Albany, NY – A rare opportunity to witness the northern lights is coming to the Northeast Sunday night, as a strong solar storm is set to bring auroral activity farther south than usual.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3-level geomagnetic storm watch for March 23, following a coronal mass ejection that left the Sun on March 21. As a result, residents in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and even parts of Pennsylvania and Rhode Island may be able to see the aurora borealis.
Aurora visibility is expected between 10 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday, weather permitting. Clear skies and minimal light pollution will increase chances of spotting the glowing green or purple ribbons in the sky.
While the aurora poses no risk to the public, NOAA warns that strong geomagnetic storms can occasionally cause minor power or communication issues.
This phenomenon is uncommon in the Northeast, making it a must-see event for skywatchers. For real-time updates, residents should follow NOAA’s aurora forecasts and regional skywatching groups.
