Fort Wayne, IN – A rare celestial event could light up the night skies across northern Indiana and much of the Midwest as a strong geomagnetic storm pushes the northern lights farther south than usual, potentially visible overnight Sunday into Monday morning.
Geomagnetic Storm Driving Aurora Visibility
The National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center reported that a G3 (strong) geomagnetic storm is currently in progress, triggered by a high-speed solar wind stream. This solar activity is producing vivid auroras, with reports of green and purple skies stretching from the Great Lakes into New England.
Northern Indiana’s NWS office confirmed sightings just before 10 p.m. Sunday using long-exposure cameras. In Maine, the Caribou NWS office reported bright green and red auroras above Washburn, enhanced by the peak of the Chi Cygnid meteor shower.
Best Viewing Areas in Indiana
Officials recommend residents look northward away from city lights for the clearest view. Areas with minimal light pollution will provide the best chance to see the auroras, which could appear in streaks and swirls of green, purple, and red across the sky.
While the spectacle is visually stunning, experts note that visibility depends on weather conditions, cloud cover, and local lighting. Residents should plan to step outside during peak geomagnetic activity for the optimal experience.
Potential Effects on Technology and Power
Beyond skywatching, geomagnetic storms can have practical effects. NOAA warned that the storm could disrupt GPS signals, high-frequency radio communications, and even cause minor power fluctuations in some areas. Citizens are advised to monitor electronics and sensitive equipment, especially in northern regions.
Storm Duration and Updates
The Space Weather Prediction Center expects the storm to continue through early Monday, with auroras potentially visible across much of the northern U.S., weather permitting. Additional updates will be issued if activity remains high or visibility changes.
Residents interested in witnessing the rare phenomenon are encouraged to share their photos and experiences on social media and engage with local weather updates to track the aurora’s progress.
Did you catch the northern lights tonight? Share your photos and experiences in the comments below and stay updated.
