“`html
Rare Northern Lights Displayed in New Mexico
Table of Contents
A spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, captivated residents of New Mexico on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Photographer Knate Myers captured stunning images of the phenomenon, shared widely online and sparking excitement across the state. This event marks a relatively rare occurrence of the Northern Lights being visible at such low latitudes.
Did You Know? …
The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with Earth’s atmosphere.
Understanding the November 11th Aurora
Typically, the Northern Lights are best viewed in high-latitude regions like Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia.However, a recent strong geomagnetic storm pushed the aurora further south, making it visible in several U.S.states, including New Mexico. The intensity of the storm was a key factor in the widespread visibility.
Factors Contributing to Visibility
Several factors aligned to create this unusual viewing opportunity. A coronal mass ejection (CME) from the sun impacted Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering the geomagnetic storm. Clear skies across New Mexico also played a crucial role, allowing for unobstructed views of the aurora. The clarity of the night sky was exceptional,
noted Myers in a social media post accompanying his photographs.
Timeline of the Event
| Date | time (MST) | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 11/11/2025 | 21:00 | First reports of aurora sightings |
| 11/11/2025 | 22:00 – 01:00 | Peak aurora activity |
| 11/12/2025 | 02:00 | Aurora activity diminishes |
Capturing the Lights: Equipment & Technique
Knate Myers utilized a Nikon Z7ii camera to capture the breathtaking images. The photographer’s skill and equipment allowed for detailed documentation of the aurora’s vibrant colors and dynamic movements. Capturing the aurora requires patience and the right settings,
Myers explained.
Pro Tip: …
When photographing the Northern Lights, use a wide-angle lens, a tripod, and a long exposure time (typically 15-30 seconds).
Geomagnetic Storm details
The geomagnetic storm that caused the aurora reached a G3 level, classified as a “Strong” storm by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center. This level of activity is known to cause minor disruptions to radio communications and power grids, though no significant impacts were reported in New Mexico.
“geomagnetic storms are a natural part of the space weather surroundings,” states NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
Looking Ahead: Future Aurora Possibilities
While the November 11th display was exceptional, the possibility of future aurora sightings in New Mexico remains.Continued solar activity and favorable geomagnetic conditions could bring the Northern Lights back to lower latitudes. Monitoring space weather forecasts is key to anticipating such events.
What did you think of the Northern Lights display? Share yoru photos and experiences in the comments below!
Would you like to receive updates on future space weather events? Subscribe to our newsletter!
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Mexico aurora
- What causes the Northern Lights? The aurora is caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
- How often are the Northern Lights visible in New Mexico? Visibility is rare, typically occurring during strong geomagnetic storms.
- What equipment is needed to photograph the aurora? A wide-angle lens
