Watch: Stunning aurora erupts above observers
Beautiful northern lights burst with colors above stargazers in Alaska.
- A powerful G4 geomagnetic storm could make the northern lights visible as far south as Alabama.
- The best chance to see the aurora is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. in a dark location away from city lights.
- Cloudy skies and snow may obstruct the view in some areas, such as Vermont.
The northern lights could be visible as far south as Alabama, as a powerful solar storm lights up the skies.
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center issued a watch for a G4 geomagnetic storm on Nov. 11. They said the storm will be severe on Nov. 12, strong on Nov. 13 and minor on Nov. 14.
But the show could start as soon as tonight, Nov. 11
“Aurora may be seen as low as Alabama and northern California, the alert said.
All of Vermont is in the potential view line, but cloudy skies with snow over the next few days may block out any potential views.
Map of where Northern lights may be visible tonight
In the forecast, the following states have the best chance of seeing on Nov. 11.
- Washington
- Idaho
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Alaska
However, the following states are in the view line, which shows where people still may have a chance of seeing the phenomena.
- Oregon
- Wyoming
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
Even when you are in the potential view line for seeing the northern lights, it does not guarantee they will be visible.
Where will the northern lights be visible tomorrow night, Nov. 12?
The strong storm is expected to continue into Nov. 12. H
When is the best time to see the northern lights?
The northern lights are typically most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. according to NOAA. According to the 3-day forecast by the Space Prediction Center, the best time to see this storm is likely between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
How to see the northern lights
As always, dark skies make for better stargazing.
“We typically suggest getting away from cities and find a open field or hilltop to lay out under the stars and wait for the show to really peak at the late evening or early morning hours,” Massachusetts Institute of Technology Technical Instructor and Observatory Manager Tim Brothers said in a past interview with Wicked Local.
He continued, “In New England, heading for a local conservation area or park that keeps lighting off at night is ideal. Another option is a coastline away from the larger cities — the benefit being that the constellation where you will see most of the ‘shooting stars.'”
Places to check for northern lights forecast
If you want a chance at seeing the Northern Lights, here are some websites you can monitor the sun’s activity:
Aurora Alerts
The Space Weather Prediction Center
Space.com
Aurora forecast page (NOAA)
Aurora Reach
