Scientists have noted a significant increase in sunspot observations, a crucial indicator for predicting the northern lights, since 2022. If this trend persists, the next 18 months could bring the most vibrant northern lights display in decades, making them more visible and frequent across the globe than in the past two decades.

The Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, an international scientific group sponsored by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, initially forecasted below-average sunspot activity for the upcoming year, anticipating a peak of 110 to 115 sunspots. However, updated models from various scientists suggest that sunspots could peak as high as 235.

Solar activity is projected to steadily increase until fall 2024, presenting the highest likelihood of observing the northern lights, according to Mark Miesch, a research scientist at the University of Colorado Boulder and NOAA. This surge in activity is attributed to Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year period during which the sun undergoes magnetic pole reversals, generating the space weather necessary for the aurora borealis on Earth.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, is a natural light phenomenon occurring in Earth’s high latitude areas near the North and South poles. When specific space weather interacts with the planet’s magnetic fields, it propels particles towards the poles, creating mesmerizing auroras when these particles interact with oxygen and nitrogen.

Bill Murtagh, program coordinator for NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, describes the process as the sun emitting a magnet into space. Disturbances in the magnetic field significantly increase the likelihood of witnessing the northern lights at lower latitudes, potentially doubling the occurrence in the coming days.

Although the northern lights displayed heightened activity earlier this year, extending as far south as Alabama, recent observations indicate a temporary decline. Murtagh acknowledges the unpredictable nature of these phenomena, noting that despite similar solar eruptions since spring, luck—or lack thereof—plays a role in their visibility.

Recent solar eruptions have predominantly directed energy into other regions of space rather than Earth. However, Murtagh remains optimistic, highlighting that the sun is approaching the maximum phase of Solar Cycle 25, which has been escalating faster and appearing larger than initially predicted.

“The [solar] cycle is rising faster, and when it rises faster, it’s typically bigger,” Murtagh explains. “The bigger the cycle, the more eruptions [on the sun], the more likely we see the aurora, bottom line.”

As the sun continues with notable eruptions that have yet to impact Earth, the anticipation remains high for a potential surge in aurora activity in the coming weeks or months. Despite recent fluctuations, scientists encourage enthusiasts to remain hopeful, emphasizing the dynamic nature of space weather and the potential for back-to-back eruptions leading to stunning displays of the northern lights.

If you’re planning to witness this cosmic dance, here’s your ultimate guide!

Best Months

The Northern Lights illuminate the sky for a whopping 8 months, reaching their pinnacle during the Equinox effect in autumn and spring. Mark your calendars for September, October, March, and early April for the prime viewing months! Choose your months according to the place you are planning to visit because it can vary a bit.

Optimal Viewing Window

Plan a week-long trip within the arctic circle, synced with the first or third quarter moon. This ensures the best weather conditions and a mesmerizing aurora spectacle.

Where to watch Northern Lights ?

• Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Tromso, Norway
• Lapland, Finland
• Kirkjufell, Iceland
• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Alaska, USA
• Abisko, Sweden
• Yellowknife, Canada