Watch as a vibrant aurora dances across the night sky
About 20 U.S. states caught a glimpse of the northern lights, according to NOAA.
Indiana, along with more than a dozen U.S. states, has a chance of spotting colorful auroras overhead beginning Tuesday night, Nov. 11, after scientists caught two coronal mass ejections (CME’s) headed for Earth at roughly 3-4 million mph, according to NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
According to one aurora forecast, if the resulting geometric storm is strong enough, the northern lights might appear low on the horizon as far south as Oklahoma.
Here’s what stargazing Hoosiers should know.
What states could see the auroras tonight, Nov. 11, 2025?
According to Space.com, citing NOAA’s aurora forecast map, these U.S. states will have either a full or partial view of Tuesday’s northern lights:
- 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
While NOAA’s aurora map shows the southern-most viewing line for auroras cutting through northern Indiana, another forecast predicts auroras could appear much lower in the U.S.
When are the northern lights tonight, Nov. 11, 2025? What time?
Space weather is notoriously fickle, but auroras could be visible in dozens of U.S. cities after 10 p.m., EST, according to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute website, which tracks the phenomenon.
Beginning 10 p.m. EST, Tuesday, Nov. 11, until 1 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, high aurora activity will be seen in cities that include:
- Portland, Oregon;
- Cheyenne, Wyoming;
- Lincoln, Nebraska;
- Springfield, Missouri;
- New York City, New York.
A map of aurora activity in the United States for Nov. 11 by the institute appears to show high activity auroras for larger swaths of northern and central Indiana.
Auroras may be visible low on the horizon as far south as Carson City, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh, according to the institute.
What’s Central Indiana’s weather forecast? Will auroras be visible?
Seeing the auroras as far south of Indianapolis, of course, depends on if the weather cooperates. In that, there might be some hope.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis say Central Indiana’s mostly cloudy skies Tuesday night will gradually clear into the evening. The low is expected around 34. West southwest winds will be around 10-15 mph with gusts as high as 28 mph. Hint: Wear a warm coat.
Why is space weather hard to predict?
When a solar storm happens, it sends particles flowing from the sun that get caught up in Earth’s magnetic field, causing colorful auroras to form as they interact with molecules of atmospheric gases.
Experts have long struggled to accurately forecast exactly when and where the phenomenon will occur. Even the best predictions can only accurately be made a few days or even hours in advance.
Unlike terrestrial weather, scientists who forecast celestial events like the aurora rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
As a rule of thumb, if the weather is clear, the best auroras are usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. And if it looks like the northern lights will flare up near you, it’s advised to get away from cities and travel to dark locations free from light pollution.
The agency also maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skywatchers track the phenomenon.
Where to see auroras in Indiana
In an earlier interview with IndyStar, Dr. Aarran Shaw, who serves as director of Holcomb Observatory and teaches Physics and Astronomy at Butler University, said the further north in Indiana you travel, the better the odds you have of spotting auroras, and near Gary, close to Indiana Dunes State Park, is usually ideal for stargazing.
“I believe Beverly Shores, close to Gary, is an International Dark Sky location which would be a prime spot for viewing the Aurora,” Shaw said. “Similarly, I believe there is another dark sky location just northeast of South Bend, just across the Michigan border.
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The following free astronomy apps can help you locate stars, planets, and constellations.
Indiana’s best places to stargaze
If possible, head to Beverly Shores, near Gary, which is an International Dark Sky location and therefore an excellent place for stargazing.
You can also travel to Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes State Park and Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Michigan, which also are designated dark sky locations, according to DarkSky International.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
