Geomagnetic storm aurora visibility northern us

On 10 October 2026, a significant geomagnetic storm classified as a G4 level event by the Space Weather Prediction Center impacted Earth, resulting in widespread aurora borealis visibility across the northern United States. The solar activity, triggered by a massive coronal mass ejection from the sun, pushed the auroral oval significantly further south than its typical Arctic range. Residents in states including Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, and parts of Wisconsin and Maine reported vivid displays of green, purple, and red lights visible to the naked eye throughout the night. Meteorologists and space weather experts noted that the intensity of the storm provided one of the most spectacular light shows in recent years, with clear skies in many northern regions allowing for optimal viewing conditions. While the storm caused minor fluctuations in power grid stability and satellite communications, no major infrastructure failures were reported. Authorities advised that while the peak of the storm has passed, lingering geomagnetic activity may continue to produce faint auroral displays in high-latitude regions through the early hours of 12 October 2026.