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The universe may have just booked the biggest light show of 2026 for India. A powerful solar storm is racing towards Earth, and scientists say it could trigger dazzling auroras. Yes, the Northern Lights, in India!
What’s the science behind it?
The Sun recently unleashed a fast-moving coronal mass ejection (CME). In simple words, it's a giant blast of charged solar particles fired into space. When these particles slam into Earth's magnetic field (or atmosphere), they can spark geomagnetic storm forms of greenish neon lights that create auroras.
For this particular episode of aurora, NASA and other space-weather forecasters have raised the possibility that northern lights could be visible much farther south than usual!
Where in India should we be looking?
Don't expect the Mumbai and Delhi skylines to look like Iceland suddenly. If auroras do appear, the best chances are in northern regions with dark skies and minimal light pollution. Places such as Ladakh and other high-altitude northern locations remain the strongest contenders. Experts suggest that some northern Indian areas could witness faint auroral activity, but only if luck remains on our side.
The best time to catch the light is between 10pm to 2pm at night.
And before you ask: yes, India has seen this before during major storms in 2024 and 2026. Unusual auroral displays and red sky glows were reported over Ladakh.