**Rare Celestial Show: Taurid Meteor Shower and Northern Lights May Appear Simultaneously Across Dozens of U.S. States**

*Wednesday night offers a unique astronomical event as viewers across many states could witness both the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—potentially visible as far south as Alabama.*

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### Why This Matters

The sky over the United States on Wednesday night presents a rare opportunity: the potential to see the aurora borealis at unusually low latitudes alongside the peak of the Taurid meteor shower. This exceptional event is driven by a severe geomagnetic storm caused by recent solar activity, setting the stage for millions to witness light displays typically reserved for northern regions.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “While not unprecedented, it is quite unusual for the aurora to be visible at these low latitudes, probably only occurring once or twice per solar cycle.” The solar activity responsible involves Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) — bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields that can produce bright auroras and, in rare instances, push the northern lights far from the polar circles.

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### Best Viewing Times and Conditions

Experts suggest the ideal window to witness the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. For the best experience, viewers should find dark, open areas away from city lights. Using long-exposure photography or smartphone cameras may help capture auroral colors and patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Adding to the spectacle, the Taurid meteor shower will peak Wednesday night, promising extra brilliance. Known for producing slow-moving fireballs, the Taurids are easier to spot even in areas with light pollution.

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### States With the Highest Likelihood to See the Northern Lights

Based on NOAA forecasts and multiple reports, the following states have the highest probability of aurora visibility on Wednesday night:

– Alaska
– Washington
– Oregon
– Idaho
– Montana
– North Dakota
– South Dakota
– Minnesota
– Wisconsin
– Nebraska
– Michigan
– Illinois
– Iowa
– New York
– Maine
– Vermont
– New Hampshire
– Wyoming

Other states with possible, though lower, chances—especially under favorable conditions—include parts of:

– Nebraska
– Indiana
– Ohio
– Pennsylvania
– Massachusetts
– Colorado

Occasionally, during the strongest geomagnetic storm periods, the aurora may reach as far south as Alabama, California, Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia.

*Note:* Cloudy skies may hinder viewing efforts, so skywatchers are encouraged to check local weather forecasts before venturing out.

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### Taurid Meteor Shower: What to Expect

The Taurid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night and is visible across the entire United States. It is famous for slow, bright meteors, sometimes called fireballs. This year, viewing conditions are especially favorable because the shower coincides with a last-quarter moon, resulting in darker skies.

The best time to observe Taurids runs from late evening through the pre-dawn hours, increasing your chances of catching a spectacular meteor streak across the sky.

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### What Experts Are Saying

A spokesperson from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) told *Newsweek*:
“We don’t have any specific details on the Taurid meteor shower, but its activity peaks November 11-12. Some folks may be able to see both aurora and meteor showers tonight, assuming skies are favorable [clear].”

On social media platform X, the SWPC posted:
“G3 geomagnetic conditions are currently observed. G4 conditions with a chance for higher levels remain possible as another CME is expected to arrive midday (EST).”

Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci of MyRadarWX shared on X:
“A SEVERE (G4) or EXTREME (G5) geomagnetic storm remains POSSIBLE TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Make plans now to hunt for the aurora borealis with your loved ones! This depends on the timing of the ‘grand finale’ CME, a magnetic shockwave. If it arrives too early, we might only catch the tail end of the storm at night. You could also witness a rogue Taurid meteor! The meteor shower doesn’t produce many meteors, but some sporadic, bright shooting stars may appear.”

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### What to Do Next

For those eager to experience this extraordinary celestial event, keep an eye on updated weather and geomagnetic forecasts. Seek out dark, open locations far from artificial lights to enhance your viewing experience.

This convergence of the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights offers a rare chance to witness two of nature’s most striking sky phenomena simultaneously.

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### Impact on Technology

While this geomagnetic activity creates incredible viewing opportunities, it can also affect radio communications, GPS, and satellite operations. Although widespread disruptions are not guaranteed, observers and infrastructure managers should monitor updates from SWPC and local meteorological offices to stay informed.

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Stay tuned and clear skies!
https://www.newsweek.com/some-states-could-see-meteor-shower-northern-lights-at-same-time-wednesday-11035647