Story perspectives

NOAA Upgrades to G2 Storm, Aurora Lights Expected May 12-13

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

NOAA upgraded the forecast to a G2 geomagnetic storm after a coronal hole opened, expecting G1 conditions that could produce northern lights in United States and United Kingdom.
The storm is forecast for May 12–13 overnight, with viewing window 10 p.m.–1 a.m. ET, while a glancing blow from the May 10 M5.7 solar flare could trigger power-grid fluctuations and affect satellites.
Aurora tourism at Yellowknife and Iceland’s Hotel Rangá generated CA$57 million in 2018.

History

Historical Context

On 1 September 1859 British astronomers Richard Carrington and Richard Hodgson recorded a bright solar flare that, after a 17.6-hour CME, produced the strongest geomagnetic storm on record, igniting auroras worldwide and shocking telegraph operators. NOAA’s G2 forecast for 12–13 May predicts comparable magnetic intensity, prompting aurora tourism and warnings for modern power and satellite systems.

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Story summary

NOAA upgraded the forecast to a G2 geomagnetic storm after a coronal hole opened, expecting G1 conditions that could produce northern lights in United States and United Kingdom.
The storm is forecast for May 12–13 overnight, with viewing window 10 p.m.–1 a.m. ET, while a glancing blow from the May 10 M5.7 solar flare could trigger power-grid fluctuations and affect satellites.
Aurora tourism at Yellowknife and Iceland’s Hotel Rangá generated CA$57 million in 2018.

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