Are you prepared for another mesmerizing display of the northern lights? Tonight, November 12, could be an exceptional night for aurora chasers as a rapid incoming coronal mass ejection (CME), triggered by a colossal X5.1 class solar flare, is expected to create strong to severe geomagnetic storm conditions. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the geomagnetic activity is anticipated to escalate to strong (G3) or even severe (G4) levels overnight.
In an even more optimistic forecast, the U.K. Met Office has issued an extreme G5 watch for today, running from 7 a.m. EST to 6:59 p.m. EST (12:00 - 23:59 GMT). Last night’s stunning aurora display, which was a result of two previous CME impacts, was visible coast to coast and even reached as far south as Mexico. Be sure to check out some of the best photos from last night’s incredible show!
If you're wondering where to witness the northern lights tonight, the latest NOAA aurora forecast map indicates that 17 U.S. states are either fully or partially within the aurora view line:
Alaska Washington North Dakota Montana Minnesota Idaho South Dakota Wisconsin Oregon Michigan Vermont New Hampshire Wyoming New York Iowa Nebraska IllinoisIt's essential to note that auroras can be unpredictable. This list is based on current forecast data, but with the ongoing strong geomagnetic activity and another CME approaching, the northern lights could potentially be visible much farther south than anticipated, possibly across a larger portion of the U.S. if conditions align and skies remain clear.
Tonight, the northern lights could become visible across the 17 U.S. states (and possibly beyond) as soon as darkness falls. Keep your eyes on the sky throughout the evening, particularly in regions with clear, dark skies. According to NOAA's 3-day forecast, geomagnetic storm activity is expected to remain elevated throughout the night, with the best chances for aurora sightings during the following key timeframes:
7 p.m. - 10 p.m. EST (0000-0300 GMT): Potential for strong G3 level storming 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. EST (0300–0900 GMT): Possibility of moderate G2 level stormingIf you're located in one of the states forecasted to experience the auroras tonight, follow these tips to maximize your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon:
Find a north-facing location with a clear view of the horizon, away from light pollution. Use your phone camera to scan the sky; cameras are excellent at detecting faint auroras before they become visible to the naked eye. Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 30 minutes to enhance your night vision. Dress warmly! Part of the adventure of aurora hunting is the wait, so be prepared to stand or sit for an extended period if conditions seem promising. Consider downloading a space weather app for real-time aurora forecasts. A popular choice is My Aurora Forecast & Alerts, available for both iOS and Android. Alternatively, you can use the Space Weather Live app to gain insights into current space weather conditions.Don’t miss out on this potentially spectacular night of auroral activity—get outside, enjoy the chase, and hopefully, witness the breathtaking beauty of the northern lights!