The aurora borealis was visible over parts of Arizona on Nov. 11, especially from dark‑sky sites like Fountain Hills and near Lake Pleasant. Forecasters and local skywatchers say the display may intensify on Nov. 12, offering another viewing opportunity. Observers reported crowded trailhead parking and photographers captured dramatic images; locals recommend heading to higher, darker spots and looking north. Casual observers can often photograph the lights with a smartphone using a steady surface and a 2–10 second exposure.
Northern Lights Return to Arizona — Second Night Could Be Even Brighter; How to Watch and Photograph It
The aurora borealis was visible over parts of Arizona on Nov. 11, especially from dark‑sky sites like Fountain Hills and near Lake Pleasant. Forecasters and local skywatchers say the display may intensify on Nov. 12, offering another viewing opportunity. Observers reported crowded trailhead parking and photographers captured dramatic images; locals recommend heading to higher, darker spots and looking north. Casual observers can often photograph the lights with a smartphone using a steady surface and a 2–10 second exposure.
07:42 AM, 11/13/2025Science
Northern lights return to Arizona
The aurora borealis was visible over parts of Arizona on Nov. 11, notably from dark‑sky locations such as Fountain Hills and areas near Lake Pleasant. Forecasters and local skywatchers say the display is expected to intensify the following night (Nov. 12), offering residents and visitors a rare second chance to see the spectacle.
Local perspective
On Nov. 11, parking areas along the Adaro Canyon Trail in Fountain Hills filled as people left the city lights for clearer views. Colors normally associated with high-latitude displays — greens and pinks sweeping the sky — were captured by photographers and casual observers alike.
"So rare to see the northern lights in Arizona — we were really lucky to see them last night," said Vicky Derksen, a star-gazing tour leader with Night Sky Tourist.
Why Fountain Hills saw the lights
Fountain Hills is one of the region's designated dark‑sky communities, and nearby mountains help block much of the light pollution from the Phoenix metro area. That pocket of darker skies makes faint celestial events easier to spot from trails and neighborhoods.
Derksen led groups with a portable telescope to darker vantage points; she said the aurora grew more vivid as the night progressed. The town is also building a dark‑sky discovery area, with a dome and telescope already in place, slated to open next year.
Photographers' notes
Photographer Randy Woods, who has been shooting night skies for a decade, snapped striking images over Lake Pleasant on Nov. 11. He likened the event's rarity to "shooting lightning," having seen the aurora in Arizona only a few times.
How you can see and photograph the aurora
If skies stay clear, many casual observers can capture the lights — even with a smartphone. Practical tips from local photographers:
- Use a tripod or steady surface: Prevent camera shake during multi-second exposures.
- Set a long exposure: Try 2, 4, 5 or 10 seconds depending on your phone or camera app.
- Point north and seek elevation: The display may sit low on the far northern horizon, so higher ground helps.
- Find dark skies: Leave city lights behind — trails and designated dark‑sky areas improve visibility.
- Be patient and lucky: Solar activity and cloud cover determine whether the aurora appears.
What caused it
The lights were the result of a rare alignment between enhanced solar activity and Earth's upper atmosphere, which caused charged particles to interact with atmospheric gases and produce visible auroras at unusually low latitudes.
Where to go
Popular local viewing spots mentioned by residents and photographers included Fountain Hills (Adaro Canyon Trail) and the Lake Pleasant area. Always check local road and trail conditions before driving at night.
Source
Reporting and interviews by FOX 10's Steve Nielsen, including comments from Vicky Derksen (Night Sky Tourist) and photographer Randy Woods.