What States Can You View the Northern Lights?

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, you may be wondering where the best places to witness this stunning natural phenomenon are in the United States. Not many people know that you can actually see the northern lights from several states across the country; however, some states are better suited for northern lights viewing than others. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the states where you can view the northern lights and what you should know before planning your trip to see them.

What Are the Northern Lights?

Before we dive into the different states where you can see the northern lights, let’s take a moment to discuss what they are.

The northern lights are a natural light display that occurs in the polar regions. They are caused by the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. These particles are drawn to the Earth’s magnetic field, which is stronger at the poles. As the charged particles interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, they create a beautiful display of light in the sky.

The northern lights are typically green, but they can also be red, blue, or purple. The colors are determined by the types of gas molecules that the charged particles collide with, their altitude in the atmosphere, and the amount of energy involved in the collisions.

Where Can You See the Northern Lights in the United States?

If you’re looking to see the northern lights from the United States, you’ll need to be in a state that’s far enough north and has minimal light pollution. Here are the top states where you can view the northern lights:

1. Alaska

Alaska is the best state in the United States to see the northern lights. Because it’s so far north, it’s the ideal location to witness the aurora borealis. Fairbanks is an excellent place to go if you’re looking for a good location to view the northern lights.

2. Maine

Maine is another state where you can see the northern lights. The best times to see them are during the fall and winter months, and the best places to view them are in the northernmost parts of the state, such as Aroostook County.

3. Minnesota

Minnesota is another excellent state to see the northern lights. The best places to view them are in northern parts of the state, such as Voyageurs National Park.

4. Michigan

Michigan is one of the best states to view the northern lights in the lower 48. The best place to see them is in the Upper Peninsula, near towns like Marquette and Munising.

5. North Dakota

North Dakota is another state where you can view the northern lights. The best times to see them are in the fall and winter months, and the best places to view them are in the northern parts of the state. The Turtle Mountains are a popular spot to view the northern lights.

6. Montana

Montana is also a great state to see the northern lights. The best places to view them are in the northern parts of the state, like Glacier National Park.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights

Now that you know where you can see the northern lights, here are some tips to help you have the best viewing experience possible:

1. Check the Forecast

Before you head out to view the northern lights, check the weather forecast. You’ll want to make sure that the sky will be clear so that you can see the aurora borealis.

2. Dress Warmly

When viewing the northern lights, you’ll be outside in the cold for an extended period of time. Dress appropriately with warm clothes and layer up to stay warm in the winter months.

3. Avoid Light Pollution

The northern lights are best viewed in areas with minimal light pollution. If you can, head out to a dark, remote area away from city lights.

4. Be Patient

The northern lights are unpredictable, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll see them. Be patient, give yourself plenty of time, and keep your eyes on the sky.

In Conclusion

Seeing the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. Though Alaska is the best state to see them, many other states offer an opportunity to view this incredible natural phenomenon. With these tips and information, you’re now better equipped to plan your trip to witness the northern lights. Happy viewing!