This Labor Day night could bring more than just fireworks to the skies of New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Thanks to a powerful solar storm hitting Earth this afternoon, the northern lights may become visible across parts of the Northeast—something rarely seen this far south.
What’s Behind This Sudden Aurora Opportunity?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that a coronal mass ejection (CME) reached Earth’s magnetic field around 5 p.m. EDT on Monday. This burst of solar energy was first tracked 1 million miles from Earth, and it’s strong enough to trigger G2 to G3 geomagnetic storm watches—a level that can push auroras much farther south than normal.
That means states like Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and even parts of Pennsylvania could see the aurora borealis tonight—if skies stay clear.
Where and When to Look for the Northern Lights
If you’re hoping to catch the show, here’s how to improve your chances:
Best time: Begin watching just after sunset and continue through the overnight hours.
Best places: Head to rural or suburban areas, far from city lights. The darker the sky, the more likely you’ll see the glow.
Best direction: Look towards the north, ideally with an open view of the horizon.
Scenic rural areas in Vermont, upstate New York, western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire could offer ideal viewing spots—especially if skies clear as forecasted.
What Makes This Aurora Event Special?
Normally, the aurora borealis is limited to higher latitudes, like Alaska or northern Canada. Seeing them in places like Boston, Hartford, or Philadelphia is extremely rare, and only possible during stronger solar storms.
NOAA explains that visibility depends on how the embedded magnetic field in the CME lines up with Earth’s. If it shifts southward, the aurora may become brighter and more widespread, even in populated areas.
Any Expected Disruptions?
According to NOAA, while the storm is powerful, it’s not expected to cause serious problems. Possible minor effects include:
Brief GPS signal glitches
Satellite communication delays
But overall, the event is expected to be safe, and the focus is on the rare sky spectacle it may produce.
Stay Informed with Live Updates
Aurora activity is hard to predict with 100% certainty, so it’s a good idea to check live forecasts and maps throughout the evening. The best source for real-time updates is:
This site offers up-to-date information on aurora forecasts, visibility maps, and storm conditions.
Tonight’s solar storm could give New England and the Mid-Atlantic a Labor Day send-off like no other. With clear skies and strong geomagnetic activity, there’s a real chance to see the northern lights from your own backyard. Grab a chair, head somewhere dark, and look up—you might witness one of nature’s most amazing shows.
