Mysterious Green Blobs Illuminate New England Skies: Understanding Proton Aurora Blobs

In recent weeks, residents of New England have reported sightings of unusual greenish glows in the night sky, described as "blobs" or "mind-bending" patches of light. These phenomena, observed during the peak of the solar cycle, are identified as proton aurora blobs, a rare occurrence linked to geomagnetic storms. The blobs were notably visible over the weekend of November 11-12, 2025, coinciding with a significant geomagnetic event.

Boston Globe

Proton auroras occur when coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun interact with Earth's magnetic field. CMEs are massive clouds of charged particles released during solar storms, which can take 1-3 days to reach Earth. When these particles, primarily protons, penetrate the Earth's magnetosphere, they can strike the upper atmosphere, resulting in the characteristic green glow. This process is similar to the more common northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, which are primarily caused by electrons from solar wind interacting with atmospheric gases.

Boston GlobeWRGB - Albany

The visibility of auroras, including proton blobs, is influenced by the orientation of the magnetic field of the incoming solar particles. If the magnetic field of a CME aligns oppositely to Earth's, charged particles can easily enter the atmosphere, enhancing auroral displays. Conversely, if the orientations align, the particles may be deflected, leading to weaker auroras. The recent sightings were attributed to a weak geomagnetic storm that increased solar wind speeds and intensity, allowing for the appearance of these blobs.

WRGB - Albany

The frequency of auroras has notably increased during 2024 and 2025, attributed to the current solar cycle, which peaked in October 2024. This cycle is characterized by heightened solar activity, resulting in more frequent and widespread auroral displays, even at lower latitudes. Major geomagnetic storms, such as those on May 10-11, 2024, and November 11-12, 2025, have allowed auroras to be visible far beyond their typical polar regions.

WRGB - Albany

While the phenomenon has been largely attributed to proton auroras, some experts suggest alternative explanations, such as "airglow." Airglow is a faint light emitted by the upper atmosphere due to solar interactions, but it is generally less intense and more isolated than auroras. Meteorologist Shawn Dahl noted that airglow is a less plausible explanation for the recent sightings, emphasizing the significance of the proton auroras.

Boston Globe

• “You probably witnessed the proton aurora!” — Ken Mahan, Meteorologist

Boston Globe

• “Airglow is a faint, green continuous glow caused by interactions of Earth’s high altitude molecules (oxygen) with solar interactions,” — Shawn Dahl, Meteorologist

Boston Globe

The recent sightings of proton aurora blobs in New England highlight the dynamic interactions between solar activity and Earth's atmosphere. As solar cycles continue to influence geomagnetic storms, residents can expect more opportunities to witness these captivating natural light displays.

Boston Globe