What Are the Northern Lights? Stunning Aurora Borealis Dazzles the U.S. as Far South as Florida

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, put on a spectacular show across the United States this week. Brilliant green and pink hues illuminated skies from Wisconsin to Florida on Tuesday night, marking one of the most widespread aurora events in recent history.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), strong geomagnetic storms triggered by solar activity made the aurora visible far beyond its usual northern range. This rare southern visibility captivated stargazers and photographers alike across Alabama, Texas, and even the Sunshine State.

Geomagnetic Storms and Solar Eruptions Behind the Rare Display

Scientists explain that the dazzling phenomenon was caused by a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive bursts of plasma and magnetic fields expelled from the sun. When these CMEs collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they generate powerful geomagnetic storms capable of creating visible auroras even in southern latitudes.

Two CMEs reached Earth on Tuesday, producing what NOAA classified as a G4-level storm, the second-highest on its five-step scale. The resulting magnetic field was about eight times stronger than normal, making for intense and colorful aurora displays across much of the continental U.S.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasts that a third and potentially stronger CME may arrive by midday Wednesday. Experts believe this could lead to another night of vivid skies, particularly in the northern and central parts of the country.

How to View and Capture the Aurora Borealis

For those hoping to catch a glimpse, experts recommend heading away from city lights between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. The darker the surroundings, the better the chances of seeing the colorful waves of light dance across the sky.

NOAA’s “aurora viewline forecast” shows that much of the northern half of the U.S.—and even parts of the South—could see renewed activity. Several citizen science tools, such as Aurorasaurus and My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, can notify users when the northern lights are likely visible in their area.

While the human eye sees only a portion of the aurora’s colors, smartphone cameras equipped with night or manual mode can capture the full array of greens, purples, and reds. Adjusting exposure time and stability can produce striking photographs of this natural wonder.

The Science Behind the Northern Lights

The northern lights occur when charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, causing energy to be released in the form of colorful light. Oxygen produces green and red hues, while nitrogen creates pinks and purples. These displays typically happen near the Arctic Circle, but during intense solar storms, they can expand far south.

The sun is currently reaching the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum. During this phase, the frequency of solar eruptions increases, sending streams of charged particles—called solar wind—toward Earth. This heightened solar activity explains why auroras have been more common and visible across the U.S. in recent months.

With another coronal mass ejection on the way, experts say Americans might have yet another chance to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring light shows. For those who missed it, the coming nights could once again turn the U.S. sky into a canvas of dancing colors, reminding the world of the sun’s powerful and unpredictable beauty.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What are the northern lights?

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are colorful displays caused by solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.

Q2: Why were the northern lights visible in Florida?

Unusually strong geomagnetic storms pushed the aurora’s visibility much farther south than normal.

Q3: When is the best time to see the aurora?

Between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in dark, rural areas with minimal light pollution.

Q4: Can solar storms affect technology?

Yes. They can disrupt satellites, GPS signals, and even power grids during strong geomagnetic activity.

Q5: Why are northern lights more frequent now?

The sun is nearing its solar maximum, increasing solar eruptions and aurora activity worldwide.