The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) appear when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These collisions release light and create the dancing arcs, curtains, and rays you see in the night sky.

Solar flares and CMEs launch streams of particles. Earth’s magnetic field funnels them towards the poles where they hit oxygen and nitrogen, causing the glow.

• Green — Oxygen at ~100–300 km (most common)
• Red — Oxygen above ~300 km (rare, dramatic)
• Blue/Purple — Nitrogen molecules, lower altitudes

Late August to mid‑April. You need darkness, clear skies, and solar activity. Check local cloud cover and the Kp index.

• Dark skies (avoid city lights)
• Low cloud cover
• Higher Kp → better chances

Optimal Months:
September to March: This period offers the longest nights and the best chances for clear skies. The equinoxes in late September and March often see increased auroral activity due to geomagnetic storms.

Time of Night:
Late Evening to Early Morning: The auroras are most visible between 10 PM and 2 AM, but they can appear anytime during the night. It’s advisable to stay out for several hours to increase your chances of witnessing them.

Seasonal Considerations:
Winter Months: The cold, dry air of winter often leads to clearer skies. However, be prepared for extreme cold in some locations, and dress accordingly.

No special gear to see them. For comfort and photos, bring:

• Warm layers, hat, gloves
• Tripod + DSLR/mirrorless (wide lens)
• Headlamp with red light