Boulder, CO – A strong geomagnetic storm could paint the skies across much of the northern United States Monday night into Tuesday, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.
NOAA has issued a G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Monday, December 9, following a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun that erupted on December 6. The event, linked to an M8.1 solar flare, is expected to reach Earth early to midday Monday, increasing geomagnetic field activity.
According to NOAA, auroras may become visible “over many of the northern states and some of the lower Midwest to Oregon.” Under clear skies, this could include parts of New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oregon, and possibly extend farther south during peak storm activity.
A G3-level storm can cause minor power grid fluctuations and intermittent GPS or radio interference, but the public impact is generally limited. The most noticeable effect for most residents will be the potential appearance of the Northern Lights, glowing shades of green, red, or purple that may stretch farther south than usual.
NOAA encourages the public to monitor the Space Weather Prediction Center for updated forecasts and viewing conditions as the CME’s impact window approaches.
