Skywatchers across the globe have a rare reason to look up in the coming weeks. Scientists say a powerful combination of solar activity and Earth’s seasonal alignment could trigger some of the most breathtaking Northern Lights displays in years visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere and even in regions where auroras are rarely seen.
Why Auroras Are About to Surge
The fall equinox, which occurred last weekend, plays a crucial role in boosting aurora activity. During this time of year, a phenomenon known as the Russell–McPherron effect takes place. This happens when Earth’s magnetic field aligns more effectively with the solar wind — a stream of charged particles constantly flowing from the Sun.
This alignment acts like an open door, allowing more solar particles to penetrate Earth’s magnetic shield and trigger stronger geomagnetic storms. These storms are what produce the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) in the Northern Hemisphere and the aurora australis (Southern Lights) in the Southern Hemisphere. As these particles collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, they release energy that glows in beautiful shades of green, red, pink, and purple.
Solar Maximum Is Supercharging the Skies
Adding even more power to this year’s aurora season is the fact that the Sun is currently near the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, a phase known as solar maximum. During this period, the Sun releases far more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) huge clouds of charged particles that can reach Earth within a few days.
When these solar storms interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger intense geomagnetic activity and dramatic auroras. Scientists believe this solar maximum could even feature a “double peak,” which means heightened aurora activity could continue well into 2025. This makes the coming weeks one of the most promising windows for witnessing the Northern Lights in over a decade.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
Auroras happen all year round, but they’re only visible when skies are dark enough. Around the September equinox, day and night are nearly equal in length, offering longer hours of darkness and better chances to see the lights.
The best places to witness them remain high-latitude regions close to the magnetic poles, such as:
Northern Hemisphere: Canada, Alaska, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Scotland, Greenland, northern Russia
Southern Hemisphere: Southern New Zealand and Tasmania in Australia (where they’re known as the aurora australis)
However, during powerful geomagnetic storms, the auroral oval expands toward lower latitudes, meaning the Northern Lights could reach regions where they’re rarely visible sometimes dipping into parts of northern Europe, the central United States, or even northern China and Japan.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances
If you want to catch this natural light show, here are some helpful tips:
Check space weather forecasts: Agencies like NASA and NOAA regularly issue solar storm and aurora alerts.
Find a dark location: Avoid light pollution from cities and head to rural or remote areas.
Look north (or south): In the Northern Hemisphere, face north; in the Southern Hemisphere, look south.
Be patient and stay up late: The best viewing times are usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time.
A Rare Global Opportunity
A rare solar surge combined with Earth’s equinox alignment is setting the stage for unforgettable auroras not just in polar regions but possibly much farther from the poles than usual. Whether you live in northern Europe, Canada, Alaska, or even regions farther south, the coming weeks could offer a once-in-a-decade chance to witness the night sky come alive with color.
So keep your eyes on the heavens nature’s most breathtaking light show might soon dance across your sky.
Source: NASA, NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center