NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center is tracking four CMEs and expects at least one to produce a strong G3 geomagnetic storm late Thursday–early Friday. Roughly two dozen states — from Alaska to New England and as far south as Oregon and Illinois — could see auroras, with some northern areas possibly observing displays into Friday night. A geomagnetic storm watch is in effect; G3 storms can affect satellites and GPS. Best viewing is around 10 p.m.–4 a.m.; go to a dark site and consider using a camera or smartphone to capture faint colors.
Where to See the Northern Lights in the U.S. This Week — Strong G3 Geomagnetic Storm Could Bring Auroras to ~24 States
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center is tracking four CMEs and expects at least one to produce a strong G3 geomagnetic storm late Thursday–early Friday. Roughly two dozen states — from Alaska to New England and as far south as Oregon and Illinois — could see auroras, with some northern areas possibly observing displays into Friday night. A geomagnetic storm watch is in effect; G3 storms can affect satellites and GPS. Best viewing is around 10 p.m.–4 a.m.; go to a dark site and consider using a camera or smartphone to capture faint colors.
09:08, 07.11.2025Science
Aurora Alert: Strong Geomagnetic Storm Expected
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is tracking four "notable" coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the Sun between Monday and Wednesday. At least one of those CMEs is expected to arrive late Thursday into early Friday as a strong G3 geomagnetic storm, potentially producing visible northern lights across a wide swath of the northern United States.
Where you might see the auroras
NOAA's viewline map indicates roughly two dozen states could witness auroras: Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Some of the northernmost states may continue to see auroral activity into Friday night.
Timing and impacts
A geomagnetic storm watch is in effect through Friday morning, NOAA says. A G3-level storm can affect technology — especially satellite operations and GPS — so plan accordingly if you rely on those systems for navigation or timing-sensitive tasks.
Why auroras occur
Northern lights form when charged particles from the Sun (carried by CMEs and solar wind) collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those collisions excite the atmospheric particles, causing them to emit light and create the colors and patterns we see as auroras.
Context and viewing tips
NASA notes the Sun entered its solar maximum in October 2024, which has increased auroral activity; NOAA expects heightened magnetic activity tied to sunspots to persist through 2026. The best viewing window in the U.S. is generally between about 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. For the clearest view, travel to a dark location away from city lights, allow your eyes to adjust to the dark for several minutes, and check local cloud cover and geomagnetic activity updates via NOAA SWPC.
Smartphones and digital cameras are often more sensitive to faint auroral colors than the naked eye and may capture displays that look faint or invisible in person. If you plan to photograph the aurora, use a tripod, a long exposure, and low ISO settings appropriate to your camera.
Note: Check NOAA SWPC and local forecasts before traveling. A G3 storm can cause satellite and GPS disruptions — avoid relying on electronic navigation during peak activity if possible.