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Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Northern Lights wow Midwesterners and beyond Tuesday night – another display expected tonight (Wed. night)

(National News) – Reports on social media Tuesday night indicated the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, put on a spectacular show across a large portion of the northern U.S.  Another awe-inspiring display is expected tonight (Wednesday, November 12), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The display of the mesmerizing, ethereal lights are the result of incoming coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that, in addition to the dazzling fluid colors, can cause disruptions in some electronic communications. It’s all part of a strong geomagnetic storm emanating from the sun.

The first CME, launched on Nov.9th, reach Earth late Tuesday night, and will be followed closely by a second CME that erupted Tuesday. A third CME released during the biggest solar flare of 2025, is currently hurtling toward Earth and could also hit Earth on Nov. 12, according to NOAA.  (Pictured are some of the views captured  from Officer Smith with the Atlantic Police Dept.)

The best time to see the northern lights tonight in the U.S. is between 10 P.M. and 2 A.M. local time, with the peak activity expected around 10 P.M. to Midnight CST. According to Space.com, in order to give yourself the best chance of seeing them:

• Find a north-facing vantage point with a clear view of the horizon as far from light pollution as possible.
• Use your phone camera to scan the sky, as the camera is great at picking up faint auroras before your eyes spot them. This will give you a good idea of the direction you should be focusing your attention.
• Try to let your eyes adapt to the dark for at least 30 minutes; this will help your night vision develop.
• Where warm clothing! Part of the fun of aurora hunting is the chase. Be prepared to sit or stand for hours if conditions are looking promising, as you won’t want to miss the show when it starts!

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