A rare and powerful geomagnetic storm lit up the skies in Nantucket this past week and residents were given an unexpected glimpse of the Northern Lights– a phenomenon usually seen much farther north.
The spectacular event was classified as a G4 (severe) geomagnetic storm, one of the strongest levels on the space weather scale. Caused by a coronal mass ejection (CME), a large burst of charged particles released from the Sun. When the CME reached Earth, it had collided with the planet’s magnetic field, triggering intense geomagnetic activity.
Due to the storm’s severe strength, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a Level 4 “severe” geomagnetic storm watch, warning of possible effects on satellites, radio communications, and power. However, for many Nantucket residents, the most noticeable result was the beautiful aurora displayed in the sky.
Throughout the island, observers reported seeing waves and streaks of green, red, and purple light moving across the night sky. Nantucket’s relatively dark skies made the colors especially visible, turning the event into a memorable experience for both visitors and residents.
Geomagnetic storms are part of Earth’s natural interaction with the Sun, but storms this strong are uncommon. They occur more frequently during periods of high solar activity, known as solar maximum, which scientists say the Sun is currently approaching.
Sophomore Caroline Allen says, “I think that this is so cool how we are able to see this type of light and I think you normally see it more north but it’s so amazing that it was so close to home.”
Similarly, Ella Falconari says, “ I can’t believe something like that happened in Nantucket. I have always wanted to see the northern lights and I can’t believe it happened so close to us!”
While no major issues were reported locally, the storm served as a reminder that solar activity can have real effects on Earth from technology to even rare natural displays. For Nantucket, the January 2026 storm will be memorable and a rare opportunity to witness a cosmic event.
Sources:
https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/g4-severe-geomagnetic-storm-levels-reached-19-jan-2026
https://people.com/how-to-watch-the-northern-lights-january-19-2026-11888053
