In the last months, the Northern Lights in the United States They have become one of the most discussed astronomical topics. The increase in solar activity and several moderate and strong geomagnetic storms have allowed this phenomenon, normally reserved for high latitudes, to be seen in a much wider swath of the country.
Predictions from space weather experts indicate that This situation could be repeated on different nightswith observation windows extending from afternoon until dawn. Although the data is generated for North America, the European scientific community closely follows these events, as they help to better understand how auroras behave at mid-latitudes, something also relevant for observers in Spain and the rest of Europe.
A particularly active period for the Northern Lights
According to meteorologists at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)Recent episodes have been recorded G3 level geomagnetic activity (moderately strong) that have shifted the auroras southward in the United States. This type of event is associated with an increase in solar winds and coronal mass ejections that strike the Earth's magnetosphere.
Space weather specialists explain that, after a storm of this type, The effects can last for several nights.This means that auroras are not limited to a single day, but can reappear the following night, provided the solar wind maintains sufficient intensity and the magnetic field is oriented favorably.
In some recent forecasts, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center He has indicated specific observation periods, such as windows that run from night until the early hours of the following day. The most productive time slot is usually between 22: 00 and 2: 00 hoursHowever, the exact visibility depends on both latitude and weather conditions.
This pattern of activity is in addition to the rising phase of the solar cycle, with peaks expected around 2026-2027. For European observers, this data is useful because Periods of high solar activity in North America often have their equivalent in the North Atlantic and the Arctic.favoring auroras in Nordic countries and, in more intense episodes, even in somewhat lower latitudes.
Why do the Northern Lights occur?
The Northern Lights appear when charged particles from the Sun (mainly electrons and protons) reach Earth after episodes of intense solar wind or coronal mass ejections. Upon reaching the vicinity of the planet, these particles interact with the terrestrial magnetic field, which guides them towards the regions near the poles.
In the upper layers of the atmosphere, these particles collide with atoms and molecules of gases such as oxygen and nitrogenThese collisions excite the atoms, which, upon returning to their original state, emit light. This is how the curtains, arcs, and flashes of color we know as auroras are generated—predominantly green, but also reddish, bluish, or purple depending on the altitude and the type of gas involved.
From a physical point of view, auroras can be considered a high-altitude natural electrical dischargemodulated by the Earth's magnetic field. Although the general mechanism is well known, the fine details—such as the specific forms that the lights take or the speed at which they change—continue to be the subject of study, both in the United States and in observatories in Europe and the Arctic.
When geomagnetic activity increases, the so-called auroral oval expandsIn other words, the belt of highest probability of auroras widens and shifts, allowing the phenomenon to be visible in areas that are normally outside that ring. This is precisely what happens during episodes of moderate or strong geomagnetic storms, when the northern lights can extend as far south as the mid-latitudes of North America.
US states most likely to see auroras
In the United States, the best opportunities to witness an aurora are concentrated in the northern states and the regions near Canadawhere the latitude and darkness favor observation. Within this area, there are some destinations especially highly rated by astronomers, science outreach centers, and specialized travel agencies.
The most emblematic case is Fairbanks, AlaskaLocated beneath the so-called auroral oval, this enclave combines an ideal geographical position with infrastructure designed for those seeking the phenomenon: accommodations adapted to extreme cold, specific nighttime excursions, and popular viewpoints such as Chena Hot Springs and Murphy DomeFor many travelers, it is the point of reference when talking about the Northern Lights in North America.
Besides Alaska, there are multiple continental locations with a good chance of sightings. In the north of the country, forecasts often include Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota, states where, under suitable conditions, auroras can appear on the horizon or unfold more intensely when geomagnetic activity is high.
Further inland and to the Great Lakes region, the list of states with recurring observation options includes Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Nebraska, as well as northern areas of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New YorkThey are not always as clearly visible as in Alaska, but episodes of moderate or strong geomagnetic storms allow the lights to be perceived, at least, as diffuse arcs over the north.
Looking ahead to the coming years, and with the solar cycle still in its active phase, both the scientific community and stargazers agree that Opportunities to see the Northern Lights in this part of the United States will be frequent.provided that clear skies, low light pollution, and a sufficiently high geomagnetic activity index are combined.
Parks and locations with dark skies: a reference for travelers and astronomers
Beyond the major states, there are national parks and dark sky reserves These locations have earned a name for themselves among those who travel specifically to photograph the Northern Lights. They are characterized by very low light pollution and wide horizons, key aspects for tracking the evolution of the lights across the entire sky.
