Look up after sunset on November 12, 2025, and you might catch a rare treat right here in New Jersey: the northern lights flickering on the horizon. What usually stays locked to places like Alaska or Canada could slide south enough to reach the Garden State, thanks to a fresh blast from the sun. Skywatchers in northern counties especially stand a decent chance if clouds cooperate, as per experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (NOAA).
Sun’s Latest Tantrum Heads Our Way
A massive cloud of solar particles and tangled magnetic fields left the sun recently and should slam into Earth around lunchtime today. That impact rattles our planet’s magnetic shield, pumping energy into the upper air and sparking those famous glowing curtains. Last night, the same kind of solar punch lit up skies across the northern half of the country, and tonight’s wave could pack similar power. “The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right,” NOAA’s website states.
Think of it like this: the sun burps out plasma the way a volcano spews lava. When that stuff reaches us, it triggers a geomagnetic storm. Yesterday’s storm hit a “severe” mark on the official scale; tonight might climb close to that again. No danger to people, but it can jiggle satellites, scramble GPS signals for a bit, or stress power lines in the worst cases.
Will New Jersey Make the Cut?
Official maps draw a line showing the southernmost spot where the lights could appear low on the northern horizon. That line slices through roughly 18 states tonight, and New Jersey’s northern edge brushes up against it. Places like Sussex, Warren, and Morris counties offer the best odds. Even central Jersey spots could glimpse a faint glow if the storm ramps up.
Yesterday proved forecasts are just educated guesses. People snapped photos of auroras in Texas, Florida, and Colorado—way south of the predicted zone. So keep your eyes peeled no matter where you are in the state. Last year, on Black Friday, New Jersey had a similar opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights around this time of year.
Colors and How They Happen
Green shows up most often, created when solar particles smack into oxygen molecules about 60 to 120 miles up. Higher collisions with the same gas paint reds. Nitrogen lower down adds blues and purples when the mix is right. The stronger the storm, the more colors dance.
Best Times and Spots in the Garden State
- When: Head out between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Midnight usually delivers the clearest view.
- Where: Skip city glow. Try High Point State Park, Jenny Jump State Forest, the Pine Barrens, or any open farm field in Hunterdon or Somerset counties.
- Gear: Warm layers, a blanket, hot coffee, and a phone camera set to long exposure. Apps like Aurora Alerts ping you when activity spikes.
- Weather: Check the forecast—clear skies are non-negotiable. Coastal fog or inland clouds can ruin the show.
Quick Safety Note
These storms won’t hurt you, but keep an eye on navigation apps if you’re driving late. A brief GPS hiccup is possible, though rare at this strength.
Miss tonight? Solar outbursts come in cycles. Another round could light up Jersey skies before winter ends. Grab the family, find a dark patch of earth, and look north to stargaze. You don’t need a passport for this light show.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.