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2d ago

Geomagnetic Storm Fuels Northern Lights Across U.S.; Tuesday’s Visibility Dims Outside Alaska

A coronal mass ejection on June 1 triggered strong geomagnetic activity that illuminated skies near Canada before fading Tuesday outside Alaska.

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A map showing an aurora viewline for the night of June 2.
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Overview

  • A coronal mass ejection from the Sun unleashed a geomagnetic storm on June 1 that produced aurora borealis displays across multiple U.S. states.
  • Sunday and Monday nights saw the Northern Lights visible in states along the Canadian border—Alaska, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan—and as far south as Illinois and Iowa.
  • NOAA forecasts that auroral activity will continue into Tuesday night but expects reduced visibility in the continental U.S., with Alaska remaining the prime viewing location.
  • The current solar maximum is driving more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms, with heightened auroral potential projected through 2025 and 2026.
  • Geomagnetic disturbances can disrupt high-frequency radio, air traffic control and satellite communications, and optimal viewing requires dark skies, clear weather and timing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.