What Happened?

The flare, classified as X1.2 by NOAA (X-class flares are the most intense), originated from sunspot region AR3697. It launched a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) toward Earth, which is expected to interact with the planet’s magnetic field by late June 19.

The impact is triggering a G2–G3 level geomagnetic storm, strong enough to produce auroras visible as far south as New York, Illinois, Oregon, and possibly even Northern California.

Where and When to See the Auroras

• Best Time: 10 PM–2 AM local time (June 19–20)

• Best Conditions: Dark, clear skies, away from city lights

• Where to Look: Northward horizon

• Best States: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Montana, and parts of New England

Check aurora forecast sites or NOAA’s space weather dashboard for real-time updates.

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Why It Matters

Aside from visual beauty, this event highlights the Sun’s increasing activity as it heads toward solar maximum (expected in 2025). Such flares can disrupt GPS, radio signals, satellites, and power grids, although no major outages are currently predicted from this flare.

It’s a timely reminder of how solar weather affects Earth—and how rare events like this bring natural wonder right into suburban backyards.