Aurora Borealis in India? Strong Solar Storm Could Light Up Skies on June 8

A powerful solar eruption is racing toward Earth and could trigger a strong geomagnetic storm on Monday, June 8, raising the possibility of rare aurora sightings from parts of northern India. Space weather forecasters have issued a G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm watch after an Earth-directed solar eruption erupted from the Sun on June 6.

The event originated from Active Region 4461, a highly active area on the Sun that produced an M1.8-class solar flare along with a fast-moving filament eruption. Scientists say the solar cloud is travelling through space at around 1,400 kilometres per second and is expected to interact with Earth's magnetic field on Monday. Severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm Triggers Global Aurora Alert As Rare Sightings Possible Tonight; Know if Northern Lights Will Be Visible in India.

Strong Solar Storm Headed Toward Earth

Why Scientists Are Watching This Solar Storm Closely

According to the US Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), the incoming eruption contains a dense, magnetised filament, a large structure of solar plasma held together by magnetic fields. Space weather scientist Tamitha Skov, who identified the event through satellite observations, described it as a "textbook core filament eruption" and suggested that aurora watchers should closely monitor conditions on June 8.

The eruption originated from Active Region 4461, where solar magnetic fields had twisted into a highly unstable S-shaped structure known as a sigmoidal configuration. Such regions can store large amounts of energy before releasing it suddenly through solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Northern Lights Pictures and Videos: Netizens Share Stunning Photos of Aurora Borealis Lighting Up the Night Sky Across the World.

What Is a Geomagnetic Storm?

A geomagnetic storm occurs when charged particles and magnetic fields from the Sun collide with Earth's magnetosphere, the invisible magnetic shield that surrounds the planet.

The SWPC measures these storms on a scale from G1 (Minor) to G5 (Extreme). The current event is forecast to reach G3 levels, although forecasters have not ruled out brief G4 (Severe) periods if magnetic conditions become favourable for stronger energy transfer into Earth's atmosphere.

Such storms can affect radio communications, satellite operations, navigation systems and power infrastructure while also producing spectacular auroral displays.

Could Auroras Be Seen From India?

One of the most closely watched aspects of this event is the possibility that auroras could extend farther south than usual. During strong geomagnetic storms, the auroral oval expands away from the polar regions. Scientists say parts of northern India could have a chance of witnessing faint auroral activity if the storm intensifies and weather conditions remain favourable.

The possibility depends largely on a critical factor known as the Bz magnetic field component. If the incoming solar cloud carries a strongly southward-pointing magnetic field, it can reconnect more efficiently with Earth's magnetic field. This process allows larger amounts of solar energy to enter the atmosphere, increasing the intensity of auroras and pushing them to lower latitudes.

At G3 storm levels, auroras can become visible much farther from the poles than normal. If brief G4 conditions develop, the viewing zone could expand even further.

Despite the strong forecast, experts say the most important detail remains unknown until shortly before the solar cloud arrives. The orientation of the magnetic field inside the incoming eruption can only be measured when it reaches monitoring satellites located around 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. This provides forecasters with just 15 to 60 minutes of warning before impact.

The direction of the Bz field will largely determine whether the storm remains moderate or develops into a stronger event capable of producing widespread auroras.

Could Earlier Solar Eruptions Make It Stronger?

Scientists are also tracking solar activity from earlier in the week. Active Region 4455 generated multiple eruptions around June 3, producing G2-level geomagnetic storms.

Researchers say there is a possibility that the incoming eruption could interact with remnants of those earlier solar clouds. When a faster coronal mass ejection overtakes a slower one, the merged structure is known as a "cannibal CME." Such interactions can produce denser and more energetic solar storms, potentially increasing their impact once they reach Earth.

The solar cloud is expected to arrive on June 8, when scientists will closely monitor real-time measurements to assess the storm's strength.

For skywatchers in India and elsewhere, the coming hours will determine whether the event delivers a routine geomagnetic disturbance or one of the most impressive auroral displays seen in recent years.

Until then, forecasters remain focused on one unanswered question: the orientation of the incoming magnetic field that will decide how brightly the skies may light up.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 07, 2026 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).