The spectacular Aurora Borealis lit up the skies over the Twin Cities on the evening of November 11, 2025, captivating residents and urging many to step outside and take in the mesmerizing display. The phenomenon, a result of a solar storm, revealed vibrant colors swirling across the night sky, reminiscent of a fantastical landscape. Reports of the northern lights poured in from various locations, including Ely, Owatonna, and Hibbing, highlighting the widespread nature of this celestial event.
As word spread about the stunning visuals, people flocked to darkened areas, such as the parking lot at the Highland Golf Course in St. Paul. Hundreds gathered, hoping to witness the enchanting display firsthand. While some were disappointed by the view to the naked eye, others discovered that their cellphone cameras could capture the vibrant colors that remained hidden to the human eye.
Joe Soucheray, a local columnist, expressed his awe at the lights, recalling his own experiences of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. He noted that the phenomenon is unpredictable, unlike rain, which usually comes with a clear forecast. “With the Aurora Borealis, we don’t know what’s next, except that it’s bound to be hypnotic and enchanting,” he remarked.
For many, the northern lights offered a welcome distraction from daily life. Residents of neighborhoods across the Twin Cities, including Lake of the Isles and Champlin, eagerly shared their own sightings, contributing to a communal sense of wonder. Text messages and social media posts filled with images of the colorful spectacle began circulating almost immediately.
One local’s daughter captured stunning images from her front steps, while a friend flying between St. Louis and Washington, D.C., sent a photo that depicted the lights as a vibrant watermelon against the horizon. Such interactions created a sense of connection among those captivated by the display.
In the days leading up to the event, forecasts had indicated an intense solar storm, making the appearance of the auroras likely. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), solar storms occur when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere, producing the beautiful light shows known as the northern lights.
Following the excitement of the first night, anticipation grew for the following evening, as many believed the display could be even more impressive. Soucheray prepared his camera for another chance to capture the phenomenon but found that conditions were less favorable in the urban area. The most stunning views were reported further north, where residents are accustomed to the auroras and perhaps less inclined to share their experiences.
As the spectacle faded, the residents of the Twin Cities returned to their daily routines, but the awe inspired by the northern lights lingered. Such events remind us of the beauty and unpredictability of nature, encouraging individuals to pause and appreciate the world around them.
In a time when life can often feel routine, the Aurora Borealis served as a reminder to embrace moments of wonder. The northern lights are indeed a phenomenon that calls us to take a deep breath and marvel at the dazzling displays of the universe.
