Northern lights may be visible in 22 US states tonight

Northern Lights Expected Across 22 US States Tonight

Auroras could be visible from Alaska to Illinois tonight as geomagnetic storm conditions are predicted to persist. A strong coronal mass ejection (CME) launched by yesterday's M7.4 solar flare is expected to reach Earth late tonight or early Friday morning (UTC).

The incoming CME may cause intense (G3) geomagnetic storm activity, according to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. This event follows a recent surprise aurora display triggered overnight when a glancing CME combined with lingering effects from a high-speed solar wind stream pushed geomagnetic activity to G3 levels. This sparked northern lights in the northern U.S., Canada, and Europe.

Forecast and Warnings

The UK Met Office and NOAA have issued G3 storm watches for November.
If the CME's magnetic orientation aligns well with Earth’s magnetic field, auroras could brighten across high and possibly mid-latitude areas.

Expert Insight

Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov called the forecast "an aurora photographer's dream starting now and lasting at least through the weekend," warning that storm levels could reach G3 to G4 by Friday due to multiple CMEs interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.

This solar event could provide spectacular aurora displays across a broad area tonight and into the weekend.

Author’s summary: A powerful solar eruption is expected to trigger strong geomagnetic storms, offering a rare chance to see vivid northern lights across many US states and beyond this weekend.

Space — 2025-11-06

Northern Lights Expected Across 22 US States Tonight

Forecast and Warnings

Expert Insight

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