet. The high-speed solar wind is expected to reach Earth on October 28, likely sparking G1 conditions, with potential for G2 (moderate) levels.
According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, these effects may be enhanced by a weak influence from a coronal mass ejection (CME) that left the Sun on October 23. Conditions are expected to remain active—though perhaps not quite reaching G1 levels—until October 31, meaning there’s a chance of catching a Halloween aurora if the conditions are right and the skies are clear.
Keep in mind that these are predictions. To maximize your chance of seeing the northern or southern lights, check local aurora watch groups for real-time updates in your area.
October 30: Geomagnetic Storm Watch Upgraded to G2 Level
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has upgraded the geomagnetic storm watch to G2 (moderate) until 15:00 UTC today (October 30).
Auroras may be visible farther from the polar regions than usual. In the Northern Hemisphere, there could be northern light sightings as low as New York, Wisconsin, and Washington state, weather permitting.
October 7–8: Multiple Coronal Mass Ejections Approach Earth
A G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for October 7–8, as multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are currently heading toward Earth.
These CMEs are relatively slow-moving, so they are less likely to produce very intense geomagnetic storms. Still, G1 conditions remain possible. As a result, if you’re farther from the poles in the following locations, it could be worth looking up over the coming nights.
September 30: Update
Heads up, aurora chasers: NOAA has issued a G1 (minor) alert, in effect until 21:00 UTC on September 30, as conditions remain favorable for elevated aurora activity.
September 30: Auroras Spotted at Mid-Latitudes
In the early hours of September 30, NOAA issued a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm alert due to a coronal mass ejection (CME) influencing Earth. The activity intensified quickly, and NOAA confirmed that G3 levels were reached at 05:25 UTC. The alert is expected to remain in place until 12:00 UTC.
The timing worked out well for skywatchers in North America, with auroras reported in Canada and northern US states, and even as far south as Ohio and Indiana.
Hours earlier, Europe also enjoyed strong displays during its night, with auroras spotted farther south than usual, including southern Norway and northern Germany.
September 22–23: Fast Solar Wind Stream May Light Up the Skies
NOAA has issued a G1 (minor) alertfrom September 22 due to high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole.
High-speed solar wind from the Earth-facing coronal hole began influencing our planet’s magnetic field as expected around September 22–23.
Auroras have been reported in Canada and some northern US border states, as well as in southern Norway, northern Germany, and Russia.
September 3: Storm Fades After Spectacular Auroras
The geomagnetic storm has mostly subsided, with only a G1 (minor) alert in effect for today. Last night, however, the auroras put on an incredible show, with sightings reported across North America, parts of northern and central Europe, and even New Zealand.
September 2: Auroras Surge as Storm Builds
A G3 (strong) geomagnetic alert is active; auroras may extend far beyond polar regions. G4 (severe) levels remain possible. During bursts of activity, the aurora can reach even further towards the equators than predicted.
In short, if the weather is clear, go outside and see if you can find the northern or southern lights today.
September 1: Auroras Could Shine Bright Tonight
A full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) erupts after an M2.7-class solar flare on August 30. The Earth-facing CME is expected to arrive around September 1–2.
Some reports describe it as a “cannibal CME,” where a faster ejection overtakes an earlier one, merging into a stronger storm. This interaction raises the potential for an intensified geomagnetic storm and widespread auroras as far south as New York and London.
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21:00 UTC: CME shock front arrived at Earth.
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22:36 UTC: Geomagnetic storm reached G2 (moderate), sparking aurora sightings.