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Northern Lights In 2025: Where And When To See Aurora In The U.S. And Europe
The forthcoming solar maximum is expected to bring a surge in aurora activity, making 2025 an extraordinary year for Northern Lights enthusiasts. While the traditional hotspots like Alaska, Scandinavia, Iceland, and Tasmania will still offer the best views, there’s a high chance of seeing the phenomenon at lower latitudes in both the U.S. and Europe.
According to Dan Zafra, astrophotographer and Aurora Atlas expert, it is essential to recognize that low-latitude displays will differ significantly from those seen in polar regions. “The aurora displays in the U.S. lower 48 have been great, with Northern Lights visible even in states like Arizona or New Mexico,” he said. However, these appearances are usually limited to a faint glow on the horizon with some sporadic spikes or pulsating lights. For a striking coronas and long shows at zenith, you should still head to the Arctic.
Some key locations to consider for aurora viewing in 2025 include:
* Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the U.S.
* The UK, Denmark, and Germany in Europe
While it is possible to spot auroras from these regions, keep in mind that the experience will not be the same as what you would expect at higher latitudes. For a genuine Northern Lights experience with striking coronas and long shows, travel to the Arctic Circle.
As Dr. Cheung notes, “While solar maximum does mean more storms, which bring the aurora oval to more southern latitudes, you will still have a chance of seeing auroras in polar regions even during solar minimum, but the frequency of storms increases.” This means that your chances of witnessing excellent aurora displays are higher during solar maximum.
To sum it up, 2025 is an excellent year for Northern Lights enthusiasts. If you want to see the finest displays possible, head north to the Arctic Circle. But if you prefer a more unique and rare experience at lower latitudes, consider the U.S. or Europe.
Source: www.forbes.com
