The aurora borealis pushed unusually far south Tuesday, with sightings reported from Alabama and Florida to the Northeast, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A coronal mass ejection from the sun struck Earth's magnetic field, producing vivid pink and green displays that many photographed. NOAA warns geomagnetic storms can degrade precision GPS, affect power grids and complicate space launches; the storm's most energetic phase is expected around midday Wednesday, possibly producing even brighter auroras that night. For best viewing, seek dark skies, a clear northern horizon, and check NOAA updates.
How to See the Northern Lights Tonight from Pennsylvania & New Jersey — Tips and What to Expect
The aurora borealis pushed unusually far south Tuesday, with sightings reported from Alabama and Florida to the Northeast, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A coronal mass ejection from the sun struck Earth's magnetic field, producing vivid pink and green displays that many photographed. NOAA warns geomagnetic storms can degrade precision GPS, affect power grids and complicate space launches; the storm's most energetic phase is expected around midday Wednesday, possibly producing even brighter auroras that night. For best viewing, seek dark skies, a clear northern horizon, and check NOAA updates.
10:38 AM, 11/13/2025Science
How to See the Northern Lights Tonight from Pennsylvania and New Jersey
The Northern Lights returned Tuesday night well beyond their usual range, with reports of sightings from as far south as Alabama and Florida to parts of the U.S. Northeast, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Across the tri-state region, residents captured striking photos of the aurora borealis as the night sky glowed in pinks and greens.
This widespread display followed a powerful burst of solar energy — a coronal mass ejection — that collided with Earth's magnetic field. Incoming solar material excited particles in the upper atmosphere, which then emitted the colorful light visible from the ground and often enhanced in long-exposure photographs.
Where and how to watch
Best viewing spots: Parks and other dark-sky locations away from city glare are ideal. Look for an open area with a clear view toward the northern horizon.
Timing: Forecasters expect the storm's final and most energetic phase to arrive around midday Wednesday, which could produce even stronger auroras later that night for viewers who look skyward.
Photography tip: Camera sensors and long-exposure settings often make auroral colors look more saturated than they appear to the unaided eye. If you want to capture the display, bring a tripod, use a long exposure and a low ISO to reduce noise.
Potential impacts
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) monitors space weather continuously because geomagnetic storms can affect more than just skywatchers. Possible impacts include disruptions to precision GPS systems, effects on power grids, and concerns for space launches and satellite operations.
"If you use precision GPS systems, there could be degradation on that. If you need to be accurate less than an inch, it could be off much more than that as this type of activity continues," said Shawn Dahl of NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. "We've been communicating with space launch officials because of a pending launch coming up -- these can impact the electric power grid of our country."
Practical tips and share
- Bring warm clothing and a blanket — aurora watching often involves standing outside for extended periods.
- Check local weather and cloud cover before heading out; clear skies are essential.
- Follow NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center for updates and alerts.
If you capture photos, consider sharing them online — for example, through 6abc.com/share — and include the time and location of your sighting to help confirm reports.