A rare and powerful geomagnetic storm dazzled skywatchers across the United States on the night of June 1, 2025, as vibrant displays of the aurora borealis lit up skies far beyond their usual polar range. The event, triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun, reached G4 intensity—classified as “severe” on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) space weather scale .
Typically confined to high-latitude regions like Alaska and Canada, the northern lights were visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama . Residents in states including Washington, Michigan, and New Mexico reported witnessing the ethereal glow of green, purple, and red hues dancing across the night sky .
The phenomenon was the result of a CME—a massive burst of solar plasma and magnetic fields—ejected from the Sun on May 30. Traveling at speeds nearing 1,000 kilometers per second, the CME collided with Earth’s magnetic field, causing widespread geomagnetic disturbances . NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) had issued a G4-level storm watch in anticipation of the event .
Optimal viewing conditions were reported in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution. The SWPC advised stargazers to seek dark, rural locations and to face north between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time for the best chance to observe the auroras . Even in areas where the aurora was not visible to the naked eye, long-exposure photography and smartphone cameras were able to capture the spectacle .
While the auroras provided a stunning visual display, the geomagnetic storm also posed potential risks to technological infrastructure. G4-level storms can induce voltage irregularities in power systems, affect satellite operations, and disrupt high-frequency radio communications . However, as of this writing, no significant disruptions have been reported.
This event is part of a broader pattern of increased solar activity as the Sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Similar geomagnetic storms in May and October 2024 also led to auroral displays at unusually low latitudes . Experts anticipate that heightened solar activity will continue in the coming months, potentially leading to more opportunities for aurora sightings across the United States.
For those who missed the recent display, NOAA’s Aurora Dashboard provides real-time updates and forecasts for auroral activity . As solar activity remains elevated, skywatchers are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for future celestial events.