Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Solar Storm to Bring Northern Lights to Northern US
Imagine the sun has a big sneeze (a solar flare) that sends stuff towards Earth.
This can cause a beautiful light show called the aurora borealis, or northern lights!
Experts say a strong sneeze is coming, and it might make the lights visible further south than usual, like in parts of the northern US.
The storm could also cause a little trouble with things like satellites and radios.
If the skies are clear, you might see the lights, but a bright moon could make it harder.
The light show might last for a few days, so you have a chance to see it!
A strong solar storm is heading towards Earth.
The storm is due to a solar flare and a coronal mass ejection (CME).
Auroras may be visible farther south than usual, including in the northern US.
The geomagnetic storm could reach G3 (strong) levels.
Aurora activity is expected to continue into September 3.
- Who
- NOAA, UK Met Office, and space weather experts
- What
- A strong solar storm is expected, bringing auroras farther south.
- When
- Expected to arrive late September 1 - early September 2 (UTC); activity into September 3.
- Where
- Northern United States, potentially as far south as Wales, the Midlands, and East Anglia.
- Why
- A large coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun is heading towards Earth.
- Solar Storm Type
- M2.7 solar flare with coronal mass ejection
- Arrival Date
- Late September 1 - Early September 2 (UTC)
- Geomagnetic Storm Level
- G2 (moderate) potentially intensifying to G3 (strong)
- Visible Locations
- Northern US, potentially as far south as Wales, Midlands, and East Anglia
- Duration of Activity
- Likely to stay strong into September 3
- Potential Effects
- Disruptions to satellites, radio signals, and power systems possible