A significant geomagnetic storm, triggered by several magnetic eruptions on the Sun, will offer many individuals in the continental U.S. a chance to witness a stunning display late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, with the Northern Lights potentially visible as far south as Kentucky.
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Potential Aurora Viewing for the early Wednesday morning. (FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)
The Northern Lights are generated by geomagnetic storms, which occur when particles from the Sun disturb the Earth’s magnetic field.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a Geomagnetic Storm Warning for a “strong” G3 level event, according to the geomagnetic storm scale, which ranges up to G5.
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For those eager to see the Northern Lights late Tuesday into early Wednesday, a forecast is available below to check for possible cloud cover that may obstruct the view.
Stargazing Forecast (FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)
Cities such as Frankfort, Kentucky, and Chicago can expect some of the best sky conditions.
However, cloud cover will dominate in Pennsylvania and much of the Northeast.
The most vibrant views of the Northern Lights are anticipated over the Rockies and the Western U.S. just before dawn, according to FOX Forecast Center Meteorologist Christopher Tate.
To experience the aurora, seek out a location away from urban lights with a clear view of the northern horizon. The display will be more prominent on camera with longer exposure times, though strong phenomena can be seen with the naked eye.
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FILE: Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) lighting up the sky in Alaska’s Eklutna Tailrace, United States on March 09, 2025. (Hasan Akbas / Anadolu / Getty Images)
Beyond producing the Northern Lights, the G3 geomagnetic storm may disrupt radio frequencies and lead to some satellite navigation complications.
Following the initial G3 level geomagnetic storm, the SWPC has indicated that the storm will diminish to G1 on Thursday and drop below G1 by Friday.
Read more on FOX Weather.
