Aurora chasers are in for a treat this Labor Day, as a cannibal solar storm auroras event could supercharge skies with dazzling northern lights.
A long-duration M2.7 flare erupted from Active Region 4199 on Aug. 30, launching a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME) toward Earth. According to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the CME will reach Earth late Sept. 1 into early Sept. 2 (UTC).
NOAA forecasts suggest G2 (moderate) geomagnetic storming at first impact, intensifying to G3 (strong) as the main body of the storm arrives Sept. 2. This means auroras could extend farther south than usual, potentially visible across northern U.S. states.
Space weather physicist Tamitha Skov explained there are two Earth-directed CMEs, with one overtaking the other. She noted this could trigger “G2+ conditions” as early as Sept. 1, describing the rare “cannibal CME” phenomenon where one solar storm sweeps up another.
The U.K. Met Office echoed the alert, predicting the auroral oval will be “significantly enhanced.” Displays could be seen as far south as East Anglia, the Midlands, and Wales, weather permitting, though a waxing gibbous moon may hinder visibility.
NOAA classifies geomagnetic storms from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G3 storm can push auroras into mid-latitudes, which includes states like Oregon, Illinois, and New York.
CMEs are massive plasma and magnetic eruptions from the sun that can trigger auroras when colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. They also carry risks of disrupting satellites, communications, and even power grids during stronger events.
Aurora conditions may remain elevated through Sept. 3. So, if clouds obscure the skies one night, there could still be multiple opportunities to catch the northern lights in following days.
Stay tuned for updates!
