NOAA SWPC & Sky Alert • Nov 6–12, 2026
NOAA G2 Aurora Watch & Northern Taurid Fireballs: Nov 2026 US Guide
An L-shaped solar coronal hole is driving G1–G2 geomagnetic storm watches on Nov 6–8 right as the Northern Taurid fireball swarm builds toward its Nov 11–12 peak.1. The Solar Trigger (NOAA SWPC)
Large L-Shaped Coronal Hole Fires High-Speed Solar Wind
NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) tracked a large L-shaped coronal hole unleashing a high-speed solar wind stream (CH HSS) alongside glancing CME effects.2. Nov 6–8 Storm Levels
G1 Minor to G2 Moderate Geomagnetic Storm Watches
NOAA SWPC issued G1 (Minor, Kp 5) storm watches for Nov 6–8, 2026, with a window for G2 (Moderate, Kp 6) conditions on Nov 7–8 if the magnetic field points south (-Bz).3. US States in the Viewing Zone
Where Northern Lights Could Reach on Nov 6–8
Under G1–G2 conditions, aurora visibility favors northern-tier US states: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, NY, and Maine.4. The Taurid Fireball Swarm
Why Early November Is Famous for 'Halloween Fireballs'
While watching the northern sky, stargazers get a double treat: Earth is passing through pebble-sized debris left behind by periodic Comet 2P/Encke.5. Two Overlapping Peaks
Southern Taurids (Nov 4–5) & Northern Taurids (Nov 11–12)
The Southern Taurids reached their secondary peak on Nov 4–5, while the Northern Taurids peak overnight on Nov 11–12, 2026 under dark, low-moonlight skies.6. Slow, Bright Bolides
5 Meteors/Hour — But Exceptional Venus-Bright Fireballs
Taurids enter the atmosphere at a relatively slow 27 km/s (60,000 mph), burning longer and often producing vivid yellow, orange, or green fireballs brighter than Venus.7. Best Viewing Hours & Direction
Look High After 10 PM Local Time (Peak 11 PM – 3 AM)
For aurora, face north from a dark spot away from city LED glare. For Taurid fireballs, take in a wide view around the constellation Taurus high in the southern sky after midnight.8. Smartphone Camera Trick
Use Night Mode (3–10s Exposure) to Spot Faint Aurora
Even when G1/G2 aurora looks like a pale grey cloud to the naked eye, a smartphone on Night Mode (3–10 second exposure) reveals vivid green and magenta pillars.9. Live NOAA Kp-Index Tracker