Northern Lights Return Tonight as Solar Storms Intensify
Solar activity persists at high levels, with strong geomagnetic storms producing visible auroras. Tonight (Oct. 2), the northern lights may make a final appearance before conditions ease over the weekend.
NOAA's SWPC reports G3 (Strong) storm activity today from 0559 UTC, with G2 (Moderate) conditions expected until 1200 UTC. This is due to Earth's strong connection to a solar coronal hole, amplified by the equinox. If G2 levels materialize, auroras could be visible across a wide area of the northern U.S., including Alaska and Wyoming.
The best places to observe the Northern Lights tonight are in Northern Norway, especially near or north of the Arctic Circle. To spot them, find a dark location with a clear north-facing horizon, look up around midnight to 2 a.m. local time, and be patient. This geomagnetic unrest is driven by a fast solar wind stream from a positive polarity coronal hole on the sun.
Tonight may be the last night of significant aurora activity from this event. After Oct. 2, conditions are expected to settle. A G2 geomagnetic storm watch remains in effect for tonight, as high-speed solar wind continues to affect Earth's magnetic field.
