Stargazers in the U.S. could get a rare and beautiful treat tonight. A strong geomagnetic storm might make the northern lights visible much farther south than usual—even in states like Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Oregon.
NOAA Issues Storm Watch
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4-level geomagnetic storm watch for Sunday night, June 2. This comes after a strong coronal mass ejection (CME) hit Earth’s magnetic field early Sunday, raising space weather levels and creating a chance for northern lights tonight.
What Is a CME and Why It Matters
The CME, which erupted from the sun on Friday, sent high-energy particles toward Earth. When these particles hit our magnetic field, they can light up the sky near the poles with green, purple, or red lights. On special nights—like tonight—those lights can stretch far south.
Which States Might See the Aurora?
NOAA says the Kp index could peak at 7.67, meaning a strong chance of auroras. If conditions stay strong, people in 23 U.S. states could spot the lights, including:
Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, South Dakota, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Nebraska, Iowa, Wyoming, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania.
The best views will be in dark, rural areas away from city lights. Experts suggest heading outside between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. and looking north.
Why This Event Stands Out
The last big aurora like this happened in October 2024, when people in places like West Michigan saw bright lights in the sky. Tonight’s storm might not be as strong, but NOAA still says G3-G4 levels are possible—especially if the Earth’s magnetic field changes direction during the night.
Still, the best part of the CME may have already passed. Right now, Earth’s magnetic field isn’t aligned in a way that helps auroras appear overhead. But there’s still a chance.
“Space weather is hard to predict,” NOAA said. “Even if chances drop, it’s still worth going outside to look.”
Smoke Could Dim the Show
Most of the U.S. should have clear skies tonight, but wildfire smoke from the west may dim the brightness of the lights in some areas—especially in the Midwest. The smoke won’t block the aurora completely, but it may make the colors less vibrant.
Track It Live
Even with some uncertainty, tonight offers one of the best chances in months to see the northern lights across much of the U.S. For real-time updates, try using apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Space Weather Live to stay informed.
FAQs
1. What time is best to see the northern lights tonight?
Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time is ideal.
2. Do I need special equipment to see them?
No, just find a dark area away from city lights and look north.
3. Will wildfire smoke block the auroras?
It may reduce color brightness but won’t block them completely.
4. What causes the northern lights?
They happen when solar particles hit Earth’s magnetic field and light up the sky.