The NOAA warns parts of Massachusetts could see the northern lights Tuesday night after two solar flares were directed toward Earth. A visibility band is expected to run from the state's southwest to northeast, but local cloud cover — about 62% in Springfield and 15% around Boston — will determine whether the display is visible. The best viewing window is roughly 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.; head away from lights, seek higher ground, and try your phone's night mode if the aurora is faint.
Chance to See the Northern Lights Across Massachusetts Tuesday Night — How and When to Watch
The NOAA warns parts of Massachusetts could see the northern lights Tuesday night after two solar flares were directed toward Earth. A visibility band is expected to run from the state's southwest to northeast, but local cloud cover — about 62% in Springfield and 15% around Boston — will determine whether the display is visible. The best viewing window is roughly 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.; head away from lights, seek higher ground, and try your phone's night mode if the aurora is faint.
04:27 AM, 11/12/2025Science
Possible Northern Lights Across Massachusetts Tuesday Night
What to expect: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says residents in parts of Massachusetts could see the northern lights (aurora borealis) Tuesday night after the Sun launched two solar flares toward Earth over the weekend.
A band of potential auroral visibility is forecast to stretch across the state from the southwesternmost point to the northeasternmost point. Whether you can see the display will depend on local cloud cover — forecasts cited by The Boston Globe estimate Springfield at about 62% cloud cover and the Boston area near 15%.
When to look: The best viewing window is during the darkest hours, generally between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. If skies clear when the aurora peaks, residents in the northern half of the state will have the strongest chance of seeing it.
How to improve your chances:
- Move away from city lights and other sources of light pollution.
- Seek higher ground for a clearer horizon and fewer obstructions.
- Use your cellphone camera — many phones' night modes or long-exposure settings can capture faint glows the naked eye might miss.
For the latest conditions, watch NOAA alerts and local weather forecasts for changes in cloud cover overnight. If you plan to go out, dress warmly and check road safety if traveling to a remote viewing spot.