Rare Northern Lights Visible Across U.S. from Powerful Solar Storm

Skywatchers across the United States are in for a rare treat. Colorful auroras, usually seen in far northern regions, could light up skies in unexpected places like Northern California, Iowa, and Alabama this week. This stunning phenomenon is due to a powerful geomagnetic storm caused by a massive solar flare and coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun. Here’s what you need to know for those eager to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in these southern locations.

A Rare Solar Event

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Space Weather Prediction Center have been tracking a series of intense solar flares and CMEs from the sun this week. The most recent event erupted on Tuesday and sent a fast-moving solar storm hurtling toward Earth. The storm hit at around 11:17 a.m. ET on Thursday, travelling at a mind-blowing speed of 1.5 million miles per hour.

This solar storm, which started at a G3 (strong) level, quickly escalated to G4 status — a severe geomagnetic storm on a scale of 1 to 5. Geomagnetic storms are categorized based on intensity, with G1 being minor and G5 being extreme. According to Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at the Space Weather Prediction Center, the current storm has a 25% chance of becoming a G5, making it one of the most powerful in recent history.

While storms of this strength are not uncommon during solar cycles, they can disrupt Earth’s and space’s infrastructure. During such events, communications, power grids, and satellite operations are all at risk. However, they also bring a spectacular visual benefit: the possibility of vibrant auroras.

What Are Geomagnetic Storms and Auroras?

Geomagnetic storms happen when solar material, known as plasma, from CMEs, interacts with Earth’s magnetic field. This disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field can cause beautiful light shows in the sky, commonly referred to as the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Lights (aurora australis) in the Southern Hemisphere.

Normally, these lights are only visible in polar regions like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, the auroras can be seen much farther south during strong geomagnetic storms like the one currently unfolding.

Where and When to See the Northern Lights

According to NOAA, this storm is powerful enough that the auroras could be visible as far south as Alabama and Northern California. You might be in for a rare sight if you live in these areas or anywhere between. The best time to catch the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., with Thursday evening offering the highest chance of visibility.

The lights could be visible across many states, including Iowa, where residents are particularly excited about the rare occurrence. Iowa has a strong chance of seeing the auroras, especially on Thursday night when the skies are expected to be clear.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the weather forecast calls for perfect viewing conditions, with clear skies and a low of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Friday night might be a little trickier as clouds are expected to roll in, dimming the chance of a repeat viewing.

Avoid areas with light pollution to improve your chances of seeing the lights. For example, the Dark Sky Map can help pinpoint locations where the lights will be most visible in Iowa.

Capturing the Aurora

If you’re lucky enough to spot the aurora, capturing it on camera can enhance the experience. Many people who have seen the Northern Lights before suggest using a camera or smartphone, as the colours can appear more vibrant in pictures than the naked eye. An Iowa resident, Pete Raine, recently shared a stunning unedited photo of the Northern Lights that he captured on his iPhone 14.

If you’re hoping to photograph the auroras, using a long exposure can help. Some photographers recommend setting your exposure time to 10 seconds to capture more light and detail. Even if the aurora isn’t brightly visible to the naked eye, your camera may still pick up its glowing hues.

The Science Behind Solar Storms

The current geomagnetic storm results from a fast-moving CME, an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields from the sun. These eruptions occur frequently during the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years. The sun is approaching the peak of its cycle, known as the solar maximum, which is why we’re seeing increased solar activity and more frequent solar flares.

Each solar cycle begins with a period of low activity, known as the solar minimum, and builds up to the maximum, where intense flares and storms are more common. The sun’s current cycle is expect to peak either this year or early 2025, meaning we could see more storms like this in the coming months.

The speed of this particular CME surprise scientists because it’s the fastest one measure in this solar cycle so far. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the peak has occurred, it does indicate that we’re in a particularly active phase of the cycle. Scientists will continue to monitor the sun’s activity closely, as some of the most powerful storms can happen even after the peak.

Impact on Infrastructure

While the Northern Lights may be beautiful, geomagnetic storms can cause serious disruptions. In 2003, a G5 storm caused power outages in Sweden and damaged power transformers in South Africa. More recently, in May 2024, a similar G5 storm caused disruptions for some companies relying on GPS, including tractor company John Deere, whose customers reported issues with precision farming.

Fortunately, most power grid operators and satellite companies are well-prepare for solar storms. NOAA and other agencies closely monitor solar activity and notify relevant industries to take precautions. For example, during this week’s storm, FEMA, power grid operators, and satellite companies have all been warn about potential disruptions. While some minor issues may occur, the storm in May show that most operators are equip to handle these events without major problems.

How to Check for Aurora Activity in Your Area

If you’re hoping to glimpse the Northern Lights, NOAA’s aurora dashboard is helpful. The dashboard is update in real-time and provides information on where the aurora will most likely be visible. Whether you’re in the Midwest, the Southern United States, or elsewhere, the dashboard can help you find out when and where to look for the lights.

Additionally, the chances of seeing the auroras increase as the nights get longer during the fall and winter months. Even if the current storm doesn’t bring visible auroras to your area, future storms might. Keep an eye on weather reports and solar activity updates from NOAA for the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights in your region.

A Stunning Show in the Sky

For those living in areas not typically treated to the Northern Lights, this solar storm offers a unique opportunity to see one of nature’s most beautiful displays. Whether you’re in Northern California, Iowa, or even Alabama, look to the skies this week for a chance to see the vibrant greens, purples, and reds of the aurora borealis.

Even if the lights are faint, remember that your phone or camera might capture colours that are difficult to see with the naked eye. So, grab a blanket, find a dark spot away from city lights, and enjoy the rare opportunity to witness this incredible celestial event.