A spectacular celestial show is set to illuminate the skies over the United States for the second consecutive night, offering millions of Americans another opportunity to witness the magical Northern Lights. Following Tuesday night's dazzling display, the Aurora Borealis will once again be visible across numerous states during the intervening night of November 12-13, 2025.
Where to Watch the Northern Lights in the US
Based on the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), residents across 17 American states will have the chance to observe this natural phenomenon. The aurora view line extends over both fully and partially covered regions, creating potential viewing opportunities from the Pacific Northwest to the Midwest.
The complete list of states where the Northern Lights may be visible includes:
- Alaska
- Washington
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Minnesota
- Idaho
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
- Oregon
- Michigan
- Vermont
- New Hampshire
- Wyoming
- New York
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Illinois
According to Space.com, the auroras might reach even farther south than anticipated, potentially making them visible across much of the United States if weather conditions remain favorable and skies stay clear. The phenomenon is also expected to be visible across northern Europe and Canada.
Best Viewing Times for the Aurora Display
The Northern Lights are expected to become visible as soon as darkness falls, particularly in areas with minimal light pollution and clear atmospheric conditions. The NOAA's three-day forecast indicates that geomagnetic storm activity will remain elevated throughout the night.
The optimal viewing periods according to Space.com are:
From 7 PM to 10 PM EST (0000-0300 GMT), there's potential for strong G3 level geomagnetic storming, creating excellent conditions for aurora visibility.
Between 10 PM and 4 AM EST (0300-0900 GMT), moderate G2 level storming is expected, still providing good opportunities to witness the light show.
The Science Behind the Spectacular Lights
This extraordinary celestial event results from significant solar activity that began on November 9. The current display is powered by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that have been bombarding Earth's magnetic field.
Specifically, a speedy coronal mass ejection released during yesterday's X5.1 solar flare is expected to impact Earth today. This interaction could potentially generate one of the strongest geomagnetic storms of the year.
The UK Met Office has confirmed that several CMEs launched since November 9 are currently affecting our planet. Forecasters predict strong to severe (G3 to G4) geomagnetic storm conditions tonight, with a slight possibility of reaching extreme (G5) levels if conditions align perfectly.
For the best viewing experience, experts recommend finding locations away from city lights, allowing your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and looking toward the northern horizon. This rare astronomical event provides a unique opportunity to witness one of nature's most breathtaking displays without traveling to polar regions.
