Aurora Borealis: Your Guide to Capturing The Northern Lights

Where Can You See The Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are notoriously unpredictable, but the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts visibility across Canada, Alaska, and select U.S. states this Friday night.

• Washington
• Idaho
• Montana
• Wyoming
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Nebraska
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• Michigan
• Maine
• Northern New York

To see the lights best, travel away from urban areas to avoid light pollution.

Best Time To Witness Aurora Borealis

The ideal window to catch the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Ensure the skies are clear for the best views. Higher elevation spots provide enhanced sky visibility.

Photography Tips For Aurora Borealis

Modern smartphones can effectively capture the Northern Lights if you enable night mode. For those using professional cameras, employing a tripod and adjusting exposure settings can yield breathtaking shots.

Understanding The Cause Of The Northern Lights

The lights arise from solar activity linked to Solar Cycle 25. This cycle, active since December 2019, is projected to peak around 2024-2026, resulting in frequent aurora sightings.

Geomagnetic Storms And Aurora Borealis

Currently, Solar Cycle 25 is generating more geomagnetic storms than anticipated, mainly due to an increase in sunspots. These developments suggest frequent opportunities to marvel at the Northern Lights.