Stunning Northern Lights Span Iceland and Canada

NASA satellite captures vivid aurora borealis displays amid increased solar activity

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The skies above Iceland and Canada recently dazzled with extraordinary displays of the aurora borealis, a phenomenon captured in stunning detail by NASA's Suomi NPP satellite. This event, occurring during a minor geomagnetic storm in February 2026, highlights a growing trend of increasingly frequent and vibrant auroral displays as we progress through Solar Cycle 25.

Why it matters

Understanding and monitoring the aurora borealis is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of space weather events, which can disrupt power grids and satellite operations. The data collected from advanced satellite technology like the Suomi NPP helps researchers better comprehend the complex system driving these mesmerizing light shows.

The details

Auroras are caused by collisions between charged particles from the sun and atoms in Earth's atmosphere. These interactions release energy in the form of light, creating the colorful displays we observe. The VIIRS instrument on the Suomi NPP satellite is specifically designed to detect nighttime light, including the faint glow of auroras. While the satellite images appear in grayscale, the auroras themselves are vibrant and colorful to the naked eye.

  • In February 2026, a minor geomagnetic storm (G1) was reported by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, capable of making auroras visible at high latitudes.
  • Shortly after, the conditions intensified to a G2 storm, potentially pushing the auroral displays as far south as New York and Idaho.

The players

Suomi NPP satellite

A NASA satellite equipped with the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument, which is designed to detect nighttime light, including the faint glow of auroras.

NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

The organization responsible for monitoring and reporting on space weather events, including geomagnetic storms that can trigger auroral displays.

GNEISS (Geophysical Non-Equilibrium Ionospheric System Science) mission

A NASA rocket mission launched from Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska on February 10, 2026, aimed at creating a 3D reconstruction of the electrical currents flowing within an aurora to help researchers better understand the complex system driving space weather near Earth.

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What’s next

The GNEISS mission, combined with ground-based and space-based observations, will help researchers better understand the complex system driving space weather near Earth.

The takeaway

Accurate space weather prediction is becoming increasingly important as our reliance on technology grows. Improved monitoring and understanding of auroral activity are essential for mitigating the risks posed by geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt power grids and impact satellite operations.