Best viewing locations for Northern Lights Tonight!
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, continue to captivate skywatchers across the northern hemisphere.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon tonight, the aurora forecast suggests low activity, but that doesn’t mean you should rule out the possibility of a sighting. With the right location, clear skies, and a little patience, you could still witness a dazzling display.
Tonight’s Aurora Forecast
According to the latest NOAA aurora forecast, solar wind speeds are at 454 km/sec, with solar wind magnetic fields showing Bt 6 nT and Bz -1 nT.
These values suggest minimal geomagnetic disruption, resulting in low aurora activity. Additionally, today’s 10.7 cm radio flux measures at 168 sfu, indicating moderate solar activity.
The moon is currently in its first quarter phase, which means some light interference, but not enough to significantly impact aurora viewing.
Where to Look for the Aurora Tonight
While aurora activity is forecasted to be low, there are still several prime locations where low-level auroras may appear.
Top Viewing Locations – North America:
Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska – Overhead displays are possible.
Fairbanks, Alaska – Aurora may be visible directly overhead or slightly to the north.
Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska – Low-level auroras might appear on the northern horizon.
Whitehorse, Yukon (Canada) – Favorable conditions for low auroral activity.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (Canada) – Higher likelihood of aurora displays, even if activity remains low.
Northern Europe:
Tromsø, Norway – Always a reliable location for aurora sightings, even during lower activity periods.
Kiruna, Sweden – Good chances for visible auroras directly overhead.
Rovaniemi, Finland – Low activity may still yield faint displays.
Tips for Viewing the Aurora
1. Check the Skies – Clear skies are essential. Cloud cover can obscure auroras entirely. Use local weather apps to monitor cloud conditions before heading out.
2. Head North – The farther north you go, the better your chances. Auroras are more likely to appear closer to the Arctic Circle.
3. Seek Darkness – Light pollution can wash out faint auroras. Drive away from city lights and find a dark, open area.
4. Be Patient – Auroras can appear and disappear quickly. Spend at least an hour under the night sky for the best chance to see them.
5. Bring the Right Gear – Dress warmly and bring a camera capable of long exposures to capture faint auroras that may not be visible to the naked eye.
What to Expect
Tonight’s aurora activity may not bring intense displays, but faint, greenish bands or low-level curtains of light may still dance across the northern sky.
The best viewing times are typically between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, though auroras can occur anytime during the night.
Final Thoughts
While we aren’t expecting a geomagnetic storm tonight, nature can be unpredictable. If you’re in northern latitudes and have clear skies, step outside and look north.
Even if you don’t catch the aurora, the stars and winter landscapes alone make for a breathtaking night.
For real-time aurora forecasts, visit the NOAA Aurora Dashboard or the Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast. Happy aurora hunting!
