Solar Storm May Bring Northern Lights to 18 U.S. States on September 1–2

A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun, resulting from an M2.7 solar flare on August 30, is projected to reach Earth's magnetic field late on September 1 into early September 2 (UTC). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center anticipates this event to induce a G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm, potentially extending auroral displays farther south than usual.

Dr. Tamitha Skov, a space weather physicist, noted the possibility of two Earth-directed solar eruptions merging, a phenomenon known as a "cannibal CME." She stated, "The larger one catches up with the smaller one just ahead of Earth," which could lead to an initial disturbance before the main storm's impact.

The auroral oval is expected to be significantly enhanced following the CME's arrival, increasing the likelihood of visible auroras as far south as East Anglia, the Midlands, and Wales under clear skies, according to the U.K. Met Office.

NOAA's Kp index forecast indicates that geomagnetic storming will build through September 2, peaking at Kp 6.67 (G3 storm) between 06:00 and 09:00 UTC (2 a.m. to 5 a.m. EDT) on September 2. This suggests that the best window for aurora viewing will be from Monday night into Tuesday morning (September 1–2), with additional minor to moderate storming potentially continuing into Tuesday night, September 2–3.

Based on NOAA's aurora forecast map, the following 18 U.S. states are positioned fully or partially above the aurora view line:

• Alaska
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Michigan
• Maine
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• New Hampshire
• Idaho
• Washington
• Oregon
• New York
• Wyoming
• Iowa
• Nebraska
• Illinois

Auroras are highly unpredictable; even within the view line, optimal viewing conditions include clear skies, low light pollution, and a clear northern horizon. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center.