One of the most cited examples is the Voyageurs National Park, Minnesotawhich is certified by the International Dark Sky Park. This distinction guarantees outstanding conditions for astronomical observation, with up to approximately 200 potential nights per year suitable for stargazing without significant interference from artificial light.
Within Voyageurs, specific points such as Meadowood Road Day Use Area and Rainy Lake Visitor Center These locations are among the recommended spots for viewing the Northern Lights, as they offer unobstructed views to the north and allow you to follow the phenomenon for hours. On nights of high activity, it's not uncommon for visitors to capture both the luminous curtains and their reflection on lakes and icy surfaces.
The Great Lakes coast also offers highly prized enclaves. On the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park It stands out for the quality of its night sky and for the possibility of observing the northern lights with the added bonus of their reflections on the Lake superiorIt is an environment where night photography takes center stage.
Further west, the Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North DakotaIt is another destination often mentioned by ecotourism agencies. The combination of wide horizons, gentle terrain, and minimal artificial light creates an ideal setting for viewing the Northern Lights when geomagnetic activity allows, with viewpoints such as Buck Hill among the most highly regarded. In Wisconsin, Apostle Islands and the Bayfield region They present similar conditions, with the added advantage of their lake landscapes.
When is it easiest to see the Northern Lights in the United States
Although auroras can appear at any time of year if solar activity is intense enough, in practice there is a preferred observation seasonVarious expert sources agree that the optimal period is from the end of September to the end of March, coinciding with the longest nights in the northern hemisphere.
Within that interval, experienced observers point to a particularly productive time slot: between 22:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. local areas. This does not mean that auroras cannot be seen outside that area, but it does concentrate a significant portion of the most intense and dynamic displays, something that is also repeated in auroral enclaves of Europe.
Another factor that increases the chances of success is the proximity of the spring and autumn equinoxesAround these dates, the conditions of the Earth's magnetic field seem to favor couplings with the solar wind, which translates into an increase in moderate geomagnetic storms and, therefore, in the auroras visible in mid-latitudes.
In any case, the experts recommend Don't limit your planning to just one night.The wisest course of action is to reserve several days in your chosen region, as local weather conditions (cloud cover, fog, storms) can ruin a promising forecast. Having extra time allows you to make the most of any clear spells.
For European enthusiasts, this same approach applies to classic aurora destinations such as Norway, Sweden, Finland or IcelandCombining several days of stay, monitoring geomagnetic activity forecasts and keeping an eye on cloud cover often makes the difference between returning with spectacular photos or with an overcast sky.
Practical tips for observing and photographing the Northern Lights
Those traveling to the United States with the Northern Lights in mind should keep in mind that the darkness and stability of the sky They are as important as geomagnetic activity itself. Therefore, the first step is to get away from large cities and any source of light pollution that might whiten the horizon.
Choose a place with clear horizon to the north It helps detect even the faintest auroras, which to the naked eye may appear as milky clouds or whitish arcs before the camera reveals their true color. Patience is key: the lights can appear and disappear in a matter of minutes, and they don't always maintain a constant intensity.
As for equipment, those who want to photograph the phenomenon will appreciate bringing a A stable tripod and a camera that allows long exposuresThe usual parameters to start testing include exposure times between 10 and 20 seconds, high ISO sensitivity and the widest possible aperture, adjusting the values according to the brightness of the aurora and the residual light pollution.
Clothing is another aspect that shouldn't be underestimated. In states like Minnesota, North Dakota, Alaska or WisconsinNighttime temperatures during peak aurora season can be very low. It is advisable to dress in layers, using thermal clothing, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. Waterproof and insulated footwear to withstand several hours outdoors without losing comfort.
Finally, many observers supplement the planning with mobile apps and websites specializing in aurora forecastingThese tools show real-time evolution of both the geomagnetic index and cloud cover. They don't guarantee success, but they do allow for focusing efforts on nights and times of day with the highest probability of success.
Given the increasing solar activity and the recent geomagnetic storm episodes in North America, everything points to the fact that The Northern Lights will continue to be a highlight in the skies of the United States. during the coming seasons. For those watching from Europe, including the Spanish public who dream of seeing them in person, these events offer a useful reference point for when and how to organize a trip to more northerly latitudes, whether to North America or the Scandinavian countries, with the greatest possible guarantee of success.
