Washington DC (US): A dazzling natural light show is expected to illuminate night skies across large parts of the United States as a powerful solar storm moves toward Earth beginning Tuesday, November 11.
Experts say the aurora borealis, or northern lights, could be visible in at least 21 states, continuing into the early hours of Wednesday, November 12.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the phenomenon will be best visible between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Central Time, giving stargazers a twelve-hour window to witness the rare spectacle. The event highlights the remarkable connection between the Earth and the Sun — as streams of charged particles from the solar wind interact with the planet’s magnetic field, they create vibrant, shifting patterns of green, red, and purple light.
Where the aurora may appear
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has indicated that people in the following states may have a chance to see the display:
Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, Washington, and Wisconsin.
To get the best view, residents are advised to head to areas away from city lights and find open skies. Under the right conditions, the aurora may appear as glowing ribbons or shimmering waves dancing across the horizon — a rare opportunity for skywatchers far from the Arctic Circle.
