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    When a severe geomagnetic storm comes to life, the Northern Lights can be seen widely
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    When a severe geomagnetic storm comes to life, the Northern Lights can be seen widely

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    2 minutes, 33 seconds Read

    Aurora Borealis, which dance across the sky in brilliant bands of color, is one of nature's greatest natural phenomena.

    NEW YORK – A powerful solar storm has produced a brilliant burst of northern lights that may rival the dazzling global display seen on May 10.

    From Boston to New York City, Washington, D.C. and even as far south as the Southeast, there were reports of colorful skies along the eastern time zone where the sun had already set.

    7 things you should know about the Northern Lights

    According to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, there is currently a Level 4 “severe” geomagnetic storm that could reach Level 5 “Extreme” at times Thursday evening, which is the alert level of the May 10 storm that struck nearby triggered by global northern lights.

    • A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • Northern Lights in Portland, Maine

      Northern Lights in Portland, Maine
      (Juliette Hitchen)

    • Northern Lights in Randolph, NJ

      Northern Lights in Randolph, NJ
      (Katie Mchugh)

    • A view of the Northern Lights from the New York National Weather Service Office, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from the New York National Weather Service Office, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • Northern Lights in Portland, Maine

      Northern Lights in Portland, Maine
      (Juliette Hitchen)

    • A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • Northern Lights in Portland, Maine

      Northern Lights in Portland, Maine
      (Juliette Hitchen)

    • Northern Lights in Union Beach, NJ

      Northern Lights in Union Beach, NJ
      (@tomgradymedia)

    • Aurora Borealis seen from Lindenhurst, New York, on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm.

      Aurora Borealis seen from Lindenhurst, New York, on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm.
      (Seth Darling)

    • Aurora Borealis seen from Lindenhurst, New York, on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm.
      (Seth Darling)

    • A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • Aurora Borealis seen from Burlington, North Carolina, during a severe geomagnetic storm on October 10, 2024.

      Aurora Borealis seen from Burlington, North Carolina, during a severe geomagnetic storm on October 10, 2024.
      (Elizabeth Tate)

    • A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).

      A view of the Northern Lights from Berkshire, New York, taken on October 10, 2024, during a severe geomagnetic storm (G4).
      ( )

    • Northern Lights in Union Beach, NJ

      Northern Lights in Union Beach, NJ
      (@tomgradymedia)

    • Northern Lights in Portland, Maine

      Northern Lights in Portland, Maine
      (Juliette Hitchen)

    For the best viewing conditions, find a location away from city lights with a clear view of the northern horizon. However, in some of the more intense displays in northern latitudes, the lights can spread across the sky and even shine through light pollution. If you have a camera that can shoot at longer exposure times, you will get spectacular photos.

    Geomagnetic effects could impact hurricane recovery

    The solar storm is expected to last until Friday after impacts from a coronal mass ejection hit Earth on Thursday.

    The SWPC is in contact with FEMA and state agencies involved in disaster relief efforts as these storms could impact ongoing work throughout the Southeast Hurricane Milton And Helene. Geomagnetic storms and solar radiation can affect the power grid, as can GPS and radio outages and impacts on satellites.

    “This storm could impact ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in several ways,” the SPWC said.

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