A few times a year, we see articles go viral about how “the Northern Lights could really put on a show this weekend/tonight.” Most of the time, the chance comes and goes and the vast majority of us who were excited are left disappointed. In this video, Matt Noyes explains why the Northern Light put on their show – when we understand the intricacies of the phenomenon, it becomes clear that A LOT has to happen just right for the Aurora Borealis (and Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, in the Southern Hemisphere) to be visible in any given spot. Matt also shares he and Danielle’s favorite website for real-time Aurora information and forecasts, and gives us some advice on how to interpret forecasts of Northern Lights (or Southern Lights!) visible on an upcoming night. Get the real deal on the Aurora in this video!
The Northern and Southern Lights—also known as the Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis, respectively—are some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Earth. These stunning light shows in the sky are a result of solar activity interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. While rare to see in New England, their appearance is unforgettable, and when they do reach this region, they’re often visible as far south as the mid-Atlantic.
Auroras happen when charged particles from the sun, often emitted during solar storms, collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These particles, primarily electrons and protons, are drawn toward the Earth’s magnetic poles by its magnetosphere. As these particles collide with atmospheric gases, they excite the gas molecules, causing them to emit photons—tiny bursts of light. This creates the beautiful, multicolored displays we see during an aurora.
The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited. Oxygen emits green or red light, while nitrogen produces blue and purple hues. The shape of the aurora, from curtains of light to rippling arcs, is influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field and the observer’s location.
While auroras are most frequently seen near the poles, they can occasionally be visible in lower latitudes during periods of intense solar activity. In New England, auroras are a rare treat, but sightings occur during strong solar storms. Locations like coastal Maine, New Hampshire, and even the Newburyport waterfront, as seen in a recent display, are excellent places to catch a glimpse when conditions are right. The Northern Lights are usually best seen in high-latitude regions like:
Similarly, the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) are often visible in places like:
Auroras can sometimes extend into New England during intense solar storms, creating awe-inspiring sights. Thursday night’s display extended through 48 of 50 states in the U.S., with millions away from intense “light pollution” of big cities or well lit areas enjoying light displays resembling those seen in Arctic destinations and among the best in decades. According to Matt Noyes, president of 1DegreeOutside, these occurrences are typically unpredictable but unforgettable when they happen.
To maximize your chances of seeing the aurora in New England, follow aurora alerts and check for geomagnetic activity predictions. As Matt mentioned this video, a government-run aurora forecast tool online is a great way to track aurora activity. It’s wise to be ready for possible sightings on nights when auroral activity is predicted, as forecasts can sometimes be off by as much as 24-48 hours due to the complex interactions between solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic field.
Predicting auroras is more difficult than forecasting the weather. It depends heavily on solar activity, but during periods of heightened solar storms, conditions can be right for auroras to be visible even in places like New England. The 30-minute aurora forecast Matt recommends in the link above is one of the most accurate ways to monitor potential displays.
For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, keep an eye out for strong solar storms, particularly in late fall and winter, when darkness lasts longer, improving visibility.
