Missed the Northern Lights? Here's What Happened During the Solar Storm on June 1, 2025
Last night, June 1, 2025, Earth was struck by a powerful G4-class (severe) solar storm, lighting up skies across the northern hemisphere with dazzling auroras. The storm was triggered by a coronal mass ejection (CME) released by sunspot region AR4100 on May 31. When the CME reached Earth, it sparked intense geomagnetic activity—and for those in the right spot, a spectacular northern lights show.
What Is a G4 Solar Storm?
A G4 geomagnetic storm is considered "severe" by space weather standards. These storms can affect satellite operations, GPS, high-frequency radio communications, and even power grids in extreme cases. But for many of us on the ground, the most exciting side effect is the increased chance of seeing the aurora borealis much farther south than usual.
What About Vancouver?
For those of us in Metro Vancouver (myself included), the storm was expected to bring the northern lights into view between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., according to space weather forecasts. Unfortunately, city lights and light pollution made it difficult—if not impossible—to catch the glow from downtown or other urban neighborhoods. While social media buzzed with stunning aurora photos from rural and northern locations, the skies over the city remained relatively quiet.
Still, just knowing it was happening above us—this dance of particles and magnetic forces—felt like a reminder of how connected we are to cosmic forces we can barely imagine.
Can You Still See the Lights Tonight?
Yes! The geomagnetic activity is expected to continue into June 2, so there's still a chance to see the northern lights. If you want to try again, head away from city lights—try going to the mountains, open fields, or dark rural areas after sunset. Look north and stay patient; the auroras often appear as green or pink curtains rippling across the sky.
You can follow real-time aurora forecasts from NOAA here:
👉 Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)
Final Thoughts
Even if we couldn’t see the lights clearly from the city, the knowledge of this incredible solar event happening above our heads is awe-inspiring. These rare storms remind us how vibrant and alive our solar system is—and how even a quiet night sky can be full of hidden wonder.
Did you manage to catch a glimpse of the northern lights? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your photos on Instagram @zipolita!
Stay curious and keep looking up!
💫
— Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita
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