How to Check for Northern Lights Forecast Near Me

Have you ever dreamt of seeing the mesmerizing northern lights that illuminate the dark sky with vibrant colors? The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are a natural phenomenon that occur when Earth’s atmosphere collides with charged particles from the sun. The result is breathtaking night skies that illuminate in a blaze of greens, purples, blues, and pinks. But, how can you know when and where to see the Northern Lights? In this blog post, we will discuss how to check the Northern Lights forecast near you.

What are the Northern Lights?

Before we dive into how you can find the Northern Lights forecast near you, let’s understand a little bit about what the Northern Lights actually are. Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights are the result of solar wind and magnetosphere interaction. Solar wind is a stream of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, emitted by the sun. Our planet’s magnetic field captures and contains these particles from the solar wind, channeling them toward the polar regions.

The Aurora Borealis usually happens around the poles, like in the Arctic regions, but it can sometimes be spotted away from these regions. When the charged particles hit the Earth’s magnetic field, they excite atoms in the atmosphere. The energy released causes the oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere to emit light in varying colors such as red, green, blue, and purple.

When is the Best Time to View the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are visible all year round, but during the summer months of June, July, and August, the daylight lasts for almost 24 hours, making it difficult to see the lights. So, the best time to view the Northern Lights is from September to April when the nights are much longer.

The ideal time to see the Northern Lights is usually between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am when the sky is the darkest. However, it’s vital to check the weather and the moon phases before heading out. You will need a clear sky and no light pollution to spot the Northern Lights clearly.

How to Check the Northern Lights Forecast Near Me?

Now comes the crucial part, how can you check the Northern Lights forecast near you? There are various sources where you can check the Aurora forecast, including:

1. Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC)

The Space Weather Prediction Centre operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides Aurora forecasts and alerts for locations in the United States. The website provides a 30-minute aurora forecast and an aurora oval map showing the probability of viewing the Northern Lights.

2. AuroraWatch UK

AuroraWatch UK operates a network of magnetometers in the United Kingdom, which can detect geomagnetic activity. You can sign up for email and text alerts when there is a probability of an Auroral display in your area.

3. Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks

The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides aurora forecasts based on the data collected from ground magnetometers and magnetospheric satellites.

4. Aurora Service EU

Aurora Service EU provides aurora forecasts and real-time updates on Northern Lights activity across Europe. The website highlights the location of the Aurora Oval.

5. Apps

There are several apps available, such as My Aurora Forecast, Aurora Alerts, and Aurora Forecast. These apps allow you to set your location and provide you with notifications on your smartphone when the Aurora activity is high.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Knowing the Northern Lights forecast near you is essential, but there are a few tips you should keep in mind before going to see the Aurora Borealis.

1. Dress warmly and in layers, as the temperature can drop rapidly at night.

2. Bring a comfortable chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the view.

3. Bring a camera with a tripod to capture your experience.

4. Head to a dark and remote location to avoid light pollution.

5. Be patient and wait for the Northern Lights to appear.

Conclusion

Checking the Northern Light forecast is essential to plan your visit, but remember that even if the Aurora forecast looks great, the weather can change at any moment, and you may not get the opportunity to see it. So, always check the weather forecast and be prepared for the unexpected. Follow these guidelines and use the resources mentioned above, and you may have a chance to experience the magnificent Aurora Borealis.