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How to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights (officially known as the aurora borealis) are a breathtaking phenomenon occurring in the night sky that is caused by a combination of solar winds and colliding charged particles. Seen only from the northern hemisphere in the northern part of the sky, this spectacular occurrence of gigantic glowing light masses is truly one of the most amazing natural sights you will likely ever see.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars or a telescope
An accessible dark area

Instructions

- 1
  The aurora borealis occurs most frequently during the periods of September through October and March through April. It is seen quite clearly from Northern Canada and seen from Fairbanks, Alaska for about 260 nights, as the lights occur on the northern horizon; it is said that the lights can be year.
- 2
  The best viewing available in the "lower 48" is in the northern states bordering Canada and the farther north the better, in such states as Maine, Minnesota, Washington and so on.
- 3
  The best times to view the phenomenon are during March and September; the worst months are January and July.
- 4
  While binoculars or a telescope will certainly aid your view, those in Northern Canada and Alaska should have no problem seeing the lights with the naked eye.
- 5
  Find the darkest viewing spot available in your vicinity, such as a quiet forest or park. Any light makes the phenomenon very difficult to see, so during a full moon is a challenging time to take in the lights as well.

Astronomy