Northern Lights Visibility Possible As Powerful Solar Storm Deep Into the Central and Northern United States Late Monday Night
UNITED STATES — Skywatchers across large portions of the central and northern United States may have a rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights late Monday night into early Tuesday, as space weather forecasters monitor the potential arrival of a strong solar storm linked to a powerful eruption from the Sun.
The most favorable viewing window currently appears to be late Monday night, though experts caution that timing remains uncertain and visibility will depend heavily on when the solar energy reaches Earth.
X-Class Solar Flare and CME Raise Aurora Potential
According to space weather data, an X2-class solar flare erupted from the Sun on Sunday and appears to have been accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME) aimed toward Earth. If this CME arrives during overnight hours, it could trigger a moderate to strong geomagnetic storm, rated G2 to G3.
Storms of this strength are capable of pushing the aurora farther south than usual, making it visible well beyond the typical northern latitudes.
Where the Northern Lights Could Be Visible
If conditions align, the strongest aurora activity could be visible overhead across parts of the northern Plains, Upper Midwest, and northern Great Lakes region. Areas farther south, including portions of the central Plains, Ohio Valley, and parts of the Mid-South, may be able to see the aurora near the northern horizon.
In some southern locations, the aurora may not be visible to the naked eye but could still appear on long-exposure camera images, especially under dark, clear skies.
Timing Is the Biggest Uncertainty
Forecasters stress that exact timing is still unclear. If the CME reaches Earth during daylight hours, visibility would be limited or nonexistent. The best-case scenario involves the storm arriving after sunset Monday night, when darker skies would allow auroral activity to be seen. Because space weather events can speed up or slow down unexpectedly, updates are likely as arrival time estimates are refined.
How to Maximize Viewing Chances
For those hoping to catch a glimpse, experts recommend getting away from city lights, finding a location with a clear northern horizon, and watching the sky during the late evening and overnight hours. Even faint auroras can become visible with patience, especially if geomagnetic activity intensifies. Clear skies will be essential, as cloud cover could quickly block visibility even if the aurora becomes active.
Why This Event Is Notable
Auroras this far south are uncommon and typically require strong solar storms. While not guaranteed, this setup represents one of the better chances in recent weeks for widespread auroral visibility across the U.S.
Even if the aurora does not become visible everywhere forecast maps suggest, the event highlights how solar activity can directly impact Earth’s upper atmosphere in dramatic ways. As conditions evolve, readers are encouraged to share if they spot auroral activity in their area and to follow continued updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
