SWPC has issued a "very rare" G4 watch for Nov. 12 after a strong solar eruption that could push the Northern Lights far south across the U.S., potentially as far as Alabama and northern California. Local astronomer Brenda Culbertson says the CME may combine with earlier ejections and has already caused some shortwave outages, though no catastrophic impacts are expected. Best viewing: dark, northern horizon; use a camera with a multi-second exposure to capture faint colors. Timing and intensity remain unpredictable, so check SWPC updates.
Rare G4 Solar Watch: Northern Lights Could Reach Kansas and Much of U.S. on Nov. 12
SWPC has issued a "very rare" G4 watch for Nov. 12 after a strong solar eruption that could push the Northern Lights far south across the U.S., potentially as far as Alabama and northern California. Local astronomer Brenda Culbertson says the CME may combine with earlier ejections and has already caused some shortwave outages, though no catastrophic impacts are expected. Best viewing: dark, northern horizon; use a camera with a multi-second exposure to capture faint colors. Timing and intensity remain unpredictable, so check SWPC updates.
10:46 AM, 11/12/2025Science
Rare opportunity to see the Northern Lights across much of the U.S.
National weather authorities warn that a surge of solar activity may produce a rare auroral display visible across large portions of the continental United States on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a "very rare" G4 geomagnetic watch for that day after a strong eruption of solar material headed toward Earth.
Geomagnetic watches range from G1 (minor) to G5 (severe). The stronger the storm, the farther south the aurora can appear; forecasters say the lights could be visible as far south as Alabama and as far west as northern California if the event unfolds as expected.
Local perspective and potential impacts
Local astronomer Brenda Culbertson said the recent solar flare is the strongest of the current solar cycle so far and launched a coronal mass ejection (CME) that may combine with two earlier ejections, increasing the geomagnetic impact. She noted some shortwave radio outages have already been reported over the Indian Ocean.
"The strength of the impact has already caused shortwave signal outages in the Indian Ocean, and if it persists, it could cause some disruptions in electronic signals," Culbertson said. "It is not predicted to be catastrophic, but it could create inconveniences for some radio and sensitive systems."
The SWPC also issued a G2 watch for Nov. 11 and expects another window on Nov. 13 with a G3 watch possibly remaining in effect. Space weather can be unpredictable, so timing and intensity may change as the CME approaches.
How to view the aurora in Kansas
If you hope to see the Northern Lights in Kansas, follow these practical tips:
- Find a dark location away from city lights and light pollution.
- Face the northern horizon once the sky is fully dark and allow your eyes 20–30 minutes to adapt.
- Bring warm clothing, a lawn chair or blanket, and give yourself time—auroras can appear intermittently.
- Use a camera or smartphone: point the camera north, use a multi-second exposure (or Night mode), and stabilize the device on a tripod or steady surface to reveal colors too faint for the naked eye.
"The best places to see aurora are dark sites with a clear northern horizon," Culbertson said. "Colors may be soft and faint at first, but if the impact is strong you could see pillars, curtains and more vivid structures. A short camera exposure often shows colors your eyes might miss."
Stay informed
For technical updates and current watch statuses, consult the SWPC website. Observers should remember that space weather forecasts can change; arriving early at a dark site with an unobstructed view improves the chances of seeing any aurora if the CME's impact is strong.
Note: This event was reported by Nexstar Media; local conditions and visibility will vary.