Title: Northern Lights Set to Dazzle Over 17 U.S. States Tonight
A celestial spectacle is poised to illuminate the night skies tonight as a coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun could potentially cause impressive Northern Lights, or auroras, to be visible from Alaska all the way to Illinois.
Auroras, commonly known as the Northern or Southern Lights, are beautiful natural light displays in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. These radiant displays arise when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating a stunning light show that has captivated human imagination for centuries.
Scientists predict that the incoming CME – a significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the sun’s corona – could spark severe geomagnetic storm conditions overnight. Such storms can significantly enhance the visibility and reach of the auroras. Typically confined to higher latitudes, the anticipated storm might push the auroras far enough south for people in at least 17 states to enjoy the stunning spectacle.
The states that stand the best chance of witnessing this astronomical ballet include those located at higher latitudes, such as Alaska. However, if the geomagnetic storm is strong enough, states as far south as Illinois may also catch a glimpse of the polar lights.
The phenomenon is not uncommon, but its visibility in more populated regions is rare due to the Earth’s magnetic field structure. This makes tonight’s potential display a unique and exciting opportunity for sky watchers across the northern states.
However, aurora sightings are not guaranteed. Their visibility depends on several factors, including local weather conditions and light pollution. Clear, dark skies away from city lights offer the best viewing conditions. Binoculars or telescopes are not required; the auroras can be seen with the naked eye.
Even if the Northern Lights fail to make an appearance, the night sky has plenty of other wonders to offer. November is a fantastic month for stargazing, with several meteor showers and planetary alignments taking place. So, wrap up warm, step outside, and turn your eyes to the skies.
Meteorologists and space weather experts will be closely monitoring the situation to provide further updates on the potential for aurora sightings. For those interested in witnessing this potential display, it is advisable to stay updated with local weather forecasts and space weather alerts.
Watching the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. If conditions align tonight, residents in the northern states might just be in for an unforgettable night of stargazing.
Read more from the original source here: [https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-17-states-or-more-tonight-nov-12-13-2025](https://www.space.com/stargazing/auroras/northern-lights-may-be-visible-in-17-states-or-more-tonight-nov-12-13-2025).