A rare geomagnetic storm may bring the northern lights to parts of the United States, including Massachusetts, tonight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm (G3) watch for June 4 and 5, predicting the auroras could be visible in multiple states.
Three coronal mass ejections (CMEs) left the Sun on June 2, with the first being the most Earth-directed. The combined effect of these solar events could push the northern lights farther south than usual, potentially making them visible in states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Illinois. However, partly cloudy skies may hinder viewing in some areas.
Best viewing times are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though NOAA’s 3-day forecast suggests the strongest activity may occur between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET on June 4 and 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET on June 5. The auroras are typically most visible in dark, open areas away from city lights.
Solar flares and geomagnetic storms can disrupt technology, including telecommunications, satellite systems, and power grids. NASA classified one of the flares as X1.0, the strongest category, though the exact impact remains uncertain. The storm’s intensity is expected to be either strong (G3) or severe (G4) on a scale of 1 to 5.
States with the best visibility include Alaska, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. Other states, such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Illinois, may also see the auroras under favorable conditions.