A stunning natural light show is coming to the skies over much of the northern U.S. and Canada this week, thanks to a series of geomagnetic storms. Starting Sunday, March 23, and continuing through the week, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) will be visible across 22 states, offering skywatchers a rare and dazzling display.
The sun is currently at its solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. During this phase, the sun releases more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—bursts of charged particles that travel toward Earth. When these particles collide with our planet’s magnetic field, they create geomagnetic storms, which trigger the vibrant colors of the aurora.
This week, three separate storms will hit Earth. On Sunday, March 23, a strong G3-class storm (on a scale from G1 to G5) arrives, moving at an incredible 750,000 mph. A weaker G1 storm follows on Monday, March 24, and a moderate G2 storm brings another chance to see the lights on Tuesday, March 25.
According to NOAA’s Aurora Forecast, the following 22 U.S. states could witness the aurora borealis on Sunday night: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. Alaska and Canada will have the best views, with the strongest and most vivid displays. However, if the geomagnetic storm is powerful enough, the lights may even be seen as far south as Florida, as happened last year.
The Northern Lights are most visible after sunset and before sunrise, especially in areas with minimal light pollution. Since the moon is in its Last Quarter phase, the darker sky will make the auroras even more striking. For real-time updates, check NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard, which provides forecasts on visibility and intensity. To improve your chances, find a dark, open area away from city lights, look toward the northern horizon, and use a camera with long exposure—sometimes auroras appear brighter in photos than to the naked eye.
While the Northern Lights are breathtaking, geomagnetic storms can disrupt power grids, satellites, and radio signals. In extreme cases, they may even affect health due to increased radiation. However, this week’s storms are not expected to cause major disruptions.
Aurora sightings this far south are unusual, so if you’re in one of the 22 states, take advantage of this celestial spectacle. Whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a first-time viewer, the dancing greens, pinks, and purples of the Northern Lights are a sight you’ll never forget. Grab your coat, find a dark spot, and look up—nature’s greatest light show is about to begin!
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