Where Will The Northern Lights Be Visible?
The aurora borealis can be seen in areas includingnorthern Washington, the northern tip of Idaho, northern Montana, the northernmost stretch of Wyoming, North Dakota, northern South Dakota, the northern half of Minnesota, the northern tip of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As usual, much of Alaska will have the highest chance of seeing the northern lights.
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What’s The Best Way To See The Northern Lights?
Observers should use high vantage points and gaze from places with little to no light pollution. Doing so between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. usually provides the best chances of seeing the northern lights.
What’s The Best Way To Photograph The Northern Lights?
Low apertures, wide-angle lenses and tripods can help snap good photos of the aurora borealis. Those using smartphones should avoid flash and use night mode if possible.
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Key Background
The northern lights form when particles from the sun interact with earth’s magnetic field. Solar storms are energy bursts from the sun that can contribute to strong auroral showings, several of which occurred in 2024, when the sun reached the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, marking a 500-year high in auroral activity. The same level of activity is not expected to continue and will decrease the more time passes from the peak of the cycle.
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Further Reading
Aurora Dashboard (NOAA)