A severe geomagnetic storm is forecast to hit Earth on Sunday night, potentially pushing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) much farther south than usual—possibly lighting up skies over California, Alabama, and several other southern U.S. states.
Driven by a surge in solar activity, this rare event has skywatchers and scientists on high alert as it could become one of the most visible auroral displays in decades across the continental United States.
—
What Is a Geomagnetic Storm?
A geomagnetic storm occurs when charged particles from the Sun—typically released during a coronal mass ejection (CME)—interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, causing disruptions in the planet’s magnetic field.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the incoming storm as G4-class, meaning it falls into the “severe” category on their five-level scale.
—
Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible?
If conditions remain favorable, the aurora could extend well beyond its usual range near the Arctic Circle and reach:
Northern California
Alabama
Georgia
Tennessee
Oklahoma
Kentucky
Arkansas
North Carolina
Northern-tier states like Montana, Wisconsin, and Michigan should see especially vivid displays, weather permitting.
—
How to View the Aurora Borealis
If you’re planning to step outside, here are a few useful tips:
Choose a dark sky location away from city lights.
Look north, where the auroras typically appear.
Check cloud coverage and aurora forecasts on trusted platforms like NOAA or SpaceWeather.com.
Peak viewing times are usually between 10 PM and 2 AM local time.
Use a tripod and long exposure setting if photographing the aurora with a camera.
—
Could This Storm Affect Technology?
Yes. Severe geomagnetic storms can interfere with:
GPS signals and navigation systems
Power grids and transformer operations
Airline communications, especially on polar routes
Satellite-based systems and orbits
While major disruptions are not guaranteed, utilities and infrastructure providers are closely monitoring the situation.
—
Why Is This Event Significant?
It is rare for a geomagnetic storm to push auroras this far south. The last widespread event of similar intensity was the Halloween Storms of 2003, which caused power issues and auroras visible as far south as Texas and Florida.
With the sun nearing the peak of its 11-year solar cycle (Solar Maximum), more solar flares and storms like this are expected over the next year.
