Geomagnetic Storm to Bring Northern Lights to 12 States
A G1-class storm on October 30 may produce visible aurora displays across the northern tier of the United States.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Current Conditions
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NOAA predicts a G1-class geomagnetic storm will begin at 8 p.m. EDT on October 30, 2026. The solar event may bring aurora visibility to 12 northern states.
Why it matters
The display is caused by a coronal hole high-speed stream of solar wind interacting with Earth's magnetic field. This natural phenomenon offers a rare opportunity for residents in specific northern latitudes to view the aurora borealis.
The storm is classified as a G1-class event driven by solar wind moving at approximately 1,000,000 mph. Scientists utilize a Kp-index of 5 as the threshold for potential lower-latitude auroral activity.
The players
NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is a federal agency focused on the conditions of the oceans and the atmosphere.
The details
The aurora may be visible in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Conditions for optimal viewing depend on clear skies and whether the interplanetary magnetic field points south, which helps push the aurora toward lower latitudes.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Geomagnetic storm forecast to begin at 8 p.m. EDT.
October 31, 2026: The storm activity may continue through this date.
November 1, 2026: The moon reaches its last quarter phase.
Seasonal Patterns
This solar event aligns with the National Weather Service's geomagnetic storm classification scales used to predict atmospheric disruptions. It serves as a reminder of how space weather regularly intersects with terrestrial visibility patterns during solar wind activity.
Residents in the northern United States should monitor local clear-sky forecasts to improve their chances of viewing the aurora. Those attempting to view the event should seek areas with minimal light pollution to maximize potential visibility.
The takeaway
The visibility of the northern lights is a rare, weather-dependent event that can be influenced by slight shifts in solar wind intensity. While the storm is predicted for late October, local atmospheric conditions remain the primary factor in successful observation.
Further reading
For updates on space weather in your area, visit the Current Conditions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Forbes.
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