The northern lights are forecast to illuminate U.S. skies again on Wednesday night, Nov. 12, following a rare display that stretched as far south as Florida the previous evening.
A coronal mass ejection—an eruption of solar material and magnetic fields from the Sun—was expected to reach Earth around midday Nov. 12, triggering heightened geomagnetic activity.
This surge could make the aurora borealis visible across much of the northern U.S., and possibly as far south as Alabama to Northern California, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center.
In total, nearly 20 states may catch a glimpse of this dazzling phenomenon.
Will northern lights be visible in the Sarasota, Florida area Wednesday night?
It’s possible.
While the Space Weather Prediction Center’s aurora view line for Wednesday night does not reach the Sunshine State, neither did yesterday’s, and sightings were reported as far south as Southwest Florida.
According to NOAA, the aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as far as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.
Northern lights forecast. Where could aurora borealis be visible tonight?
Parts of about 18 states are partially or fully within NOAA’s forecasted “view line” for the northern lights on Nov. 12. The view line indicates the southernmost point where the aurora could be seen on the northern horizon.
The following states could catch a glimpse of the aurora, according to NOAA’s forecasted view line:
When could northern lights be visible tonight?
The aurora is not visible during daylight hours and is usually seen just after sunset or just before sunrise.
The best view of the northern lights is generally within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.
Tips for catching a glimpse of the northern lights
You might not spot the aurora with the naked eye, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. Cameras can capture more light than your eyes can, especially with long exposures.
How to take a picture of the northern lights with camera or phone
DSLR or mirrorless camera:
Smartphone:
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Will Sarasota, Florida see northern lights tonight?
Reporting by Kim Luciani, Melina Khan and C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
