The United States has already enjoyed some of nature’s best light shows in 2023, and viewing opportunities are set to explode again as solar maximum approaches in 2025, leaving many people wondering where to see the Northern Lights. I’m wondering if I can see it.
As an aurora enthusiast, I’m excited to live on the 45th parallel north, less than two hours from the south shore of Lake Superior, giving me a better chance of seeing the aurora borealis than most U.S. residents. If you want to catch a glimpse of these dancing lights, you’ll want to know where you can best see them in the United States.
But before that, let’s take a deep dive into the causes of this unique phenomenon and share some tips for the best chance of catching it in action.
What is the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis, also known as the aurora borealis, is a natural light that appears in the Earth’s sky and is primarily seen in high latitudes around the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere.
These occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere, producing colorful, dynamic light shows that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, and other patterns.
Light green and pink are the colors that most often appear in aurora displays. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and purple have also been reported. Different types of gas particles interacting cause color changes.
Fun fact: The Southern Hemisphere has its own aurora lights called the Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights.
When can you see the aurora?
The best atmospheric conditions for viewing the Northern Lights in the United States appear to occur during the transition from winter to spring and fall to winter.
April, October, and November are the most popular months for aurora activity across North America. In winter, the night sky is dark for longer periods of time, making it more common to see the aurora borealis.
The Northern Lights are best visible between 9:30pm and 2am, but unless you’re deep in the ocean, visibility usually doesn’t last more than 15 to 20 minutes. aurora ovation.
How to know the aurora forecast
of US Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) The best place to find the latest information aurora forecast Because it shows the 3-day forecast and the past 30 minutes of geomagnetic activity for the current aurora potential.
Geomagnetic activity is measured using the planetary K index (Kp), which ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest activity. The higher the Kp, the more active the aurora and the wider the visible range.
SPWC says that between 0 and 2 Kp, the aurora is “far north, much fainter in intensity, and less active.” When Kp reaches a range of 3 to 5, the aurora spreads farther from the North Pole, becoming “highly active” and brighter.
Tips for seeing the Northern Lights
Your chances of seeing the Northern Lights increase if you go north of the 45th parallel to dark, wide-open areas to the north. Track new moon cycles (less moonlight darkens the sky) and monitor reports on solar storm activity on his website for the U.S. Space Weather Prediction Center.
When activity is possible, be patient and look toward the northern sky. Auroras can occur suddenly and are unpredictable. Natural light shows resemble wispy gray or white clouds, so they’re easy to miss when it’s dimly lit.
The best place to see the aurora is dark sky park. There are more than 60 of these internationally designated areas in the United States, many of which are located high enough on the latitude map to occasionally catch a glimpse of the natural light show.
Where to see the Northern Lights in America
Although you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in other parts of the United States, they are most commonly seen in Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine. All of these states boast dark, wide-open skies north of 45 degrees north latitude, giving residents and visitors the best chance to experience this unique phenomenon.
alaska aurora borealis
Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Popular places to see the Northern Lights in Alaska are:
- fairbanks
- anchorage
- denali national park
- gnome
- Talkeetna
- Wrangell Street Elias National Park and Reserve
Note: Because of Alaska’s proximity to the Arctic Circle, it has the greatest potential for aurora activity of all states.
aurora borealis in minnesota
Home to 10,000 lakes, Minnesota also has great potential for viewing the Northern Lights. Here are the places you’re likely to see the Northern Lights:
- Voyagers National Park
- forest lake
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- gunflint trail
- Hallock
aurora in michigan
Michigan’s coastline is a great place to see the Northern Lights. The Upper Peninsula tends to have particularly spectacular aurora borealis viewing.Some of the best places to see aurora in michigan teeth:
- Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
- keweenaw peninsula
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Port Crescent State Park
- Isle Royale National Park
aurora in maine
Maine, on the East Coast, is an ideal place to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.We will introduce some of the top Where to see the Northern Lights in Maine:
- Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge
- moosehead lake
- Baxter State Park
- acadia national park
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Other Northern Lights viewing locations in the US
Although these four states are the states that see the most aurora activity, there are several other places around the country where you can see the aurora borealis.
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
- idaho panhandle national forest
- Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
- Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
Aurora Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in the United States?
The best time to see the Northern Lights in the United States is during the winter months, usually from October to March, when the nights are longer and darker. However, the aurora can be seen all year round, especially during periods of high solar activity.
2. Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights in the United States?
Alaska, Minnesota, Michigan, and Maine are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights in the United States. There are also other locations within the United States that offer optimal viewing conditions, such as national parks and dark sky parks.
3. What should I bring to see the Northern Lights?
To see the Northern Lights, bring warm clothing such as a hat, gloves, and boots, as well as a camera with a tripod to photograph the Northern Lights. We also recommend bringing snacks, a bottle of water, and a red-light flashlight to maintain night vision.
4. How can I increase my chances of seeing the Northern Lights?
To increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, choose a location with clear skies and low light pollution, and check the Northern Lights forecast before planning your trip. We also recommend staying a few nights to increase your chances of meeting someone.
5. What causes aurora borealis?
Auroras are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating a colorful and dynamic light show. The color of the aurora depends on the type of gas particles colliding with it, with green being the most common color.
Tips for photographing the Northern Lights
Many professional and amateur photographers covet the opportunity to capture the Northern Lights on camera. And many succeeded. Here are some tips if you want to create that elusive photo.
- Use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
- Use manual focus to ensure your camera captures sharp images.
- A fast aperture (f/2.8 or higher) and high ISO (3200 or higher) let in more light and create a brighter image without reducing the shutter speed.
Experiment with different settings on your camera to find the best exposure for your night sky and get a stunning view.
Ashley Pichea is the Content Manager at RootedWanderings.com, where she curates in-depth travel guides on sites like AwesomeMitten.com, VisitMaine.net, and explores hidden gems across the United States. When she’s not obsessed with SEO, she can be found exploring the Midwest with her husband and her five children.
