Will the Northern Lights Return to Indiana Tonight (Nov. 12)? When — and Where — to Look

Note: This story was updated with additional information about Indiana’s chances of seeing the northern lights on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

What happened

Observers across the U.S. captured vivid auroras on the morning of Nov. 12 after a strong display the night before that reached states as far south as Texas and Florida. Photographers in Indiana—from Kemil Beach to downtown Indianapolis—also posted striking images of the event.

Why there may be more tonight

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) first reported two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) earlier this week traveling toward Earth at roughly 3–4 million miles per hour. Those CMEs produced geomagnetic activity strong enough to push auroras into unusually low latitudes on Nov. 11.

An additional CME — described by forecasters as possibly the most powerful of the year — was headed toward Earth and was expected to arrive around midday Eastern Standard Time on Nov. 12, according to NOAA. SWPC extended its geomagnetic storm warning through 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, and warned that elevated geomagnetic activity could continue through Nov. 14.

Will Hoosiers see the aurora?

It remains uncertain, but conditions make another display possible for parts of Indiana on the night of Nov. 12. “There’s a good chance tonight (Nov. 12),” said Dr. Aarran Shaw, director of Holcomb Observatory and a physics and astronomy instructor at Butler University. He advised skywatchers to get away from city lights and face north. As he noted, auroras were visible even from light-polluted Indianapolis during the previous night’s event.

NOAA’s aurora forecast placed much of Indiana just outside the southernmost predicted viewing line for this event, but space weather is unpredictable and forecasts can shift. Because predictions depend on solar observations 93 million miles away, it’s worth stepping outside if skies are clear.

How auroras form — and why colors differ

Auroras appear when charged particles from the Sun are funneled by Earth’s magnetic field into the upper atmosphere and collide with gas molecules. These collisions produce visible light in different colors:

Oxygen typically produces green (most common) and red emissions at higher altitudes. Nitrogen causes blue, purple or pink hues.

Best times, weather and tips for viewing

Forecasters say the most vivid auroras usually appear within a couple of hours of local midnight (roughly 10 p.m.–2 a.m.). Stronger geomagnetic activity can widen that window into earlier evening and later morning hours.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis forecast mostly clear skies for Central Indiana on the night of Nov. 12, with a low near 31°F and west winds around 7 mph — so dress warmly if you plan to be outside.

• Move away from city lights and face north.
• Bring a tripod and use a long exposure for photos (start around ISO 800–1600 and exposures from 5–15 seconds depending on conditions).
• Check NOAA SWPC and real-time aurora maps before heading out.

Dark-sky locations and useful apps

If you can travel for darker skies, look for International Dark Sky and other dark-sky sites. Recommended local spots mentioned by observers and organizations include Beverly Shores (near Gary), Kemil Beach at Indiana Dunes State Park, and Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Michigan.

Free astronomy apps that can help you locate stars, planets and constellations include:

• SkyView Lite (iPhone/Android)
• Star Walk 2 (iPhone/Android)
• Star Chart (iPhone/Android)
• NASA app (iPhone/Android)

Safety and impacts

Powerful geomagnetic storms can sometimes interfere with radio communications and, in extreme cases, cause power grid disturbances. For most viewers, however, the primary effect is an opportunity to see spectacular sky displays while Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from the storm’s worst effects.

John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send tips to JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.