What Is the Aurora Borealis
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is a natural light display caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth's magnetosphere. These collisions excite gases in the upper atmosphere, producing glowing curtains of light near the poles.
Aurora Activity on November 12
On November 12, aurora visibility depends on solar wind speed, geomagnetic storms, and local weather. Strong coronal mass ejections can increase the chance of visible displays at high and sometimes mid-latitudes. Forecasts from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center help estimate activity levels.
Where and How to View the Northern Lights
Best viewing locations include northern regions such as Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland. Clear, dark skies away from city lights improve visibility. Check space weather alerts before planning a trip, and consult local forecasts for cloud cover.
For current aurora forecasts and alerts, visit NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
