Three Solar Ejections Set Stage for Potential Northern Lights in New Hampshire This Weekend

Key points

• Three coronal mass ejections have been directed toward Earth, potentially causing strong geomagnetic storms.
• The first CME is expected to reach Earth’s atmosphere on Friday afternoon, possibly extending aurora activity past sunset.
• Additional aurora opportunities are forecast for Saturday and Sunday nights, contingent on solar wind strength.
• The third CME originated from an M-class solar flare that generated a 'solar tsunami' of plasma and magnetic energy moving over 1 million mph.
• The M-class flare was not directly aimed at Earth, so its associated CME may only graze the atmosphere, potentially limiting intensity.
• Viewing success depends on clear skies, minimal light pollution, and the strength of the geomagnetic storm.

Background

This event follows a period of heightened solar activity in late 2026. In August, a powerful M6.9 solar flare and its CME raised the odds of visible northern lights across parts of the northern United States, with NOAA forecasting a G1–G2 geomagnetic storm. More recently, on October 8, a fourth CME intensified forecasts for aurora visibility across the northern U.S., with NOAA predicting G1 to G2 storms for October 8–9, potentially allowing sightings as far south as New York and Idaho. The current weekend’s activity is part of this ongoing pattern of solar ejections from active regions like AR4549, which have been driving geomagnetic conditions in the northern hemisphere.

Why it matters

Aurora visibility in New Hampshire is a rare and significant event for the region, as the state is typically too far south to observe northern lights without strong geomagnetic storms. This weekend’s potential sightings highlight the impact of solar activity on Earth’s magnetic field and offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to witness a natural phenomenon usually associated with higher latitudes. Clear skies and dark locations will be critical for successful viewing, and the event underscores the importance of monitoring space weather forecasts for accurate predictions.

What to watch

Residents of New Hampshire should monitor weather forecasts for clear skies and check geomagnetic storm updates from NOAA or other space weather agencies. If conditions are favorable, aurora viewing is expected to begin Friday evening and continue through Sunday night. Viewers should prepare by selecting dark, rural locations and using camera equipment to capture the event. Additional CMEs or solar flares could further influence geomagnetic conditions, so staying informed through reliable sources is recommended.