A severe geomagnetic storm triggered a rare display of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, across the United States on June 1 and 2, 2025. The phenomenon, usually confined to high-latitude regions, was visible as far south as Alabama and California.
Driven by a powerful coronal mass ejection from the sun, the storm reached a G4 intensity level. This pushed the aurora into territories where it's rarely seen, offering millions of Americans a chance to witness the spectacle during the early summer months. The best viewing times were between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time in dark areas with clear skies.
Clear skies in states like Washington, Oregon, and Michigan provided optimal viewing conditions. Travelers escaped urban light pollution to witness the glowing ribbons of green, purple, and red light dancing across the night sky. The NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said that the aurora might become visible over much of the northern half of the country and maybe as far south as Alabama to Northern California.