New York City, New York – A space weather alert is in effect as a rare G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm creates the potential for Northern Lights to be visible tonight across parts of New York, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
NOAA’s latest aurora forecast shows the auroral oval expanding well south of its typical range, placing upstate New York and parts of northern and central New York within reach of possible aurora visibility. Forecast guidance indicates a Kp index near 7 to 8, a level capable of producing auroras far beyond northern Canada.
The aurora is caused by a coronal mass ejection from the Sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field. As charged solar particles collide with gases high in the atmosphere, they create glowing green and red light displays commonly known as the Northern Lights.
For viewers in northern New York, including areas near the Canadian border, auroras may appear as distinct bands or curtains in the night sky if conditions intensify. Farther south, including central New York and areas north of New York City, the lights are more likely to appear as a faint green or reddish glow low on the northern horizon. Visibility within New York City itself is expected to be limited due to light pollution.
The best chance to see the aurora is expected late tonight through the early morning hours, generally between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., weather and cloud cover permitting. Observers are encouraged to find dark locations away from city lights and allow time for their eyes to adjust.
Auroras are harmless to people on the ground, though the same solar storm is prompting monitoring of satellites, GPS systems, and power infrastructure.
Auroral intensity may vary overnight as geomagnetic conditions change.
