The Nov. 11 solar storm produced unexpected auroras over parts of Florida despite NOAA forecasts that predicted visibility only as far south as northern Michigan and Wisconsin. A coronal mass ejection expected the following day could create another opportunity for auroras across much of the northern U.S., possibly reaching as far south as Alabama to northern California. NOAA says auroras are usually visible between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. ET and often appear near midnight; they can sometimes be seen from as far as 1,000 km away when activity is strong. Key tips: seek dark skies, look low on the northern horizon, stay up late (about 10 p.m.–2 a.m.), and use a camera with long exposure to capture faint displays.
Will the Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight in Daytona Beach? Aurora Forecast, Map and Viewing Tips
The Nov. 11 solar storm produced unexpected auroras over parts of Florida despite NOAA forecasts that predicted visibility only as far south as northern Michigan and Wisconsin. A coronal mass ejection expected the following day could create another opportunity for auroras across much of the northern U.S., possibly reaching as far south as Alabama to northern California. NOAA says auroras are usually visible between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. ET and often appear near midnight; they can sometimes be seen from as far as 1,000 km away when activity is strong. Key tips: seek dark skies, look low on the northern horizon, stay up late (about 10 p.m.–2 a.m.), and use a camera with long exposure to capture faint displays.
06:31 AM, 11/13/2025Science
Can you see the Northern Lights in Daytona Beach tonight?
Floridians were surprised on Tuesday night, Nov. 11, when a powerful solar storm produced bright, colorful aurora borealis that reached parts of North and Central Florida — far beyond the area forecasters initially predicted. Officials warned a related coronal mass ejection (CME) was expected to reach Earth around midday Wednesday, creating another chance for auroras across much of the northern U.S.
Forecast vs. reality
Official forecast maps from NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center showed the strongest likelihood of visibility only as far south as northern Michigan and Wisconsin. Yet auroras were observed much farther south (including Florida) during the Nov. 11 event. States such as Texas and Colorado also reported unexpected sightings. As NOAA explains, "The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as 1,000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right."
When and where to look
Noaa guidance notes auroras are usually visible between roughly 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. ET, with the best chance typically within an hour or two of midnight. They are not visible during daylight and are most often seen just after sunset or just before sunrise. Keep in mind local cloud cover and light pollution can prevent sightings even when geomagnetic activity is high.
Key viewing tips
- Find dark skies: Get far from city lights — rural roads, state parks or open farmland are best.
- Look low on the northern horizon: When visible at low latitudes the aurora often appears toward the north rather than overhead.
- Stay up late: Peak activity often occurs between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., though displays can appear earlier or later.
- Be patient and check conditions: Cloud cover, moonlight and local weather are crucial factors.
Photography tips
You might not see a faint aurora with the naked eye, but a camera can capture more light. Use a sturdy tripod, wide-aperture lens, long exposure (several seconds to 30 seconds depending on activity), and higher ISO settings while testing to avoid overexposure. Smartphones with a dedicated night or long-exposure mode can also reveal faint displays.
Related sky activity (Nov. 8 streaks)
Separately, residents in Central Florida observed fiery streaks across the sky on the morning of Nov. 8. An Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University physics and astronomy professor — who coordinates the American Meteor Society's fireball program — indicated those events were likely space junk (space debris) rather than meteors. The Natural History Museum defines space junk as human-made objects left in orbit, from large defunct satellites to tiny fragments of paint. The museum estimates roughly 3,000 defunct satellites and about 34,000 pieces larger than 10 cm, plus millions of smaller fragments circling Earth.
For the latest alerts and maps, check NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center and local sky conditions before heading out. Contributing: Kim Luciani, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida and Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal.