Weather
Illinois Aurora Alert: G2 Solar Storm Watch Issued for Sunday Oct. 11
BOULDER, CO – A geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Sunday, Oct. 11, as two powerful eruptions from the Sun head toward Earth, potentially bringing northern lights farther south into parts of
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-10-09T23:51:16.522Z
BOULDER, CO – A geomagnetic storm watch has been issued for Sunday, Oct. 11, as two powerful eruptions from the Sun head toward Earth, potentially bringing northern lights farther south into parts of the United States while causing minor disruptions to some technology.
According to NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, a G2, or moderate, geomagnetic storm watch is in effect for the Oct. 11 UTC day following two coronal mass ejections that departed the Sun on Wednesday, Oct. 7, and Thursday, Oct. 8.
Forecasters say the second eruption is moving faster than the first and could merge with the slower moving solar material before reaching Earth.
Coronal mass ejections are large eruptions of solar plasma and magnetic fields that can disturb Earth's magnetic environment when they arrive.
If the incoming solar material interacts strongly with Earth's magnetic field, geomagnetic activity could reach moderate storm levels.
NOAA says G2 conditions can cause minor, generally manageable impacts to technological infrastructure, including some electrical systems and satellite operations.
The approaching storm could also create opportunities for residents across northern states to see the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights.
Forecasters indicate auroras may become visible across portions of the northern United States and Upper Midwest, potentially reaching areas from New York to Idaho.
Visibility will depend on storm strength, cloud cover, local light pollution and the timing of the strongest geomagnetic activity.
Residents hoping to see the northern lights should seek dark locations away from city lights and monitor updated forecasts.
The watch does not guarantee that a G2 storm will occur or that auroras will be visible in every northern state.
NOAA continues monitoring the incoming solar eruptions and may issue additional updates as their arrival approaches.