Empire State Review Team 
A powerful G4-class solar storm, triggered by a massive solar eruption on May 31, 2025, is currently impacting Earth, bringing stunning auroral displays across the northern U.S. On June 2, the storm, which originated from the sunspot region AR4100, has caused a spike in geomagnetic activity, making the northern lights visible to observers in 13 states across the country. Areas ranging from Alaska to the Upper Midwest and parts of the Pacific Northwest have witnessed the breathtaking phenomenon, captivating stargazers and photographers alike.
The solar eruption, which was one of the strongest of the year, has led to increased auroral activity, with the northern lights—also known as the aurora borealis—appearing in areas where the celestial spectacle is typically rare. The natural light display has been visible in a broad swath of the U.S., including Alaska, Washington, Montana, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, providing a rare opportunity for those in lower latitudes to witness this dazzling display.
Aurora enthusiasts and casual observers alike are encouraged to check local aurora forecasts to determine the best times and places to catch the lights. Experts advise viewers to head to locations away from artificial city lights to get the best view of the aurora. Many suggest using long-exposure settings on cameras to capture the beauty of the display, which can often appear in shades of green, purple, and red, depending on the specific gases in Earth’s atmosphere being excited by the solar particles.
For the optimal experience, viewers should look to the northern horizon, as the auroras typically appear there during the peak visibility hours, which are generally late evening to early morning. Weather conditions also play a critical role, and those hoping to view the northern lights are urged to monitor forecasts to ensure clear skies for the best visibility.
Solar storms like this one occur when the sun releases bursts of charged particles, which interact with Earth’s magnetic field. These interactions often cause disturbances that manifest as auroras near the planet’s poles, but during particularly strong storms, the aurora borealis can extend much farther south than usual. Experts believe that solar activity is currently entering an active phase, which could result in more frequent and intense auroras in the coming months.
This solar storm is just one of many expected to occur during the current solar cycle, which has been ramping up since 2020. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), solar activity is expected to peak around 2025-2026, meaning that there could be more opportunities to witness auroral displays across the U.S. and other regions in the coming year.
For those who are new to viewing auroras, experts recommend patience and preparation. It may take some time to find the perfect spot and conditions to view the northern lights, but the reward is often worth the wait. In addition to the mesmerizing beauty of the aurora, solar storms also have the potential to disrupt satellite communications and power grids, but this particular storm has not yet led to widespread technical disruptions.
The phenomenon of auroras has long captivated human imagination, with various cultures developing rich mythologies surrounding the mysterious lights. Today, the science behind the aurora is well understood, but the spectacle continues to be a source of wonder for those fortunate enough to see it.
For real-time updates on the solar storm and aurora visibility, viewers are encouraged to follow local weather and space weather forecasting sites. As the storm continues to unfold, the northern lights are expected to remain visible for several days, offering more opportunities for those in affected regions to witness the beauty of this celestial event.
