Where Can You Expect to See The Northern Lights?

The most promising locations for viewing the northern lights include much of Alaska and northern Canada. Additionally, parts of northeastern Washington, northern Idaho, and states like Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan may also have a chance, albeit a lower one. If the Kp index climbs to four, there’s hope for sightings even in South Dakota, with northern Maine potentially getting in on the action, too.

Optimal Viewing Conditions

For those eager to witness the breathtaking lights, experts suggest the best viewing times are from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. To maximize your experience, aim for a high vantage point away from the hustle and bustle of city lights for an unobstructed view.

Photography Tips for Capturing the Magic

Planning to snap some unforgettable photos of the aurora? National Geographic provides golden advice: a wide-angle lens is essential, alongside an aperture (or F-stop) of four or lower. Make sure to set your focus to the furthest distance possible. If you're armed with just your smartphone, activate night mode and turn off the flash for the best results.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The mesmerising aurora borealis occurs when solar particles, ejected during solar flares and coronal mass ejections, collide with nitrogen molecules in Earth’s atmosphere. This interaction excites the electrons, which then produce vibrant displays of lights. Following a significant solar maximum that occurred in October 2024, scientists predict more frequent auroras through early 2026. The last solar maximum led to a remarkable rise in auroral activity, showcasing the northern lights as far south as Texas and northern Florida during an intense geomagnetic storm in May.