Massive Geomagnetic Storm Alert: Aurora Borealis Could Shine Tonight Across the U.S.—Best Viewing Times & Live Maps

A series of powerful coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that erupted from the Sun between 29 – 31 May are barreling toward Earth and are forecast to trigger a Strong-to-Severe (G3–G4) geomagnetic storm late tonight through 2 June, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). If predictions hold, the resulting aurora borealis could surge far beyond its usual polar haunts—potentially lighting skies as far south as Alabama, northern California and parts of central Europe. Why this storm matters • Solar Cycle 25 is rapidly intensifying, and clustered CMEs can compress Earth’s magnetosphere, pushing vivid auroras toward mid-latitudes. • SWPC models project Kp indices of 7–8+; anything above Kp 7 historically brings color to U.S. states like Illinois, Pennsylvania and Oregon. • A G4 storm can induce voltage irregularities on long power lines, degrade GPS accuracy and interrupt HF radio used by aviators and mariners. Satellite operators are already placing craft in safe mode to ride out heightened drag. Best viewing windows • Tonight, 31 May: 22:00–02:00 local time after moonset. • 1 June: 21:00–01:00; activity may linger into dawn of 2 June. • Look north in rural areas with unobstructed horizons. Even faint pillars or a green glow on the northern horizon count as an aurora at lower latitudes. Likely visibility regions (cloud-cover permitting) – U.S.: From the Canadian border down through the Great Lakes, Plains, Mid-Atlantic, northern California and the Deep South’s highest ridges. – Europe: Scotland, Ireland, northern Germany, Denmark, Poland; bursts possible as far south as the Alps during peak Kp spikes. – Asia-Pacific: Southern New Zealand and Tasmania during local nighttime. Photography quick-start 1. Tripod + manual focus at infinity. 2. ISO 1600-3200; aperture f/2-f/4; 5-15 s exposures. 3. Shoot RAW and bracket; the storm’s brightness can change minute-to-minute. Safety & tech checklist • Unplug sensitive home electronics or use surge protectors. • Expect intermittent GPS or cell-tower timing issues; download offline maps. • Space weather alerts: sign up for NOAA SWPC email/text or follow @NWSSWPC on X for real-time Kp updates. Bottom line Solar Cycle 25 just served up its strongest one-two punch yet. Whether you’re in Minneapolis, Nashville or Madrid, keep an eye on the northern horizon after sunset; the sky could erupt in emerald, magenta and violet curtains no human generation has witnessed this far south since the legendary Halloween Storms of 2003. Clear skies, dark surroundings and a little patience may reward you with a bucket-list northern-lights show—and a reminder that space weather can paint Earth’s atmosphere with breathtaking, unpredictable brilliance.