In a dazzling celestial event rarely witnessed in the contiguous United States, the northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—lit up the night skies across large swaths of the country on June 2, 2025. The striking light show was triggered by a powerful G4-class geomagnetic storm, one of the most intense solar storms recorded in recent years. The storm, driven by a significant coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the sun on May 31, reached Earth’s atmosphere late on June 1, creating vibrant auroras across at least 13 U.S. states.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the geomagnetic storm reached category G4 on the space weather scale, which classifies geomagnetic activity from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). This level of intensity made the auroras visible much farther south than usual, thrilling skywatchers across states such as Alaska, Washington, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Observers even reported sightings as far south as Iowa and parts of Illinois.
The aurora borealis is typically confined to higher latitudes, such as in Alaska or parts of Canada. However, when solar storms of this magnitude occur, charged particles from the sun interact more forcefully with Earth’s magnetic field, allowing the lights to be seen at lower latitudes. The result is a breathtaking natural phenomenon—vivid curtains of green, pink, red, and violet light dancing across the sky—that has captivated observers and photographers alike.
Astronomers and meteorologists had anticipated the event following NOAA’s alerts issued over the weekend, advising Americans to prepare for possible sightings. Those hoping to catch the best view were encouraged to head to locations far from city lights, where light pollution is minimal. Clear skies and minimal cloud cover also played a crucial role in determining visibility. “To maximize your chance of seeing the auroras, find a dark, open area with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon,” advised NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
The event drew crowds of amateur astronomers, families, and curious residents to parks and rural areas, where social media quickly filled with spectacular photos and videos of the phenomenon. In several cities, local observatories hosted viewing events, offering educational sessions about the science behind solar storms and auroras.
Solar activity has been intensifying as the sun approaches the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as solar maximum, expected around 2025. During this period, solar flares and CMEs become more frequent and powerful. While these events can produce stunning auroras, they can also pose risks to satellites, communications, and power grids. Fortunately, this G4-class storm caused minimal disruptions, though authorities noted potential impacts on high-frequency radio communications and GPS systems, particularly in polar regions.
NOAA and NASA continue to monitor solar activity closely, issuing warnings and guidance when necessary. These agencies use satellite data and ground-based observations to predict space weather and mitigate risks to infrastructure and technology. In recent years, both agencies have ramped up efforts to improve early warning systems, especially as modern society becomes increasingly reliant on satellite-based technology.
The June 2 aurora event also rekindled public interest in space weather science. “It’s events like these that highlight how dynamic and interconnected our solar system is,” said Dr. Emily Martin, a solar physicist at the Goddard Space Flight Center. “While they are awe-inspiring to witness, they also remind us of the importance of understanding and preparing for space weather’s potential impact on our planet.”
For now, Americans who were lucky enough to catch the display are savoring the rare experience, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime sight. As solar activity remains high, experts advise that more aurora events may be visible in the months ahead, especially in northern states.