Northern Lights Dazzle Across US Following Severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm

Widespread Aurora Borealis Display Captivates Nation

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, delivered a spectacular and rare display across a vast expanse of the United States from November 11 to 12, 2025. This widespread visibility was the result of a Severe (G4) geomagnetic storm, prompted by intense solar activity. The celestial phenomenon allowed residents in dozens of states, stretching from the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast and as far south as the Gulf Coast, to witness the vibrant light show.

Solar Storm Triggers Rare G4 Watch

The event was initiated by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) – large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun's corona – originating from sunspot AR4274. These CMEs, including one associated with a powerful X5.1 solar flare, were directed towards Earth, leading the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) to issue a G4 geomagnetic storm watch. A G4 storm is classified as 'Severe' on NOAA's five-level scale, indicating significant disturbances to Earth's magnetic field.

Unprecedented Visibility and Geographic Reach

The intensity of the geomagnetic storm pushed the auroral oval much further south than its typical polar regions, making the Northern Lights visible in unexpected locations. Reports and photographs confirmed sightings in states including:

• New York
• Washington state
• Texas
• Oklahoma
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• Northern California
• Georgia
• Florida
• Kansas
• Colorado
• Nevada
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Louisiana
• New Mexico
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Nebraska
• Iowa
• Idaho
• South Dakota

The aurora was even observed as far south as Mexico. Cities like Portland, Oregon; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and New York City experienced 'highly active auroral displays'. The phenomenon was also reported in the Washington D.C. area, including parts of Maryland and Virginia.

Potential Impacts and Comparison to Past Events

While primarily a visual spectacle, G4 geomagnetic storms carry the potential for various technological disruptions. These can include power grid fluctuations, low-frequency radio disturbances, and GPS errors. High-frequency radio communications on the sunlit side of Earth can also experience major disruptions. As of November 12, 2025, no serious disruptions to the utility grid had been reported.

This event follows another significant solar storm in May 2024, which reached G5 'Extreme' levels and was considered the most powerful to affect Earth since March 1989. That earlier storm also resulted in widespread aurora visibility across the U.S., including parts of Florida. The recent November 2025 storm underscores the ongoing active phase of the current solar cycle.