TL;DR
A coronal mass ejection from the sun is expected to cause geomagnetic activity that could make the northern lights visible in up to 19 states on Monday night. Visibility depends on weather and magnetic conditions. This event offers a rare opportunity for northern skywatchers.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, may be visible from up to 19 U.S. states along the U.S.-Canadian border overnight on Monday, June 29, into Tuesday, June 30. This possibility is linked to a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun that left solar activity late on June 26, with NASA models forecasting its arrival at Earth. You can learn more about solar activity and space weather forecasts in our Northern Lights Forecast. The event could produce a G2-class geomagnetic storm, increasing the likelihood of auroras seen from northern states near Canada, including Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin. This development is significant for skywatchers and scientific observers alike, as it presents a rare chance for aurora viewing during summer months.
According to space weather forecasts, the CME traveling at speeds up to 1,900 miles per second is expected to reach Earth around June 30, potentially triggering geomagnetic activity rated as G1 or G2. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicates that enhanced conditions are forecasted for early to mid on June 30 due to this solar event, with the UK Met Office also predicting a rise to active to G1 minor storms, possibly reaching G2 moderate storms. These conditions increase the chances of visible auroras, especially in northern states with clear skies and minimal light pollution.
While the aurora is most likely to be visible in the northernmost parts of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine, it could also be glimpsed from Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Visibility depends heavily on local weather conditions and geomagnetic activity, which can fluctuate rapidly, making precise predictions challenging. For updates on upcoming aurora opportunities, check the Northern Lights forecast.
Observers are advised to look north, avoid bright lights, and use long-exposure photography to enhance chances of capturing the aurora, which can sometimes be visible to the naked eye but more often detected through camera sensors. For the best viewing times and locations, see the Northern Lights forecast. The aurora’s visibility is also influenced by the orientation of Earth’s magnetic field, specifically the Bz component, which determines how solar particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere.
Why This Aurora Event Matters for Viewers and Scientists
This event provides a rare summer opportunity for aurora viewing in the United States, especially in states near the Canadian border. For skywatchers, it offers a chance to observe the northern lights during a period when daylight hours are long, which is typically less favorable for aurora sightings. Scientifically, the event helps researchers monitor space weather impacts and improve forecasting models for geomagnetic storms. It also underscores the ongoing influence of solar activity on Earth’s magnetic environment, which can affect communication, navigation, and power systems.
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Background on Solar Storms and Aurora Visibility
Coronal mass ejections are large clouds of charged particles ejected from the sun, often triggered by solar flares. When directed toward Earth, these CMEs can cause geomagnetic storms, which may lead to auroras visible at lower latitudes. The last significant geomagnetic storm occurred in early 2024, but this current CME is notable for its potential to produce auroras in the northern U.S. during the summer months. Historically, auroras are more common during winter, making this summer event a noteworthy occurrence for enthusiasts and scientists alike.
Forecasts of geomagnetic activity are based on models that analyze the CME’s speed, direction, and magnetic orientation. The arrival of such solar storms is unpredictable in exact timing, and conditions can change rapidly, which is why real-time monitoring remains essential for accurate predictions.
“The CME arriving from the sun has the potential to produce a moderate geomagnetic storm, which could make the northern lights visible across a broad swath of northern states, especially if skies are clear.”
— an anonymous space weather expert
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Factors That Could Influence Aurora Visibility
While forecasts predict a G1 or G2 geomagnetic storm, actual aurora visibility depends on several variables, including local weather conditions, cloud cover, and the precise orientation of Earth’s magnetic field at the time. The Bz component’s fluctuations can significantly affect whether auroras are visible, and space weather models are subject to updates as new data arrives. Therefore, it remains uncertain how widespread or vivid the aurora display will be across the predicted states.
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Monitoring and Preparing for Aurora Sightings
Observers in the forecasted states should monitor real-time aurora alerts through NOAA’s aurora forecast tools and apps like Aurora Now or My Aurora Forecast. If clear skies are present, they can increase their chances by finding dark, northern-facing locations and using long-exposure photography. The event’s outcome will become clearer as the CME arrives and geomagnetic activity is measured in real time. Scientists will also continue to analyze space weather data to refine future forecasts.
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Key Questions
Will the northern lights be visible in my state?
Visibility depends on your location, weather conditions, and geomagnetic activity. The most likely states include Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine, but sightings are possible from other northern states if conditions align.
What time should I look for the aurora?
The best viewing window is expected overnight on June 29 into June 30, with peak activity likely between midnight and early morning hours, depending on local conditions.
How can I increase my chances of seeing the aurora?
Find a dark, northern-facing location away from city lights, monitor real-time aurora forecasts, and use long-exposure settings on cameras or phones. Clear skies are essential for visibility.
Is this a rare event for summer aurora viewing?
Yes, auroras are less common during summer months due to longer daylight hours, making this a notable opportunity for northern skywatchers.
Source: Google Trends
