Northern Lights Captivate Global Audiences as Solar Activity Peaks in 2025

Why the Northern Lights Are More Visible Than Ever

The sun is reaching the peak of its 11-year cycle and, therefore, its solar maximum. This heightened solar activity has brought the mesmerising aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, to unprecedented visibility across the globe. Auroras have been happening more frequently in the United States for a while, and will continue to do so for several months as the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year cycle.

The significance of this natural phenomenon extends far beyond its visual beauty. Thanks to a peak in solar activity, the celestial phenomenon will continue to be particularly active into 2025. For sky-watchers worldwide, this represents a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular displays without travelling to traditional Arctic locations.

Unprecedented Sightings Across North America and Beyond

November 2025 marked a particularly extraordinary period for aurora viewers. Geomagnetic storms brought the northern lights to much of the U.S. this week, painting the sky in vibrant hues of green and pink, with northern lights visible as far south as parts of Florida and Alabama, a relatively rare occurrence. The aurora borealis lights up the night sky over Monroe, Wisconsin, on Nov. 11, 2025, during one of the strongest solar storms in decades, pushing the northern lights deep into the continental United States.

The widespread visibility has captured public imagination and prompted thousands to venture outdoors with cameras. Across the state, Coloradans have been photographing the aurora borealis and even seeing them with their naked eye, with Tuesday’s aurora being the brightest and most vibrant blasts of the northern lights that Colorado has seen in years.

Science Behind the Spectacular Display

The activity was the result of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), massive blasts of plasma and magnetic field from the sun’s outer atmosphere that grow in size as they hurtle towards Earth, with two CMEs arriving on Earth on Tuesday. When these charged particles interact with Earth’s atmosphere, they create the stunning light displays we observe.

The light is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles streaming from outer space that enter Earth’s atmosphere and collide with molecules and atoms of gas (primarily oxygen and nitrogen). This interaction produces the characteristic colours—green, pink, purple, and occasionally red—that characterise aurora displays.

Viewing Opportunities in the United Kingdom

British residents have also enjoyed exceptional viewing opportunities. The northern lights intensify once every 11 years to coincide with a period described as ‘solar maximum’, and this activity is expected to continue into 2025. The best places to see the Northern Lights in the UK are Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, though they have on occasion been spotted in the south of England.

Experts predict that the solar maximum, when aurora activity is most visible, will be at its peak until March 2026, making 2025 or 2026 the year to see the Northern Lights because you might not be around for the next peak.

Tips for Aurora Hunting

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of this celestial wonder, timing and location are crucial. Look out between 10pm and 2am for the best chances of seeing the northern lights — this is when the sky is at its darkest. Additionally, smartphone cameras are better at capturing the full array of an aurora than our naked eye, so be sure to go out with your phone to view a fuller spectrum of colours.

As we progress through 2025, the continued solar maximum promises more opportunities to witness the Northern Lights. Whether you’re in Alaska, Scotland, or even as far south as Florida during particularly strong events, this year offers a once-in-a-decade chance to experience one of nature’s most breathtaking displays.