Last week, an unexpected solar storm gave photographers in northern latitudes a northern lights show. But if you missed last week's show, you might have another chance as the sun rises (again) and the chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase November 10-12.
According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Met Office, a coronal mass ejection is expected to hit Earth between November 10th and 12th. This could lead to auroral observations in the northern US states as well as Scotland and northern England this week if conditions are right.
NOAA's three-day forecasts indicate that there is a possibility of a smaller G1 storm on November 10th, but on November 11th and 12th activity increases and a larger potential G2 storm occurs.
A G1 storm could bring potential aurora sightings to northern states like Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine; A G2 storm is slightly stronger and could potentially be observed even further south, including Montana, Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, New York, Idaho, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Iowa.
In the UK, the Met Office forecast suggests possible sightings on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning and predicts the possibility of the lights being seen as far south as Cornwall.
This evening's forecast of a G1 storm for November 10th increases to a G2 storm on November 11th and 12th, meaning that while there is a chance of an aurora tonight, there are higher chances tomorrow.
While solar activity increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights over the next few days, the conditions have to be just right, and spotting the lights is never a sure thing. First, solar activity must reach Earth during darkness. The shorter days as we get closer to the winter solstice are helping, although the November 10 forecast peaks around 4:00 p.m. EST for the US and tapers off after 7:00 p.m.
Storm G2, forecast for November 11th and into the early hours of November 12th, is more likely to occur in darkness. Solar activity is forecast to reach G2 levels at 10am EST (3pm GMT) on November 11th, but this G2 forecast continues into darkness for the UK and eastern US, decreasing to a G1 forecast at 10pm EST (3am GMT, November 12th).
Darkness is not the only requirement to see the Northern Lights. The clouds also have to clear in time, and the northern lights are easiest to see away from light pollution and with a clear view to the north.
NOAA's 30-minute aurora forecast tends to be much more accurate than the 3-day forecast. So while the three-day forecast suggests that photographers should recharge their batteries, checking the 30-minute forecast offers a better indication of how accurate those early predictions were before heading out.
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Learn how to photograph the Northern Lights before the solar storm hits. Or if the lights aren't visible but the sky is clear, you can still photograph the stars. You can also browse more astrophotography opportunities for November 2025.