Aurora Forecast: When and Where to See the Northern and Southern Lights

What are the Aurora?

The aurora, also known as the northern and southern lights, are natural light displays in the sky, primarily visible at high latitude regions. They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen.

When and Where to See the Aurora

The aurora is most commonly visible during periods of high solar activity, known as geomagnetic storms. The best time to see the aurora is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. The aurora can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but it is most commonly visible in regions near the magnetic poles.

Northern Hemisphere

In the northern hemisphere, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, are most commonly visible in Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia. The best time to see the aurora in the northern hemisphere is between September and April.

Southern Hemisphere

In the southern hemisphere, the aurora australis, or southern lights, are most commonly visible in Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. The best time to see the aurora in the southern hemisphere is between March and September.

Tips for Seeing the Aurora

To increase your chances of seeing the aurora, it is important to find a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution. You should also be patient and prepared to wait for the aurora to appear. The aurora can be unpredictable, and it may take several hours for it to become visible.

Live Aurora Forecast

There are a number of websites and apps that provide live aurora forecasts. These forecasts can help you plan your trip and increase your chances of seeing the aurora.