See the Northern Lights in 2024
If seeing the aurora borealis (northern lights) is on your bucket list, turn your attention skyward: experts say 2024 will be a sensational year for spotting the elusive light show.
This mesmerizing natural phenomenon is usually observable around the Arctic Circle; however, this year, people across large swaths of the US and Europe might have the chance to see this ethereal display. Here is everything you need to know.
What is the Aurora Borealis?
“Auroras happen because charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field,” explains Dr. Shannon Schmoll, director of the Abrams Planetarium at Michigan State University. This process excites gas atoms in our atmosphere, releasing light as they calm down. Different gases result in various colors, creating a celestial performance that might appear green, purple, blue, red, or yellow.
What’s Unique About the Northern Lights in 2024?
Based on current data, Dr. Schmoll indicates that the sun will reach “solar maximum,” the peak of an 11-year cycle when solar activity is greatest, sometime between 2024 and 2025. The level of solar activity is currently the highest it has been in about 20 years. The last prolonged geomagnetic storms made the northern lights visible far beyond their typical regions.
The record storm is still the Carrington Event in 1859, where northern lights were seen as far south as Mexico. If the sun replicates this solar flare, Earth is in for a treat. However, solar activity is unpredictable, and those in lower latitudes shouldn’t expect a guarantee.
How to See the Northern Lights in 2024
Even if you join a top-notch aurora expedition, there’s no guarantee you’ll witness the solar spectacle. Nevertheless, several strategies can increase your chances:
Get Out of the City
Firstly, avoid bright lights. Urban light can drown out the aurora, so seeking out an International Dark Sky Park or Sanctuary with exceptionally dark skies is imperative. The US has several excellent options for aurora watchers.
Travel During the Right Season
Timing is crucial. The best aurora viewing conditions usually occur between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, depending on the season. The best chances to see the aurora often align near the spring and fall equinoxes (March and September) when solar winds are typically strongest.
Check Local Weather
Clear skies and solar activity are essential for spotting the northern lights, yet these conditions are out of your control. Using weather apps to monitor local conditions can aid in planning your viewing strategy.
Visit the Best Locations
Aside from patience, location is crucial. “While seeing them further south is more likely during solar maximum, heading north will always provide a better opportunity,” adds Dr. Schmoll. If you genuinely want to experience the phenomenon, planning an adventure into the Arctic will significantly improve your odds.
The 9 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2024
1. Visit the Remote Westfjords in Iceland
Iceland is magnificent for light chasers, especially in the Westfjords, where you’ll find longer nights and minimal light pollution. Try the Bolafjall mountain for exceptional dark skies.
2. Beat the Cold in Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks is a premier destination for viewing northern lights, thanks to its ideal position under the auroral oval. Visitors can enjoy views with minimal light pollution.
3. Feast Your Eyes on the Blue Hole Over Abisko, Sweden
Abisko features a unique microclimate allowing for clearer night skies. Consider a guided tour to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora.
4. Cuddle Up in a Teepee Near Yellowknife, Canada
Yellowknife, located at the auroral oval’s center, boasts a highly likely chance of seeing the northern lights. Stay warm in a cozy teepee while viewing the sky.
5. Join a Guided Expedition in Tromsø, Norway
With its prime position above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers excellent opportunities during the northern lights season, backed by expert guides.
6. Try to Spot Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, is a fantastic site for viewing the northern lights, accessible and offering a range of activities.
7. Feel the Magic in Orkney, Scotland
Orkney can surprise visitors with beautiful displays of the northern lights. For the best chance, choose spots with minimal light interference.
8. Stay in the Lower 48 in International Dark Sky Park, Michigan
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park at Lake Michigan offers one of the best spots in the continental US for aurora viewing, recognized for its pristine night skies.
9. Discover Clear Skies in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
This small town offers excellent conditions for viewing the auroras, aided by stable weather and limited light pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place in the world to see the northern lights?
Tromsø, Norway, is often considered the top location, offering amazing visibility opportunities.
What is the best time of year to see the northern lights?
The winter months of December, January, and February typically provide the darkest skies, enhancing visibility.
Where are the northern lights most frequent?
The aurora occurs most often in regions near the Arctic Circle, including parts of Northern Norway, Finnish Lapland, and Iceland.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights while camping?
Abisko National Park in Sweden offers excellent conditions for camping and viewing the northern lights without light pollution.
This article was first published on August 20, 2019, and updated on August 27, 2024.
