Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Northern Lights Expected Again Tonight Across 17 US States
The sun has sent another big burst of energy towards Earth.
This is expected to cause another space weather storm, similar to what happened last night.
Because of this storm, the Northern Lights might be seen again tonight, November 12th, across many parts of the US, even in states that don't usually see them.
You might be able to see them starting when it gets dark.
The best chances for seeing the lights will be between 7 PM and 4 AM, Eastern Time.
Make sure you are in a place with clear skies and away from city lights to get the best view.
Scientists are calling this a strong storm because the sun has been very active recently.
This kind of space storm can sometimes cause small, temporary problems for satellites and power systems, but it's not dangerous for people.
The Northern Lights are expected to be visible again across 17 US states on the night of November 12-13.
This display is caused by an incoming Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from an X5.1 solar flare, expected to create severe geomagnetic storm conditions.
Geomagnetic storm activity is predicted to remain high, with G3 level storming possible between 7 PM - 10 PM EST and G2 level storming from 10 PM - 4 AM EST.
Auroras may be visible from sunset, with the best chances occurring during the specified evening and early morning hours.
While NOAA forecasts visibility across 17 states, auroras could potentially reach much farther south under favorable conditions.
- Who
- People in 17 US states, potentially more.
- What
- A second night of potential Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) visibility due to an incoming geomagnetic storm.
- When
- November 12-13, with viewing opportunities from sunset, peaking with strong storming between 7 pm - 10 pm EST and moderate storming from 10 pm - 4 am EST.
- Where
- Across 17 listed US states including Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New York, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois, with potential for visibility further south.
- Why
- A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from an X5.1 solar flare is expected to strike Earth, causing strong geomagnetic storm conditions.
NOAA Forecasted Visibility (Nov 12 Forecast)
Potential Wider Visibility
Southernmost Extent of Aurora
NOAA Forecasted Visibility (Nov 12 Forecast)
Based on the Nov 12 forecast map, 17 US states were listed as having full or partial aurora visibility, extending potentially as far south as Iowa and Oregon.
Potential Wider Visibility
There is a possibility that auroras could reach much farther south than expected, potentially across much of the US, if conditions are right and skies are clear.
- Event
- Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) display
- Cause
- A speedy Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from an X5.1 solar flare is expected to hit Earth, potentially causing severe geomagnetic storm conditions.
- Geomagnetic Storm Level
- Expected to stay high, with G3 (strong) storming possible between 7 pm - 10 pm EST and G2 (moderate) storming between 10 pm - 4 am EST.
- Date of Display
- November 12-13
- Peak Viewing Times (EST)
- 7 pm - 10 pm EST (G3 level), 10 pm - 4 am EST (G2 level)
- States with Potential Visibility
- Alaska, Washington, North Dakota, Montana, Minnesota, Idaho, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Oregon, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New York, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois. Potentially further south.
Sources
Northern Lights Tonight: List of US States And Best Time To See The Aurora | NOAA Forecast
Auroras in California today: When and how to watch vibrant display of northern lights amid geomagnetic storm warning
Northern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight - from Washington to Vermont to Maine
Earth Braces For Powerful “Cannibal CME”: NOAA Issues G4 Solar Storm Warning
Severe Solar Storms Expected: Northern Lights to Light Up Skies, Possible Communication Disruptions
Aurora Borealis alert: Northern Lights may be visible across 18 US states tonight, NOAA forecasts
Northern Lights Shine Bright Across U.S., Visible as Far South as Alabama
Stunning Northern Lights Dazzle Across US Night Skies. Here's Where To See Them Tonight
Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Creates Visual Spectacle Across US - See Viral Videos And Images
Northern Lights November 12: Best Viewing Time And List of States To See Aurora Borealis Tonight | NOAA Forecast
