Northern lights: Ghostly Northern Lights show is expected to take place tomorrow and today. Three of the strongest solar flares are heading towards the Earth and they might produce intense conditions in geomagnetic storms.
Auroras can be seen in at least 21 US states including Mid West and Northeast. The hours to be watched are supposed to be between 4 p.m. and 1 a.m. EST. with the help of mobile phones, faint auroras can be seen.
The Northern Lights might make a spectacular display in the sky (November 11-12) with three massive solar eruptions heading towards the Earth. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates two coronal mass ejection (CMEs) to hit the planet later on Monday, which will trigger the strong (G3) geomagnetic storm conditions, and a third, and even more powerful, outburst is anticipated.
The third CME, which was released with an X5.1- class solar flare, the biggest one recorded in 2025 to date, is expected to hit the Earth in around 7 a.m EST (1200 GMT) on Nov.12. Anticipation is on an issuance of a G4 storm watch and as much, it may have the potential to record large amounts of auroras in states that are far south of the northern regions the occurrence of which is normally anticipated. And cloudy weather spoiled the scenary of many last week, this time the weather may be more favourable.
The latest aurora forecast map provided by NOAA states that the Northern Lights may be visible in at least 21 states of the US.
Alaska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, South Dakota, Idaho, Vermont, Washington, New Hampshire, Wyoming, New York, Iowa, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana can be expected to see the Northern Lights.
This would imply that even those who live in the Midwest and some areas of the Northeast would have a chance to view the auroral show in case the skies remain clean.
Best time to watch the aurora borealis in the US
The three-day forecast of geomagnetic storm by NOAA depicts that the activity will be high throughout the night. It is hoped that the most favourable times of watching are:
- 4 p.m – 10 p.m EST (2100-0300 GMT): minor (G1) to moderate (G2) levels of storms
- 10 p.m – 1 a.m EST (0400-0600 GMT): There are strong (G3) levels of geomagnetic storms that may occur.
In the high seasons, the Northern Lights might appear in the form of radiant ribbons, arcs or smeared out clouds of colour on the northern horizon.
Northern lights tracking apps alert you to the occurrence of the aurora visibility index in your location when the level is high , in order not to miss the show when it occurs.