Devin Jacobs
The night sky is about to put on one of its most dramatic performances of the year. A severe geomagnetic storm is creating perfect conditions for the aurora borealisâcommonly known as the northern lightsâto be visible across a much broader swath of the United States than usual.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, residents in up to 21 states may have the opportunity to witness this breathtaking natural light show on November 12, 2025.
Rare G4 Geomagnetic Conditions
The celestial spectacle is the result of multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs)âessentially massive bursts of solar plasma and magnetic fieldsâthat have been launched from the sun over the past few days.
When these charged particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, they create the vivid, dancing colors we recognize as auroras. What makes this moment special is the intensity of the geomagnetic storm, which has been classified as a G4 on NOAA’s 5-point scaleâa rare and powerful event that pushes the aurora’s visibility much farther south than normal.
Which States Will See The Northern Lights?
The spectacular display should be visible across Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Maineâstates that occasionally get to witness the northern lights. Well, the aurora view line extends much farther south, potentially reaching Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Wyoming.
Weather conditions will play a critical role in visibility. Unfortunately for some hopeful viewers in New England and the Great Lakes region, cloud cover may obstruct the view tonight. Meanwhile, those in clearer parts of the Midwest and Northern Plains may be treated to an extraordinary display of green, pink, and purple lights dancing across the night sky.
Some meteorologists are even suggesting that if conditions strengthen further, the northern lights might become visible in states as far south as Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. In an extreme scenario, viewers in nearly every state except Louisiana, Florida, and Hawaii could catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.
How To Best View This Rare Event
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, though NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center suggests the prime viewing window for this particular storm could extend from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora, experts recommend finding a location away from city lights with minimal light pollution.
“We typically suggest getting away from cities and finding an open field or hilltop to lie out under the stars,” explained Tim Brothers, Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dark skies are essential for optimal viewing, so rural areas and conservation lands that minimize artificial lighting provide ideal conditions.
The storm is expected to continue through November 13, with the most intense period occurring tonight and into early tomorrow morning. This ongoing solar activity is part of the current solar maximumâa period of heightened activity in our sun’s 11-year cycle.
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser or hoping to catch your first glimpse of this magnificent phenomenon, tonight presents a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular light shows from the comfort of locations much farther south than normally possible.
Don’t forget to charge your camera batteries, as this could be a night to remember.