The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a G3 (Strong) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for June 4-5 as multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun are expected to impact Earth’s magnetic field. The event follows three significant solar eruptions that occurred on June 2 and June 3, including an X-class solar flare and two strong M-class flares.
According to NOAA, the three CMEs are expected to combine as they travel through space before reaching Earth. Forecasters have a fairly high level of confidence that the storm will arrive, though the exact intensity remains somewhat uncertain due to the complex interaction between the solar eruptions and a nearby high-speed solar wind stream. Current projections support geomagnetic storm conditions reaching at least the G3 category, with a small possibility of briefly reaching G4 levels if the CMEs are more Earth-directed than currently expected.
What This Means for Delmarva
For residents across Delaware, Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and southern New Jersey, the biggest impact will likely be an increased chance of viewing the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
A G3 geomagnetic storm is strong enough to push auroral activity much farther south than normal. While the brightest displays are expected across the northern United States and southern Canada, stronger periods within the storm could allow faint auroras to become visible from Delmarva, particularly across northern Delaware and areas away from city lights.
The best opportunity for viewing would be:
- Between sunset and sunrise tonight
- Away from city lights
- Looking toward the northern horizon
- From rural locations with clear skies
Even if the aurora is difficult to see with the naked eye, smartphone cameras using Night Mode often reveal colors and structures not immediately visible to the eye.
Timing Remains Uncertain
SWPC notes that the CME arrival could occur several hours earlier or later than forecast. Current estimates suggest impacts may begin during the afternoon and evening hours Thursday and continue through Friday. The strongest geomagnetic activity often occurs several hours after the initial CME arrival.
Weather Conditions Favor Viewing
Fortunately, skies across much of Delmarva are expected to remain mostly clear tonight thanks to high pressure over the region. That means if the geomagnetic storm reaches the stronger end of forecasts, local skywatchers may have an excellent opportunity to witness one of the more significant aurora displays of the year.
While there are no guarantees that the Northern Lights will be visible from Delmarva, this is one of the better opportunities we’ve seen in recent months. Space weather enthusiasts should monitor updates from NOAA throughout the evening as the incoming solar storm approaches Earth and forecasters gain a better understanding of its strength.
