How to See Northern Lights in Seattle: A Guide for Nature Lovers

Seattle is known for its vibrant culture, thriving tech scene, and bustling cafes. However, it is also situated in one of the best locations in the world to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural phenomenon of rippling and flickering lights in the sky is an awe-inspiring sight that is on the bucket list of many nature enthusiasts. If you’re lucky, you might just be able to catch a glimpse of it right here in Seattle. Here’s how to maximize your chances:

Understand the Science Behind Northern Lights

Before you embark on a quest to see the Northern Lights in Seattle, it’s essential to understand the science behind it. The Aurora Borealis is the result of the collision between solar winds and the earth’s magnetic field. These solar winds consist of charged particles, such as electrons and protons, that are given off by the sun. The earth’s magnetic field traps these charged particles and channels them towards the earth’s poles. When the charged particles collide with molecules in the earth’s atmosphere, it generates energy in the form of light, resulting in the shimmering and colorful Northern Lights.

Check the Weather Forecast

The first step to seeing the Northern Lights in Seattle is keeping an eye on the weather forecast. You should look out for clear, dark nights with little to no light pollution. Generally, clear night skies are the best to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. You can download weather apps such as Accuweather or Weather.com and enable push notifications to get alerts about potential sightings.

Find the Perfect Location

To see the Northern Lights, you need a location with minimal light pollution. Seattle is enveloped with city lights that can make it tough to see the Aurora Borealis. However, there are a few spots around Seattle where you can maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Some of the best places to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis in Seattle are Gas Works Park, Kerry Park, or Discovery Park. These parks are outside the city, where you can enjoy views of the night sky with minimal light pollution.

Gas Works Park

Gas Works Park is a 20-acre park situated just North of lake Union. This former gas plant has now been converted into a beautiful park and is a popular spot for watching the Northern Lights. The park boasts unobstructed views of the sky, making it an excellent spot to see the Aurora Borealis.

Kerry Park

Kerry Park is a small park located on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill. It is one of Seattle’s most popular viewpoints, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and Elliot Bay. Kerry Park is a great spot to see the Northern lights due to its elevated location, making it easier to spot the Aurora Borealis.

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is Seattle’s largest park, spread over 534 acres. This park is perfect for a nighttime picnic as it offers unobstructed views of the night sky, making it an ideal location for watching the Aurora Borealis. Situated near the western edge of Seattle, the park presents a perfect escape from the city and a great place to see the Northern Lights.

Check the Northern Lights Forecast

In addition to keeping an eye on Seattle’s weather forecast, you will want to check out the Northern Lights forecast. Websites such as Aurora Service or Space Weather Prediction Center offer a forecast and live updates on the Northern Lights. Knowing when the Aurora Borealis might appear can increase your chances of seeing it.

Be Patient & Prepared

Lastly, patience and preparedness are essential to seeing the Northern Lights in Seattle. The Aurora Borealis is an unpredictable natural phenomenon. You can spend hours waiting without any luck, or it might occur in a few minutes. Therefore, bring a flashlight, snacks, warm clothing, and a blanket to stay comfortable while waiting for the Northern Lights.

Conclusion

The Northern Lights are a magical natural phenomenon that can be seen in Seattle, providing you know where and when to look for it. Keeping an eye on the weather forecast, checking the Northern Lights forecast and finding the perfect location will significantly increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Remember, it takes patience and a bit of luck to see the Northern Lights, so prepare yourself for a beautiful magic that nature has to offer.