Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Geomagnetic Storm to Light Up Northern U.S. with Aurora Borealis Wednesday Night

Fueled by solar maximum activity following an X1.1 solar flare, the G1 storm will boost aurora visibility across northern-tier states.

Image
Image
People living in parts of 15 states will have the chance to view the Northern Lights overnight on Tuesday.
Image

Overview

  • On May 23, NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers captured a rare aurora borealis display from the International Space Station and posted the video on X.
  • NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center recorded a Kp index of 6 during the ISS sighting, signaling heightened geomagnetic activity.
  • A G1‐class geomagnetic storm is forecast to begin at 1 a.m. Eastern time on May 28 with a predicted Kp index around 5.
  • The aurora may be visible from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time across northern-tier states including Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
  • The sun’s current solar maximum phase and a May 25 X1.1‐class solar flare have increased coronal hole activity, making geomagnetic storms more frequent this season.