Overview
- NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers unexpectedly filmed a rare green and purple aurora borealis display from the International Space Station on May 23.
- NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm between 0600 and 1200 UTC on May 28 with a predicted Kp index of 5.
- The storm is expected to make the Northern Lights visible across 15 northern-tier U.S. states and parts of Canada.
- The current solar maximum, which began in October 2024, has increased coronal holes and intensified solar wind streams driving stronger geomagnetic activity.
- Observers are advised to seek dark, north-facing vantage points between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time and to monitor NOAA’s real-time updates for optimal viewing.