Bob Hughes
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Arizona skywatchers were treated to a surprise appearance of the northern lights on Tuesday and Wednesday. The phenomenon lit up skies locally the last two evenings. But will the northern lights be visible in Arizona again tonight?
Sadly, signs point to no, according to local astronomers and the latest space weather forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Recent solar storms caused a coronal mass ejection from the sun, sending charged particles streaming toward Earth.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, residents from Flagstaff to Prescott and even parts of northern Phoenix captured photos of glowing reds, purples and pinks streaking across the night sky.
However, for Thursday, Nov. 13, the area of visibility stops far north of us. The 10 U.S. states that are totally or partially above the expected aurora view line are: Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Maine.
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Bob Hughes
Are the northern lights visible tonight?
Not in Arizona. Tonight’s solar forecast suggests that the area of visibility stops far north of us.
What time can you see the northern lights in Arizona tonight?
The best viewing times are usually between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. when the sky is darkest, but only when we’re in the area of visibility.
Where can I see the northern lights in Arizona?
When the lights are expected to be visible, northern and high-elevation areas like Flagstaff, Prescott or Sedona offer the best chance to see the aurora borealis. But Arizona is nowhere near the area of visibility tonight.
Why have the northern lights been visible so far south?
Recent geomagnetic storms have caused the aurora borealis to be visible beyond its normal viewing area in the northern U.S. and Canada. It allows the northern lights to be visible in lower latitudes.
Will the northern lights be visible in Phoenix?
After two nights of seeing the phenomenon in Arizona, tonight is almost certainly a no. But if they show up, look north toward the horizon from darker areas of the Valley like New River, Cave Creek, Buckeye or Apache Junction.
What causes the northern lights?
They occur when charged solar particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field, creating glowing colors in the upper atmosphere.
