Huntsville, AL – Alabama residents will have a rare chance to witness the Northern Lights tonight, as a severe geomagnetic storm reaches Earth. The G4-level storm could bring the aurora as far south as Alabama and northern California, lighting up the sky with a colorful display.
According to the National Weather Service, the best viewing times in Alabama will be between 10 p.m. Thursday and 4 a.m. Friday, with clear skies expected. Viewing conditions will improve in areas with low light pollution, especially in rural parts of the state.
The storm is the result of solar particles hitting Earth’s magnetic field, creating the vivid auroras. While usually limited to northern regions, this powerful storm allows southern states, including Alabama, to experience the event. The last similar storm occurred in May 2024.
Alabama residents are advised to find open areas away from city lights for the best viewing experience. With clear weather forecasted, tonight offers a unique opportunity to witness the aurora without needing to travel north.
