Northern Lights Tonight: Will the Aurora Glow Across the U.S. After Rare Solar Storm?

The northern lights tonight could be visible far beyond their usual range across the United States. A rare G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm alert has been issued by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, following a series of powerful solar flares. This means that skywatchers across several states — even as far south as Alabama — may catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis tonight.

The SWPC confirmed that a sequence of X-class solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the Sun are expected to strike Earth between November 11–13. These disturbances could trigger widespread auroral activity, making tonight’s northern lights display one of the strongest in recent years.

Where the Northern Lights Might Be Visible Tonight

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, the aurora borealis may be seen across a wide stretch of the northern U.S. on Wednesday night. The current forecast indicates a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm level, which typically brings visibility far south of the usual Arctic Circle regions. States with the best viewing potential include Washington, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maine.

However, the aurora “view line” could extend into several other states, including Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Some models even suggest faint glows could appear as far south as Alabama and northern California.

For those planning to look up, experts recommend watching between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time for the best chance of seeing the aurora. NOAA cautions that the strongest magnetic activity could occur near midday on Wednesday, which may reduce nighttime visibility — but if the storm persists into nightfall, the spectacle could stretch across dozens of states.

What Causes the Northern Lights Tonight

The northern lights tonight are caused by a massive X5.1-class solar flare — the most intense of 2025 so far — that erupted earlier this week. Solar flares release charged particles that collide with Earth’s atmosphere, exciting gases like oxygen and nitrogen to produce the aurora’s signature green and pink hues. This particular flare follows a similar X9.0 event from October 2024, which also made the aurora visible across much of the continental U.S.

AccuWeather reported that solar material from the latest eruption is moving at speeds of up to 4.4 million mph, creating the perfect setup for tonight’s dazzling display. NOAA officials say more CMEs are expected later this week, meaning northern lights sightings could continue through November 14 at lesser intensities.

Skywatching Tips and Cautions

To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights tonight, head to a dark, rural location away from city lights. The darker the sky, the better your odds. Even in regions within the viewing zone, cloud cover or light pollution can obscure visibility. Use a camera with long exposure settings or night mode on smartphones to capture faint colors invisible to the naked eye.

Beyond its beauty, the geomagnetic storm also poses some technological concerns. Strong solar storms can temporarily disrupt satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids. NOAA emphasized that tonight’s storm, though visually spectacular, may cause minor interference in some high-frequency networks.

In summary: the northern lights tonight offer a rare spectacle for millions across the U.S. While conditions must align for visibility, this event represents one of the strongest auroral chances of 2025 — a breathtaking reminder of the Sun’s power and Earth’s magnetic connection.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What states could see the northern lights tonight?

According to NOAA, states from Washington and Michigan to Maine — and possibly as far south as Alabama — may see the aurora under clear skies.

Q2: Why are the northern lights visible so far south tonight?

Because of a rare G4 geomagnetic storm triggered by powerful solar flares and CMEs interacting with Earth’s magnetic field.

Q3: When is the best time to view the northern lights tonight?

The ideal viewing time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, though timing can vary depending on the storm’s peak.

Q4: Can the geomagnetic storm affect technology?

Yes. Severe storms can cause brief disruptions to satellites, GPS signals, and radio communications, though most impacts are temporary.

Q5: How often do G4 storms happen?

Such severe geomagnetic storms are rare, typically occurring only a few times per solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years.