A powerful solar storm is set to bring a rare opportunity for skywatchers in high-altitude Indian regions tonight, with the potential for auroras to grace the night sky. While major Indian cities are unlikely to witness the spectacle, remote areas in Ladakh, including Hanle, offer the best chance to see the elusive northern lights.
The geomagnetic storm, classified by the US Space Weather Prediction Centre as G3 (strong) with brief periods of G4 (severe) conditions possible, is expected to peak between 11:30 PM IST on June 8 and 2:30 AM IST on June 9. This event follows a massive solar eruption on June 6, which blasted a billion-tonne cloud of magnetised plasma towards Earth at an astounding speed of 1,400 kilometres per second.
Why Auroras Might Appear in India
Auroras, typically observed near Earth's poles, occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in our planet's upper atmosphere, creating vibrant displays of green, purple, and red light. India is usually too far from the auroral zones to experience this phenomenon. However, exceptionally strong geomagnetic storms can push these zones further south than usual, making auroras visible at lower latitudes.
Although tonight's storm may not be as intense as the historic May 2024 event, scientists believe it could still be powerful enough to produce visible auroras in specific parts of the Indian Himalayas.
Prime Viewing Locations
The most promising location for aurora sightings in India is Hanle in Ladakh. Home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory at an altitude of approximately 4,500 meters, Hanle previously witnessed a rare red aurora on January 19, 2026, confirmed by scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. Given its high altitude and minimal light pollution, Hanle is once again considered the prime spot.
Other high-altitude areas with a smaller but possible chance of witnessing a faint red or pink glow near the northern horizon include the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, parts of Kashmir, and higher regions of Uttarakhand, provided skies remain clear.
Unlikely for Major Cities
Residents of major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai are unlikely to witness the aurora. While Delhi is forecast to have clear skies, heavy light pollution will significantly hinder visibility. In Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai, monsoon clouds are expected to further block any potential view.
Tips for Skywatchers
Experts recommend heading to the darkest possible location, away from city lights, and facing north after midnight. To give eyes ample time to adjust to the darkness, observers should allow about 20 minutes. Cameras and smartphones with night mode or long-exposure settings are often more successful at capturing the faint glow than the naked eye.
The precise visibility of the aurora largely depends on the orientation of the magnetic field within the incoming solar cloud. Scientists will gain more certainty once the cloud passes monitoring satellites, typically providing 15 to 60 minutes of advance notice. Skywatchers can follow real-time updates from the Space Weather Prediction Centre as the storm unfolds.