the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, if you were among the lucky few who caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights in New Jersey last October, you might want to keep your eyes on the sky again this weekend. The National Weather Service and space weather forecasters say there’s a strong chance the aurora borealis will once again be visible as far south as Bergen County — including Ridgewood — on Sunday, June 1, and Monday, June 2.
☀️ What’s Causing It?
On May 30, a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun. This burst of solar energy is expected to hit Earth’s magnetic field by late Sunday, potentially triggering a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm — one of the strongest classifications on the scale.
Forecasters say conditions may be best for visibility on Monday night, with Kp indices expected to hit 6 to 7, high enough to push aurora activity into mid-latitude states like New Jersey.
📸 How to Spot and Photograph the Aurora
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Best Direction: Look north toward the horizon
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Best Time: After sunset, when skies are fully dark
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Camera Tip: Use a slow shutter speed and increased exposure to capture light the eye can’t see
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Helpful App: Download the Aurora Forecast App to track real-time Kp levels
Even if the aurora isn’t visible to the naked eye, long-exposure photography might reveal the magical greens, pinks, and purples of the aurora borealis.
🌥️ Weather Forecast
The biggest wild card? Cloud cover. Skies may be partly cloudy on both Sunday and Monday nights, but clearing is expected, improving your chances of catching the display.
🧪 Why This Is Happening Now
The increased frequency of aurora sightings is tied to Solar Cycle 25, which is now approaching its “solar maximum” — the peak of an 11-year solar activity cycle. During this phase, geomagnetic storms are stronger and more frequent, increasing the likelihood of visible auroras even in regions that don’t normally see them.
🗓️ What’s Next?
These G4-level aurora events are rare, and while there’s some uncertainty in timing and intensity, experts are optimistic.
“G4 Watches are quite rare, so there is great interest & potential in what lies ahead,” said one meteorologist in New York.
The National Weather Service will provide ongoing updates as this powerful CME approaches. Keep checking NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center for real-time updates.
📌 Quick Summary
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What: Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) may be visible in Ridgewood, NJ
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When: Sunday night, June 1, and Monday night, June 2
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Where to Look: North-facing horizon
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Best Viewing Conditions: Dark, clear skies with Kp index of 6+
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Why: Solar maximum and G4 geomagnetic storm from May 30 CME
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