Northern Lights May Be Visible Over Massachusetts Amid Severe Geomagnetic Storm

Massachusetts residents may have another opportunity to witness the northern lights on Wednesday night, following a severe geomagnetic storm. However, visibility is expected to be lower than on Tuesday night, when the auroras were observed across the state.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that G4 storm levels were reached after recent coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun. G5 is the highest level and is considered extreme. Such geomagnetic storms can disrupt communication infrastructure, with potential effects including voltage control problems and anomalies in satellite operations.

According to WBZ-TV executive weather producer Terry Eliasen, there's a "moderate chance" of seeing the northern lights again on Wednesday night, with a better chance in central and northern New England. He noted that cloud cover could affect visibility, stating, "There is a good chance of clouds tonight as well. Put it all together and I would say sure there is a chance tonight but significantly lower than last. The peak seems to have passed."

To increase the odds of observing the auroras, individuals are advised to find areas with minimal artificial light and a wide-open view of the sky and horizon. Despite light pollution, the northern lights were visible in Boston on Tuesday night.

The sun is currently in a period of solar maximum during its 11-year cycle, leading to increased northern lights activity. This heightened activity is expected to continue into 2026.

An aurora borealis occurs when large and dense solar ejections collide with molecules in Earth's upper atmosphere. Earth's magnetic field directs these particles toward the poles, which is why the northern lights are typically seen at higher latitudes. However, strong geomagnetic storms can make the lights visible farther south.