Severe Solar Storm Could Bring Rare Auroras to North Carolina This Weekend

ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) — A powerful solar storm is headed for Earth that could produce auroras over North Carolinians this weekend.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in Boulder, Colorado has issued a Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch for June 1 and 2, following a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on the evening of May 30.

According to the SWPC, confidence is high that Earth will be impacted by the CME, though the exact timing remains uncertain. The solar storm could arrive as early as late Sunday morning or as late as Sunday evening. When it does, it is expected to spark significant geomagnetic disturbances—possibly strong enough to produce auroras visible in the Piedmont, and as far south as Alabama.

“We will not know the true nature of this CME’s geomagnetic storm potential until the CME arrives at our solar wind observatories located 1 million miles from Earth,” SWPC said in a statement Saturday evening. “Upon arrival at those spacecraft, we will know the magnetic strength and orientation that are very important to what levels and duration of geomagnetic storm conditions are expected to occur and any appropriate warnings may be issued.”

WHAT IS A CME?
A coronal mass ejection, or CME, is a massive cloud of charged solar particles ejected from the Sun at high speeds—sometimes exceeding two million miles per hour. When these particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they are funneled toward the poles where they interact with gases in the upper atmosphere, producing auroras, or northern and southern lights.

When and Where to Look

If conditions are right, residents of North Carolina should look northward after sunset on Sunday and Monday evenings, particularly in areas with dark, clear skies far from city lights.

Even if the auroras are faint or not visible to the naked eye, long-exposure smartphone or DSLR photography can usually capture them. Green, red, and purple hues are possible depending on the altitude and type of particles interacting with the atmosphere.

A Rare Sight in the South

Typically seen in high-latitude regions like Alaska and Canada, auroras can occasionally reach further south during strong geomagnetic storms, such as those rated G3 (Strong) or higher on the SWPC’s five-point scale. A G4-level storm, like the one currently forecast, raises the possibility of auroras being visible well into the southern United States—including North Carolina.

The last visible event occurred in October 2024, when a CME traveling at nearly 2.9 million miles per hour resulted in dim but observable auroras over parts of the state just after sunset.

The Sun is currently approaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum, which is expected to reach it’s peak next month. During this peak of a solar cycle sunspot activity is at its highest, leading to more frequent solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). As a result, strong geomagnetic storms become more likely—significantly increasing the chances of auroras being visible much farther south than usual, including in states like North Carolina.

Impacts Beyond the Sky

While the auroras may provide a rare treat for skywatchers, solar storms can also pose risks. The charged particles can interfere with satellites, GPS signals, and high-frequency radio communications, and in extreme cases, disrupt power grids by inducing electrical currents in transmission lines.

The most powerful solar storm on record, known as the Carrington Event, occurred in 1859 and caused widespread disruption to telegraph systems around the world. Operators reported electric shocks, sparks from equipment, and lines that continued to operate even after being disconnected. Auroras were seen as far south as the Caribbean, and the night sky was so bright in some areas that people could read newspapers by its light. Scientists warn that a similar event today could have far more severe consequences due to our dependence on modern technology.

To help mitigate such risks, the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) plays a critical role in monitoring and forecasting solar activity. The SWPC keeps watch for incoming solar storms and sends out alerts to power companies, satellite operators, airlines, and others who depend on technology that could be affected.

It’s uncertain whether this solar storm could cause issues or if the auroras will be visible in North Carolina but residents and sky watchers alike are encouraged to keep a eye out for updates.

This is a devolving story and more information will be added as it is made available.