Minneapolis, Minnesota – Northern skies from Minnesota to Maine could light up multiple nights this week as a strong G3 geomagnetic storm impacts Earth, with lingering aurora potential through the end of May, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
The warning, triggered by high-speed solar wind from a coronal hole, was issued early Wednesday and remains active through early Thursday. However, elevated KP index values near 6 may support additional auroral activity over the next two nights. While conditions may weaken slightly, skywatchers in the northern U.S. should remain alert for auroras through Friday night, especially under clear skies.
In cities like Duluth, Green Bay, and Buffalo, the best viewing times remain between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. NOAA’s “view line” extends as far south as Iowa and northern Ohio, meaning residents in those areas may catch the northern lights low on the horizon if local weather cooperates.
NOAA notes that while the storm is not expected to cause major disruption, minor power grid fluctuations and intermittent GPS issues are possible. Infrastructure operators have been advised.
Geomagnetic activity should taper off by Saturday, but NOAA will issue further updates if solar conditions shift. For now, aurora chasers across the northern tier should keep an eye on the skies through month’s end.
