NOAA warned that recent coronal mass ejections from the sun could trigger severe geomagnetic storms, producing vivid northern lights and temporary disruptions to radio, GPS and satellite services. Aurora sightings were reported from several states, including Kentucky, Indiana and Florida. The sun is near the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing the chance of widespread displays through the end of the year. Check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and local weather before heading to a dark site for viewing.
Northern Lights Dazzle Across U.S. as NOAA Warns of Severe Solar Storms
NOAA warned that recent coronal mass ejections from the sun could trigger severe geomagnetic storms, producing vivid northern lights and temporary disruptions to radio, GPS and satellite services. Aurora sightings were reported from several states, including Kentucky, Indiana and Florida. The sun is near the peak of its 11-year activity cycle, increasing the chance of widespread displays through the end of the year. Check NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and local weather before heading to a dark site for viewing.
07:50 PM, 11/12/2025Science
Northern Lights Dazzle Across Parts of the U.S. as Solar Storms Approach
Space weather forecasters on Tuesday issued an alert for incoming severe solar storms after the sun released multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Those eruptions could produce vivid auroras — the northern and southern lights — and briefly disrupt some radio, GPS and other communications.
Reports of aurora sightings came in throughout the night from states including Kentucky, Indiana, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Colorado and as far south as Florida. Forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and space weather experts warned that how far south and how bright the displays become depends on when the solar bursts arrive and how they interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
Why this is happening
The sun is near the peak of its roughly 11-year activity cycle, a phase that brings more frequent and stronger magnetic disturbances. Every cycle, the sun’s magnetic field reorganizes — sometimes dramatically — producing twists and tangles that increase the likelihood of CMEs and geomagnetic storms.
Potential impacts
- Vivid auroras visible across much of the northern U.S., and potentially as far south as Alabama and Northern California, depending on storm strength.
- Temporary disruptions to radio communications, GPS navigation and satellite services.
- Severe storms can affect power grids and aviation communications; historical storms have caused widespread technological interference (notably the 1859 Carrington event and a significant 1972 storm).
Historical context
In 1859, a severe solar storm produced auroras as far south as Hawaii and caused telegraph systems to spark and fail. A 1972 solar event is thought to have detonated magnetic sea mines off the coast of Vietnam. While rare, these events illustrate the possible technological risks associated with intense space weather.
What to watch and how to prepare
Space weather cannot be predicted months in advance, so NOAA and other agencies issue short-term alerts to help utilities, operators and the public prepare. Forecasts and alerts are available from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and from several aurora-forecasting apps.
For skywatchers: choose a dark location away from city lights (local or national parks are good options), check the local weather forecast for clouds, and give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. A smartphone set to a long-exposure or night mode can often capture faint auroral details that the naked eye might miss.
Note: Keep in mind that not every CME produces severe effects — actual impacts depend on the CME’s timing, speed and magnetic orientation when it reaches Earth.
If you want live updates, follow NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, reputable local news outlets, or dedicated space weather feeds and apps for the latest alerts and viewing tips.
Action News Jax viewers: stream local coverage or use your favorite news and weather apps for timely local updates.