With solar maximum fast approaching, 2024 has been one of the best years in a long time to see the Northern Lights. Several geomagnetic storms have already impacted the planet this year (and there are likely many more to come). Fortunately, WNY was blessed with relatively clear skies for many of these major displays.
Geomagnetic storms are rated on a scale of 1 to 5. The higher the number, the more severe the occurrence. G1 storms are relatively common, while G5 storms are exceptionally rare. This year alone, we’ve run the gamut.
Let’s take a look at what each of these storms looks like behind the lens of a camera.
G1 is the “weakest” pit stop on the scale. Relatively speaking, they occur quite frequently and are usually only noticed by using a long exposure camera. The shot above was a 10-second exposure from July 30. The camera can capture a subtle shimmer of color and faint pink pillars low on the northern horizon. G1 events are almost impossible to spot with the naked eye and are often only captured by photographers who are aware of the situation. You’ll have a hard time capturing anything with your smartphone.
At G2, the aurora starts to become more vibrant and becomes an easier target for the camera. The shot above is an 8-second exposure that also captured a Perseid meteor on August 11. Note that the color is more pronounced, with slight green tones among the pinks and purples above. G2 events can sometimes be spotted with the naked eye if you’re in completely dark sky conditions. What you notice is a subtle milky-white haze rather than a discernible color. Your smartphone may detect faint colors at this stage.
This is often the point where I get excited and urge people to get out and look up. G3 storms are considered “strong” and are visible to the naked eye. Similar to G2, what the eye sees is often more of a whitish glow or haze, but as your eyes adjust you’ll be able to distinguish the colors. Your smartphone will have no trouble getting a decent shot, and a longer exposure camera will really bring out streaks and pillars reaching higher into the sky on the northern horizon. The above image was taken early in the morning of August 12, when the previous G2 storm had strengthened to G3 status.
These are rare, an upper category “severe” geomagnetic storm. At this level, the aurora is easily seen with the naked eye, the colors brightly lit. Sometimes you can even see the curtains moving and fluttering. The aurora dances and dives, and this is the stage where you get a chance to see it in action. Cameras are just icing on the cake, they only serve to brighten the color your eye is already seeing. I have seen G4 events where the sky looked like it was on fire, with pulsing flashes of light overhead. The curtains rise higher into the sky, not quite over WNY, but close.
G5
The “big” G5 class storms are drop-everything events that are exceedingly rare. Not only did we have one this year, but in May it was a once-in-a-lifetime generational event. During G5s, auroras can be seen as far away as Florida (and there are even historical reports from even lower latitudes). The term “northern lights” boils down to “lights.” Instead of staying on the northern horizon where the auroral oval usually lurks, light can appear above us and in all directions. While cameras are great for documenting the event, they are not required. Your eye sees a spectacle you will not soon forget.
Our sun goes through solar cycles that repeat every 11 years or so. There is a peak in solar activity, called solar maximum, and a valley, called solar minimum. We are very close to (if not already there) solar maximum, historically the time of greatest sunspot activity. While 2024 has been incredible so far, it’s quite possible that the party is just getting started.
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