Severe Geomagnetic Storm (G4) Could Bring Northern Lights to Delmarva Tonight

A strong solar flare, classified as an X1.9 event, erupted from the Sun on January 18, 2026, peaking around 18:09 UTC, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. This flare originated from Active Region 3431, a magnetically complex sunspot group currently facing Earth. Space weather forecasters are tracking a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm affecting […]

A strong solar flare, classified as an X1.9 event, erupted from the Sun on January 18, 2026, peaking around 18:09 UTC, according to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. This flare originated from Active Region 3431, a magnetically complex sunspot group currently facing Earth.

Space weather forecasters are tracking a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm affecting Earth’s magnetic environment tonight, raising the possibility of rare auroral displays visible across mid-Atlantic skies, including the Delmarva region.

What Is a G4 Magnetic Storm?

A geomagnetic storm occurs when charged particles from the Sun, often launched by a solar flare or coronal mass ejection (CME), slam into Earth’s magnetosphere and disturb its magnetic field. The intensity of these storms is measured on the NOAA Space Weather Scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme). A G4 storm represents severe levels of geomagnetic activity, indicating strong magnetic fluctuations and a heightened potential for vivid auroras at unusually low latitudes.

During a G4 event:

• Particles from the Sun funnel into the upper atmosphere near the poles and excite atoms like oxygen and nitrogen, creating luminous curtains of light known as the aurora borealis.
• The auroral zone expands, sometimes far south of its normal range, allowing observers in mid-latitude regions (including the Mid-Atlantic) to see lights typically confined to far northern skies.

Geomagnetic storms at this level can also affect radio communications, GPS accuracy, and in rare cases electric power systems, though modern grids are usually resilient.

Aurora Potential Tonight for Delmarva

Forecasters monitoring the aurora forecast models say the current geomagnetic activity could push the auroral oval southward toward the mid-Atlantic. Under G4 conditions, auroras have in the past been reported as far south as the southeastern United States, with some displays reaching states like Florida and Alabama during strong storms.

For observers in Delaware and the broader Delmarva region, this means:

• Timing: The best chances for sightings are typically after local sunset through the late evening and into the early morning hours. Auroras are most visible when the sky is fully dark.
• Colors & Forms: If visible, the lights may appear as greenish glows or shimmering curtains, occasionally with hints of red or pink at the edges, depending on atmospheric conditions and storm strength.
• Visibility Factors: Clear skies and low light pollution will improve viewing prospects. Urban lighting and cloud cover can wash out faint auroral activity.

This level of geomagnetic storming is rare for mid-latitude regions like the Mid-Atlantic, and any display would be an unusual and noteworthy event for skywatchers in the area.