Aurora Watch Tonight — Severe G4 Geomagnetic Storm
If clouds break, faint glows could reach unusually far south. Best chance: after dark through the pre-dawn hours.
What’s happening: NOAA has a G4 (Severe) geomagnetic storm watch in effect for Wednesday, Nov 12, with elevated activity possible into Nov 13. Multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are driving the event. That means aurora could push farther south than usual—subtle on the horizon for southern viewers, brighter farther north.
How to look tonight
- When: After full dark to ~2 a.m., then again near pre-dawn. Activity can pulse in waves.
- Where: Face north toward your darkest horizon. Avoid streetlights; let eyes adjust ~20 minutes.
- Expectations (Florida & Gulf): Look for a faint gray/green/red glow or low “curtains” on the northern horizon; cameras see more than eyes.
Camera cheat-sheet (phone & DSLR)
Tripod; wide lens. Start at 5–10s exposure, ISO 1600–3200, manual focus at infinity. Shoot RAW if you can. Shorten exposure if stars trail; lengthen if the glow is very dim.
What does G4 (Severe) mean?
The NOAA G-scale rates geomagnetic storms from G1–G5. G4 ≈ Kp 8 (sometimes brushing 9−). These rare events can push auroras far south and may affect power systems, radio, and satellites.
Night beach etiquette & safety
- Mind surf & tide; stay off dunes and turtle habitat.
- Use red-light mode or dim lights to preserve night vision.
- Pack out all trash; leave wildlife undisturbed.
Forecasts update frequently—check the live tools above just before heading out.
