Get ready, aurora hunters! The Northern Lights might paint the sky above parts of the United States tonight (November 11-12) with vibrant green and purple hues. This spectacular celestial show is expected thanks to a powerful geomagnetic storm brewing in response to multiple solar outbursts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which monitors space weather, forecasts that the intensity of the geomagnetic storm could reach “strong” (G3) levels overnight. This heightened activity stems from three coronal mass ejections (CMEs)—massive bursts of charged particles ejected from the Sun—headed our way.
The first CME, launched on November 9th, is anticipated to arrive late tonight, followed closely by a second CME that erupted yesterday. Adding fuel to this celestial firestorm, a third CME erupted during an intense X5.1 solar flare—the most powerful one observed in 2023 so far—and is currently hurtling towards Earth. This final CME could slam into our planet around 7 a.m. EST (1200 GMT) on November 12th, prompting NOAA to issue a G4 storm watch for that day.
Where Will the Auroras Appear?
Based on NOAA’s aurora forecast maps, these 21 states have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights tonight:
- Alaska
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Maine
- South Dakota
- Idaho
- Vermont
- Washington
- New Hampshire
- Wyoming
- New York
- Iowa
- Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania
- Nebraska
- Ohio
- Illinois
- Indiana
However, remember that auroras are notoriously unpredictable. Their visibility depends on a delicate interplay of factors, including the intensity and direction of the solar wind, Earth’s magnetic field, and atmospheric conditions. On some nights, they may appear further south than predicted, while other times they might be barely noticeable even in regions considered prime viewing spots.
Best Times to Watch
While auroras could potentially appear across these states as soon as darkness falls, the best window for viewing is likely between:
- 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. EST (2100-0300 GMT): Minor (G1) to moderate (G2) storm levels possible.
- 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. EST (0300-0600 GMT): Strong (G3) storm levels possible.
Tips for Aurora Spotting
If you find yourself under one of these lucky states’ skies tonight, here are some tips to maximize your chances of witnessing this celestial spectacle:
- Find a North-Facing Vantage Point: Position yourself with an unobstructed view towards the north horizon.
- Escape Light Pollution: Seek out dark locations away from city lights for optimal visibility.
- Use Your Camera’s Night Mode: Phone cameras often excel at capturing faint auroras before they become visible to the naked eye. Use your camera app as a guide to locate potential aurora activity in the sky.
- Allow Your Eyes to Adjust: Spend at least 30 minutes in darkness to let your night vision adapt.
Finally, don’t forget layers of warm clothing! Aurora hunting often involves waiting patiently for hours under the open sky—you won’t want to miss the show due to chills.
Download a dedicated space weather app like “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” (available on iOS and Android) or “Space Weather Live” (iOS and Android). These apps can provide real-time aurora forecasts tailored to your location, along with detailed information about current solar activity and space weather conditions.
The skies above much of the United States could be alight tonight with a mesmerizing celestial display thanks to the combined forces of multiple CMEs. If you’re in one of the lucky states on NOAA’s forecast map, venture out under clear skies and prepare for an unforgettable cosmic light show!
