G2-G3 Solar Storm May Push July 4 Aurora Into 26 U.S. States
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jul 3
G2-G3 Solar Storm May Push July 4 Aurora Into 26 U.S. States
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jul 3
Summary
NOAA and the UK Met Office say multiple coronal mass ejections could trigger G1-G3 geomagnetic storms from late July 3 into July 4, expanding aurora chances well beyond the northern border states.
26 states could get at least a shot at seeing the northern lights, with Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and northern Wisconsin most favored and a G3 storm potentially extending visibility to Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Maryland.
The storm risk stems from a June 30 CME tied to an X1.1 flare, with at least three more CMEs launched July 1 possibly reaching Earth on July 5.
Viewing conditions may be uneven because the waning Strawberry Moon and short summer nights can wash out faint displays; watchers need clear skies, dark locations and should look north around midnight.