Northern lights 🌌
Why are we seeing the northern lights so much?
The answer is simple. We are at the peak of an 11 year solar cycle where activity is heightened and will remain heightened for several more months. This is referred to as solar maximum.
Solar maximum is currently projected to peak during summer of 2025.
After that, we will begin *gradually* decreasing in terms of solar activity over the next several years.
The opposite would be solar minimum where little to no solar activity occurs. This is eventually where we will head between 2030 and 2040.
Given we are in the heart of solar max, Aurora chances exist more often and we will continue to have chances over the next year or so.
As someone who's completely fallen in love with chasing the Northern Lights, I can tell you there's nothing quite like standing under a sky painted with vibrant green and purple aurora. Lately, it feels like these magical displays are everywhere, and I've been lucky enough to witness some truly spectacular shows, often with the lights dancing right above the tree line or shimmering over a calm body of water. The original article mentioned we're in a 'solar maximum,' which is fantastic news for aurora enthusiasts like me! What truly fascinates me, beyond just seeing the aurora, is understanding the science behind those stunning colors. I learned that the beautiful green hues we often see are typically from oxygen atoms interacting with solar particles at lower altitudes, while the rarer reds come from oxygen at higher altitudes. And those mystical blues and purples? Those are usually from nitrogen molecules. It’s like the sky is putting on a dynamic chemistry experiment just for us! Knowing this makes each vibrant pink and red aurora, or even the faint green aurora visible across the dark night sky, even more special. For anyone hoping to catch their own glimpse of the aurora borealis, especially those stunning green and purple skies, here are my top tips. Firstly, finding a dark sky location is paramount. Get away from city lights; even subtle light pollution can wash out fainter displays. I always look for spots with a clear horizon, as the aurora often starts low before possibly expanding overhead. This is where those silhouetted trees or a distant utility pole can actually add to the drama of your photos, rather than detracting from it, creating a truly unique frame for the aurora. Secondly, patience is key! I check aurora forecasts religiously (there are some great apps out there). Even with a strong forecast, sometimes it takes hours for the show to really get going. Dress warmly, bring a hot drink, and just enjoy the stars while you wait. When it does appear, especially if it’s one of those deep red and purple aurora displays indicating intense solar activity, it’s an unforgettable experience. My last sighting, where the aurora reflected perfectly in a still lake, with stars twinkling above and faint tree silhouettes on the shore, was absolutely magical. It’s moments like these that remind me why I keep chasing this celestial ballet. Don't forget your camera to capture those vibrant pink and red aurora or the green and purple aurora borealis stretching across the starry night sky!
Thank you, I have been saying this for so long! everything is not global warming. It’s a cycle the sun goes through, and the effect on the earth.