Geomagnetic Storm to Bring Aurora Visibility to Northern US
Geomagnetic Storm to Bring Aurora Visibility to Northern US
US · Published Mar 18, 2026
A geomagnetic storm is expected to bring the aurora borealis, or northern lights, further south, potentially visible in the northern US.
The storm, triggered by a coronal mass ejection from the Sun, is expected to reach G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) levels.
Optimal viewing requires a dark location with a clear northern horizon, ideally a few hours before or after midnight.
Solar event may cause geomagnetic storm
A solar event is predicted to cause a geomagnetic storm, potentially making the aurora borealis visible across the northern United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) issued a warning, stating that a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun on March 16 is expected to result in a G2 (moderate) to G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm on March 19. This event could push the aurora, typically seen in higher latitudes, further south, making it visible in states such as Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
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