A powerful solar storm is on its way to Earth, and if conditions line up just right, it could bring rare aurora displays farther south than usual across the United States on Tuesday night.

Triggered by massive solar eruptions called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), the incoming geomagnetic storm has prompted the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to issue a space weather watch.

Where to watch the show

Typically a spectacle reserved for the high latitudes, the northern lights—or aurora borealis—may be visible across a wide swath of U.S. states, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Michigan.

Forecasters also say skywatchers in parts of northern Idaho, Nebraska, Iowa, and even Pennsylvania might catch a glimpse, weather and light pollution permitting.

Why now? The sun’s in a mood

The sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle—a period of heightened activity when solar storms become more frequent and intense. This cycle is known to create more widespread auroras, sometimes reaching far beyond the Arctic Circle.

“This is going to kind of continue off and on throughout the year,” said Shawn Dahl of NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

Just last year, strong solar storms sparked brilliant skies across Germany, the UK, New York City, and even southern U.S. states—far from where auroras usually show up.

What exactly is an aurora?

Northern (and southern) lights happen when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, creating shimmering curtains of light in greens, purples, and reds.

Normally, Earth’s magnetic field keeps these interactions close to the poles. But when a major storm hits—like this one—the auroras can stretch farther south, turning into a global sky show.

It’s not all beauty—there’s a beast, too

Behind the celestial dazzle lies a disruptive force. Solar storms can mess with satellites, GPS systems, radio signals, and even power grids. In 1859, the infamous Carrington Event caused telegraph systems to spark and catch fire. And in 1972, a storm may have set off magnetic sea mines near Vietnam.

While space weather scientists can’t predict solar storms far in advance, they do provide short-term alerts to mitigate possible impacts.

Solar Storm: How to get the best view

Want to catch the lights? Here are a few tips:

• Head somewhere dark and away from city lights—like a national park.

• Check your local forecast. Clouds can ruin the show.

• Download an aurora forecast app or visit NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.

• Use your smartphone camera—auroras often show up better in photos than with the naked eye.

And finally, take a moment to just look up.

“It’s this great show… from the sun to you,” said NASA’s Kelly Korreck.

About The Author

Daily Sun Chronicle Research

Daily Sun Chronicle Research is a dynamic pool of writers, analysts, and field correspondents with diverse professional backgrounds and wide-ranging interests. Our team brings together seasoned journalists, emerging storytellers, subject-matter specialists, and community-based researchers who share a common commitment to truth-telling and public service.

See author's posts