The Northern Lights were visible over El Paso on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as viewers sent KTSM 9 News photos showing the display. NOAA attributed the event to a G4-level ("severe") geomagnetic storm caused by solar particles striking Earth’s magnetic field. Phone cameras often reveal colors the human eye misses, and viewers were encouraged to submit photos to news@ktsm.com. Elevated geomagnetic activity can continue for days, offering more viewing opportunities.
Northern Lights Paint El Paso Sky During G4 Geomagnetic Storm — Viewer Photos Pour In
The Northern Lights were visible over El Paso on Tuesday, Nov. 11, as viewers sent KTSM 9 News photos showing the display. NOAA attributed the event to a G4-level ("severe") geomagnetic storm caused by solar particles striking Earth’s magnetic field. Phone cameras often reveal colors the human eye misses, and viewers were encouraged to submit photos to news@ktsm.com. Elevated geomagnetic activity can continue for days, offering more viewing opportunities.
05:14 AM, 11/13/2025Science
Northern Lights Visible Over El Paso
EL PASO, Texas — On the night of Tuesday, Nov. 11, residents across the Borderland reported sightings of the Northern Lights. KTSM 9 News received numerous photos from viewers showing the aurora illuminating the night sky over El Paso and surrounding communities.
What caused it: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported a G4-level geomagnetic storm — classified as "severe" — as streams of charged particles and photons from the sun struck Earth’s magnetic field. That interaction energizes atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere; when excited electrons return to lower energy states, they emit light at wavelengths we perceive as red, green or aqua.
Sometimes the colors are faint to the naked eye but become clear when captured by phone cameras or long-exposure photos. Many viewers’ smartphone images revealed vivid hues that were subtle or invisible in person.
Still a chance to see more: Geomagnetic activity can persist for days after strong solar events. Viewers who missed the display on Tuesday were advised to watch the skies again on Wednesday night and in the following days if NOAA forecasts continued elevated activity.
If you photographed the aurora, please send your images to news@ktsm.com or share them on KTSM 9 News' social media pages. Selected photos and viewer captions may be featured in coverage.
Editor’s note: KTSM 9 News Meteorologist Robert Bettes contributed to this report.
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