Northern lights may be visible in 24 states tonight as a massive CME slams into Earth

[Wicked Blue]

(Note: we see a dull greenish glow on the northern horizon here in central NJ)

A colossal coronal mass ejection (CME) has struck Earth, triggering severe (G4) geomagnetic storm conditions that could push the northern lights much farther south than usual tonight (Jan. 19–20). The impact, confirmed by NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center, is already stirring Earth's magnetic field — setting the stage for a potentially spectacular aurora display across the northern U.S. and possibly beyond.

NOAA confirmed that G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm levels were first reached at 2:38 p.m. EST (1938 GMT) on Jan. 19 following the shock arrival. The storm is ongoing, and NOAA says CME passage is expected to continue through the evening, with G4 conditions still possible. That means tonight's aurora prospects are even more promising — if skies are clear and the magnetic field orientation remains favorable.

The CME was launched during a powerful X-class solar flare on Jan. 18 and raced toward Earth at speeds of 620–870 miles per second (1,000–1,400 km/s). Aurora chasers, get those camera batteries charged and your alerts switched on — tonight could be quite the night.

https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-24-states-tonight-as-massive-cme-races-toward-earth