Geomagnetic Storm Brings Northern Lights to Northern U.S. States

A geomagnetic storm is expected to make the northern lights visible across parts of the northern United States on Sunday night. The storm results from a high-speed stream of solar wind from a coronal hole on the sun. Charged particles interact with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere to produce the aurora borealis.

The Space Weather Prediction Center reports the highest likelihood of visibility in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine. If the storm reaches stronger levels, fainter displays may extend into Oregon, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

M. m. local time. Clear skies and dark locations away from city lights improve chances of observation. Smartphone cameras may capture the aurora even when it appears faint to the naked eye. The display is expected to show primarily green hues, with possible pink, purple, or red tones depending on atmospheric conditions.