Aurora Forecast: When and Where to See the Northern and Southern Lights

Introduction

The aurora borealis and aurora australis, also known as the northern and southern lights respectively, are natural phenomena that occur when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles are drawn to the Earth's magnetic poles, which is why the auroras are most commonly seen in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

How to Forecast Auroras

There are a number of ways to forecast the likelihood of seeing the aurora. One way is to look at the solar wind data. The solar wind is a stream of charged particles that is constantly emitted from the sun. When the solar wind is strong, it can create geomagnetic storms, which can increase the likelihood of auroral activity.

Another way to forecast auroras is to look at the Kp index. The Kp index is a measure of geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9. The higher the Kp index, the greater the likelihood of seeing the aurora.

When and Where to See Auroras

The best time to see the aurora is during the winter months, when the nights are longer and darker. The aurora can be seen in both the northern and southern hemispheres, but it is most commonly seen in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

There are a number of places around the world where you can see the aurora. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• Fairbanks, Alaska
• Yellowknife, Canada
• Tromsø, Norway
• Reykjavík, Iceland
• Antarctica

Tips for Seeing Auroras

If you are planning to go aurora hunting, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the lights:

• Get away from city lights.
• Find a dark place with a clear view of the sky.
• Be patient. It can take hours for the aurora to appear.
• Dress warmly. It can get cold outside, even in the summer.

With a little planning, you can increase your chances of seeing the aurora. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your aurora adventure today!