Aurora chasers, exciting news! A coronal mass ejection (CME) from March 1 is heading toward Earth, potentially sparking a geomagnetic storm and stunning northern lights on the night of March 4 and into March 5. NOAA forecasts G1-class storm conditions, with a possibility of stronger G2 storm activity, making northern lights visible as far south as mid-latitudes, including parts of New York and Idaho. The peak storm intensity is expected between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. EST on March 5. Stay alert for updates and find dark spots away from city lights to catch the auroras.
Attention, aurora enthusiasts! Tonight might just offer a stunning spectacle.
A coronal mass ejection (CME) resulting from a strong solar eruption on March 1 is heading toward Earth, with the possibility of triggering a geomagnetic storm and spectacular northern lights overnight and into tomorrow.
According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the CME is likely to brush against Earth’s magnetic field on March 4 or 5, which could initiate a G1-class geomagnetic storm. However, space weather physicist Tamitha Skov mentions that stronger G2 storm conditions may also be on the horizon. This increases the likelihood of breathtaking auroras, so make sure to keep an eye on the skies and have your camera ready!
What to expect
A partially Earth-directed #solarstorm is coming! Expect G1 to G2 storm conditions by March 5. #Aurora may be visible down to mid-latitudes where skies are clear. HF radio operators, GPS users, & drone pilots expect degraded signal performance, especially on Earth’s nightside. pic.twitter.com/K5a72ouv8aMarch 3, 2025
Geomagnetic storms happen when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, potentially leading to disruptions in satellite communications, fluctuations in power grids, and — most thrillingly — increased auroral activity. With a projected peak Kp of 5, this event falls under the minor G1 storm classification, indicating its effects will be relatively mild. However, Skov also suggests that we might experience more intense G2 conditions, which could allow northern lights to be visible as far south as New York and Idaho.
NOAA rates geomagnetic storms on a G-scale, measuring their intensity from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme).
What time will the northern lights occur?
WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G1 PredictedHighest Storm Level Predicted by Day:Mar 03: None (Below G1) Mar 04: G1 (Minor) Mar 05: G1 (Minor)Issue Time: 2025 Mar 02 0522 UTChttps://t.co/ZbtuNtJdzaMarch 2, 2025
NOAA’s forecast suggests that the most robust geomagnetic activity is expected late on March 4, potentially extending into the early morning hours of March 5. The storm’s strength is expected to peak between 7:00 p.m. EST and 10:00 p.m. EST (00:00 and 03:00 GMT) on March 5, with a Kp index reaching G1 levels. Activity will likely decrease throughout the day on March 5, returning to calmer conditions by March 6. For the most current predictions and timing, check out NOAA’s 3-day space weather forecast.
Be sure to visit our aurora live updates blog for the latest forecasts and alerts regarding the northern lights.
For those situated in northern latitudes, tonight may present a unique opportunity to witness the northern lights. Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re eager to see the aurora, find a dark spot away from city lights and keep up with space weather alerts.