The conditions are right for a geomagnetic storm that could make the northern lights visible all the way to “the lower midwest” and the potential viewing zone includes Massachusetts.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm (G3) watch for tonight. For a G3 storm, the geomagnetic activity has a Planetary K-index (Kp) of seven, which means the northern lights move further from the poles, becoming bright and active, according to the NOAA. Kp is a global scale used to measure the magnitude of geomagnetic storms.
“Three coronal mass ejections (CME) left the Sun beginning later on (June 2),” according to the center. “The first CME was the most broad in extended and is likely to have an Earth-directed component. The other two were a bit more northward directed.”
Which means, there is a chance the Northern Lights will dip into Massachusets tonight, though partly cloudy skies tonight could make viewing more difficult.
Map of where Northern lights may be visible tonight
Predicted view of northern lights June 4, 2026, with severity of storm as a G3.
According to the NOAA, the following states may see the northern lights on June 4 and 5:
Note: States with an asterisk (*) denote the best northern lights visibility.
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. according to NOAA. According to the 3-day forecast by the Space Prediction Center, the best time to see this storm is 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET on June 4 and between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET on June 5.
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How to see the northern lights
As always, dark skies make for better stargazing.
“We typically suggest getting away from cities and find a open field or hilltop to lay out under the stars and wait for the show to really peak at the late evening or early morning hours,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager Tim Brothers said in a past interview with Wicked Local.
He continued, “In New England, heading for a local conservation area or park that keeps lighting off at night is ideal. Another option is a coastline away from the larger cities — the benefit being that the constellation where you will see most of the ‘shooting stars.'”
Places to check for northern lights forecast
If you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, here are some websites you can monitor the sun’s activity:
The Space Weather Prediction Center
USA Today reporting contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Northern lights may reach Massachusetts tonight. When to look
