Northern Lights Tonight Spokane WA: Everything You Need to Know

If you are living in Spokane or planning to visit the city soon, you might have heard about the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. These awe-inspiring and mesmerizing lights in the sky have always fascinated people across the globe. So, it is no surprise that you would want to witness these natural wonders yourself.

The Northern Lights are a natural display of light that occurs in the high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. It is caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun that enters the Earth’s atmosphere. It results in a colorful and radiant display of lights that dance across the sky.

Now, let’s get to the main question, “Will there be Northern Lights tonight in Spokane WA?” The short answer is no. Spokane is located at 47.6734° N latitude, which is much lower than the latitude where the Northern Lights are visible. Usually, the Northern Lights are visible from places located between 60 and 70 degrees North latitudes.

However, there have been reports of rare sightings of the Northern Lights in Spokane, but they were not as bright and vivid as in the higher latitudes.

So, if you want to see the Northern Lights, you might have to plan a trip to places like Iceland, Norway, Canada, Sweden, or Finland. These places offer the best chances of seeing the Northern Lights as they are located in the high latitudes.

But, in case you are still intrigued by the Northern Lights and want to learn more, keep reading.

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months when the nights are longer, and the skies are darker. In addition, you need to have clear skies and a geomagnetic storm to witness this natural wonder.

Geomagnetic storms can be predicted through various weather apps and websites, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center.

Where to See the Northern Lights?

As mentioned earlier, the Northern Lights are best viewed in higher latitudes, away from city lights. Here are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights:

Iceland

Iceland is undoubtedly one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. The country is located near the Arctic Circle, making it an excellent spot for viewing the aurora.

Norway

Norway offers some of the most magnificent and picturesque locations for witnessing the Northern Lights. The country is dotted with Northern Lights viewing spots, and some of the most popular ones are Tromso, Lofoten Islands, and Alta.

Canada

Canada’s extensive northern territory, especially the areas around Whitehorse, Yukon, and Yellowknife, are great spots to see the Northern Lights.

Sweden

Sweden’s northernmost province, Lapland, is a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights. Abisko National Park is one of the best places to see the lights as it has clear skies and very little light pollution.

Finland

Finland is another prime location to see the Northern Lights. The country has some of the best accommodations with unique experiences such as Northern Lights cabins and igloos.

A Few Tips to Consider

Here are some essential tips that you need to keep in mind if you want to witness the Northern Lights:

Away from Light Pollution

Make sure that you are away from any form of light pollution, including streetlights, car headlights, or any other sources of artificial lights.

Warm Clothes

Make sure that you dress warmly and in layers if you plan to witness the Northern Lights. It is best to prepare for freezing conditions as you might have to stand outside for long hours.

Patience is Key

You might have to wait for a long time before you can get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. So, it is best to be patient and wait for the right moment.

Photography

If you want to capture the Northern Lights, make sure that you bring a good camera and a tripod. You can take long exposure shots to capture the beauty of the lights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although you will not be able to witness the Northern Lights tonight in Spokane, you can plan a trip to higher latitude places for the experience. The Northern Lights are a natural wonder that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Remember, patience, the right gear, and choosing the right location are crucial factors that can improve your chances of witnessing this mesmerizing phenomenon.