Short answer: tonight’s red sky is most likely due to a strong aurora display caused by solar activity spraying charged particles into Earth’s atmosphere, which can produce red hues at high altitudes when certain gases glow. Explanation and context
- What causes a red sky: Red colors in the sky after sunset or during aurora displays come from the way sunlight or energetic particles interact with atmospheric gases. When particles collide with oxygen at high altitudes, they can emit red light, which is why auroras often show red tones at extreme northern latitudes and during intense geomagnetic activity. This is a well-known effect tied to solar wind and geomagnetic storms [general atmospheric physics; aurora science].
- Recent solar activity: In late 2025 there have been notable solar events (strong flares and coronal mass ejections) that have triggered widespread auroras across North America, including nights with red coloration in some regions. Reports indicate geomagnetic storms can extend visible auroras far from the polar regions when conditions are favorable [recent space weather coverage].
- Local factors: The exact appearance depends on your latitude, local light pollution, cloud cover, and the energy of the incoming particles. Clear, dark skies near high-latitude areas are most conducive to vivid red auroras, while urban light and clouds can wash out color.
What you can do to verify and enjoy the display
- Check local space weather updates for the latest geomagnetic storm watches/warnings and aurora forecasts for your region.
- Look toward the northern horizon after dusk (or wherever the aurora forecast indicates) with a clear view and minimal light pollution.
- Give your eyes 10–15 minutes to adapt to darkness, and avoid viewing through phone screens for better perception of colors.
If you’d like, I can pull current space-weather alerts for your location and time, or help compare tonight’s conditions to recent aurora events.
