Northern Lights possible as far south as New York after G2 geomagnetic storm alert

The Northern Lights might be visible much further south than normal this week as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm watch for July 24. This alert raises the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights, formally called aurora borealis, in parts of the United States and other areas at high latitudes.

The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported this week that the geomagnetic storm watch is due to anticipated solar activity that may disturb the Earth’s magnetic field.

The storm is due to a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is a significant release of plasma from the sun’s corona, is expected to interact with Earth’s magnetosphere. Such geomagnetic storms are categorized from G1 to G5, with G2 indicating moderate intensity.

While G2 storms can cause power grid fluctuations as well as minor impacts on satellite operations, as Space notes, they are also known for producing spectacular auroras. These natural light displays could be visible further south than usual due to the intensity of the geomagnetic storm, potentially reaching as far south as the northern tier of the United States, including New York.

More than just dazzling lights, caution and preparation are key

NOAA’s alert isn’t all about the light show, however, as it also highlights the potential for power system disruption and the possibility of increased drag on low-Earth orbit satellites due to atmospheric expansion. There is no direct threat to life on the surface from these storms, though migratory animals that rely on geomagnetic cues for navigation could experience disruptions.

The SWPC advises the public and relevant industries to monitor updates and follow any recommended precautions. The aurora borealis viewing prospects depend heavily on local weather conditions and light pollution levels, which can significantly impact visibility.

For those interested in catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, it is advisable to find a dark location away from city lights. The best time for viewing is typically around midnight local time, when geomagnetic activity tends to peak.

The storm comes at a time of significant solar activity, with a similar CME event earlier this year producing auroras in the NYC metro region. It’s still unclear what exactly causes a CME, but they tend to occur more frequently during intense periods of solar activity called a solar maximum, which the sun is currently in.