Minneapolis, MN – A rare celestial event may light up skies across the Upper Midwest as a powerful solar storm brings the aurora borealis into view Sunday night.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to reach Earth by March 23, triggering a G3-level geomagnetic storm. As a result, Northern Lights may be visible in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and northern Wisconsin.
Residents in cities like Minneapolis, Duluth, Fargo, and Bismarck should look for the aurora between 10 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday. Clear, dark skies away from city lights offer the best chance of catching the green and purple hues.
These displays are rare for the region and occur only during periods of elevated solar activity. While beautiful, geomagnetic storms can also disrupt satellite navigation and power systems, although no significant disruptions are expected.
Skygazers are encouraged to monitor aurora alerts and local weather forecasts. The visibility zone may extend farther south depending on storm intensity.
