On Wednesday, the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is expected to streak across the United States for the second time in a week.
This upcoming light show promises to be even more vibrant and brighter than the last, thanks to our Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which is approaching its peak between late 2024 and early 2026.
As we near this peak, solar flares and the Northern Lights are set to become more frequent and spectacular.
How to See the Northern Lights in the United States
Although predicting the Northern Lights can be tricky, the best time to catch a glimpse is typically between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. To maximize your chances, avoid city lights and other sources of light pollution, monitor weather forecasts to ensure clear skies, and find a high vantage point, such as a hilltop.
The Northern Lights occur when energetic charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s atmosphere at astonishing speeds of up to 45 million mph (72 million kph), creating the mesmerizing light display.
