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Tonight should be a fun night for most people. Here in North America, we’ll see one of nature’s best light shows—the aurora borealis (aka Northern Lights)—should the clouds cooperate. Likewise, those in the Southern Hemisphere should be getting a glimpse of the aurora australis (aka Southern Lights).
The Northern and Southern lights are due to a severe geomagnetic storm, rated G4 on NOAA’s five-point scale. It’s currently in progress and pushing the auroras far beyond their usual range. If the skies stay clear, people as far south as Alabama, Texas, and Northern California could step outside and watch the sky ripple in red, green, and violet light.
While we in the prepper community typically focus on the potential for grid disruptions, this article focuses on the part worth experiencing. It’s the reminder that we live on a dynamic planet under an active star, and that sometimes the best prepping tip is simply to look up. If, however, you’d prefer to dive into the downsides of CMEs, check out my YouTube discussion with NASA researcher and EMP expert Dr. Arthur Bradley.
TL;DR: A G4 geomagnetic storm from a November 11 CME is lighting up skies across North America tonight. Learn what’s happening, when to watch, and how to photograph the aurora.
Quick Look at What You’ll Learn
What’s Happening Tonight
The CME that caused this geomagnetic storm erupted from the Sun on November 11, 2025, roughly a day before it reached Earth. When that burst of sun-charged plasma collided with our planet’s magnetic field, it sent waves of energy through Earth’s magnetic field, setting off what we call a geomagnetic storm.
NOAA’s G4 rating means “severe,” one level below a G5 “extreme” event like the great storms of 1989 or 2003. In practice, the G4-level storm can cause temporary GPS glitches or voltage swings on long power lines at high latitudes, but nothing close to a civilization-ending scenario.
What makes tonight special is how far south the aurora will reach. When Earth’s magnetic field is squeezed by a powerful CME, the auroral oval—usually confined near the poles—expands. The stronger the compression, the farther that glow spreads toward the equator. That’s why people in states that rarely see northern lights will have a chance tonight.
Best viewing times: roughly 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time, away from city lights. Northern and central U.S. viewers have the best odds, but reports already include sightings from the Midwest, Rockies, and deep into the South. Check real-time updates at spaceweather.gov or apps that track the Kp index. It’s a 0–9 scale measuring geomagnetic activity. Higher numbers indicate a stronger storm and a better chance of seeing the aurora. A Kp value of 7 or higher usually means the lights are active.
Understanding CMEs Without the Drama
CMEs are part of the Sun’s normal behavior. They’re massive ejections of magnetized gas that occasionally head our way. When a CME’s magnetic field connects with the Earth’s field—in the correct orientation, energy pours into the upper atmosphere and causes both beauty and a bit of technical turbulence.
For preppers and anyone interested in resilience, it is probably well known that CMEs matter because they can stress power grids, satellites, and communications systems. And yes, the fear is that a massive CME could take out the grid—and tonight isn’t that.
Think of CMEs as Mother Nature’s beautiful reminder that Mother Nature must be respected. That means enjoying what she has to offer while recognizing that she calls the shots. So, prepare accordingly.
The Current Solar Cycle
We’re approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which began in late 2019 and will gradually decline around 2030. Solar cycles run about eleven years, alternating between quiet and active periods. The current one has proven stronger than early forecasts predicted, producing more flares and CMEs than scientists expected.
That means we’ll see heightened solar activity through at least 2026, tapering slowly after that. It’s not a cause for worry—rather awareness. It simply means more chances for auroras, more frequent short-term radio disturbances, and an occasional reason to unplug sensitive electronics when a big CME heads our way.
For those tracking preparedness timelines, this is a good window to test backup power and communications plans under real conditions. A weekend storm like this can serve as an excellent educational opportunity and a live exercise without the drama of a grid-down crisis.
The Beauty of the Aurora
If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies tonight, find the darkest horizon you can—ideally facing north in the Northern Hemisphere. Let your eyes adjust for ten or fifteen minutes. The first sign may look like faint clouds, but keep watching; they’ll pulse, twist, and change color as charged particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen high above.
Aurora colors depend on altitude:
- Red – oxygen higher than 150 miles
- Green – oxygen, about 60–150 miles up
- Purple or blue – nitrogen is lower in the atmosphere
The light show can last minutes or hours. If the storm maintains strength, waves may surge overhead like curtains in a slow wind. The lights are like amazing sunsets. They never get old. Even people who’ve seen the northern lights scores of times can still appreciate them, their magnitude, and grandeur.
Photographing and Videoing the Aurora (Mobile Phone Tips)
So, if you have a good view of the light show, you’ll probably want to capture it—either through photos or video. Fortunately, you don’t need pro gear to record the moment. Modern phones handle low-light scenes surprisingly well. Here are a few quick tips to help you get solid results.
- Use a tripod or a solid surface. The camera needs to stay still during long exposures or while filming.
- For photos: Set the mode to “Night,” “Pro,” or “Manual.” If available, use a 3- to 10-second exposure.
- For video: Switch to 4K if possible and lower the frame rate (24–30 fps) so the camera collects more light per frame.
- Lower ISO to reduce grain—around 400–800 is a good start.
- Manually focus to infinity (a mountain or distant light works).
- Turn off flash and HDR. They’ll wash out the colors.
- Shoot wide. The aurora moves. Wide-angle captures the arcs and pillars better.
- Keep shooting. Each frame—or few seconds of video—will look slightly different as the sky changes.
If your phone allows RAW photo or high-bit-rate video, use it—it preserves more detail for later editing. And above all, watch the sky more than the screen. The photos and clips are souvenirs. The real memory is what you see in real time.
A Balanced Perspective
While tonight’s event is a strong G4, it’s far from the extreme G5 storms that have the potential to make history. It’s also not an omen of collapse. The Sun has cycles. We have technology that bends but rarely breaks.
For preppers, this is a reminder of why we value redundancy—backups for power, communications, and information—but it’s also a chance to appreciate the connection between that readiness and the natural world. Amazing opportunities exist. Not everything is bad. We just need to take the time once in a while to make sure we enjoy and appreciate it.
Take the opportunity to look up, recharge your sense of wonder, and maybe share the moment with someone special.
The Bottom Line
A strong solar storm is unfolding tonight. It’s temporary, it’s not destructive, and it’s beautiful. Step outside, give your eyes a few minutes to adapt, and enjoy one of the rarest natural displays many people will ever witness.
Check your local weather for cloud cover, dress warm, and remember: sometimes the best preparedness skill is simply awareness—of the world, the moment, and the sky above.
Additional Resources
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