“The best chance to see the aurora is in areas with clear skies and minimal light pollution,” NOAA meteorologists explained.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The northern lights occur when charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions excite oxygen and nitrogen molecules, producing brilliant colors:
- Green: Oxygen at lower altitudes (up to 150 km)
- Red: Oxygen at higher altitudes (above 150 km)
- Blue & Purple: Nitrogen interactions
The result can appear as curtains, arcs, or spirals of shimmering light across the sky.
Tips for Viewing
- Find a dark location with a clear northern horizon
- Allow eyes time to adjust to the darkness
- Use a tripod for steady long-exposure photography
Even with summer nights shortening, September’s longer evenings provide prime conditions for aurora watching. While this event may not match the record-breaking aurora storms of 2024, it is expected to be one of the best since spring.
For real-time aurora forecasts, visit AccuWeather.com or NOAA’s Space Weather Center.
