Northern lights may be visible in parts of the US due to solar storms

Solar activity could bring vibrant auroras to portions of the northern United States. Space forecasters report that the sun released a powerful coronal mass ejection currently heading toward Earth, potentially triggering a strong geomagnetic storm.

Expected arrival and visibility

The solar burst is forecast to reach Earth between Thursday evening and Friday morning. The brightness and southern reach of the auroras will depend on the exact timing and how the solar energy interacts with Earth's magnetic field.

“If the timing is right, it’s possible auroras will quite likely spin up overnight,” said Shawn Dahl, a space weather forecaster with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Forecast tools and monitoring

NOAA’s aurora tracking tool can help residents determine where and when they have the best chance to witness the northern lights. Authorities are keeping an eye on the situation, but no major interruptions to communications or radio signals are expected, according to Dahl.

Scene from the North

An aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, recently illuminated the night sky over Lake Michigan, offering a preview of what may appear again soon across similar regions.

Author’s summary: Powerful solar storms may bring dazzling northern lights across northern U.S. skies, though forecasters anticipate minimal impact on communication systems.

AP News — 2025-11-06