NOAA Issues G3 Geomagnetic Storm Alert, Northern Lights Visible Across Multiple U.S. States
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G3 geomagnetic storm alert for June 5, 2026. This alert indicates that the Northern Lights, a natural light display in the Earth's sky, will be visible in several U.S. states. The phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from space enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with atmospheric molecules, releasing energy as light. The Northern Lights typically appear faint and pale green but can burst into vibrant shades of neon green, pink, or purple during strong geomagnetic storms. States where the lights are expected to be visible include Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The best viewing times are between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. on the specified date.