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Northern Lights In 2025: Where And When To See Aurora In The U.S. And Europe
As the world waits with bated breath for the Northern Lights to make a comeback, experts are warning that it’s crucial to know where and when to catch this breathtaking phenomenon. According to Forbes, a prolonged period of heightened solar activity significantly increases the likelihood of auroras occurring, making 2025 a very promising year.
For those who want to experience the spectacular displays firsthand, we’ve got some exciting news: you don’t have to travel far north to witness this celestial wonder. In fact, Zafra suggests that “Even if the aurora is not the primary component of the trip, I’d keep an eye on places at lower latitudes where aurora displays are possible.”
What does that mean for Americans and Europeans? Essentially, it opens up new possibilities for those in regions where auroras are uncommon. This means you can now plan a trip to states like Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the U.S., or even explore countries at lower latitudes in Europe such as the U.K., Denmark, and Germany.
However, Zafra emphasized that it’s crucial to remember the differences between low-latitude displays and those in the Arctic: “The aurora displays in the U.S. lower 48 have been great, with Northern Lights visible even in states like Arizona or New Mexico. However, these are usually limited to a faint glow on the horizon with some sporadic spikes or pulsating lights. If you want to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights overhead at zenith, with its striking coronas and long shows, the Arctic is still the best place to go.”
So where should you go for the best views? The answer remains clear: the traditional hotspots for aurora viewing are still Alaska, Scandinavia, Iceland, or Tasmania in the Southern Hemisphere. These locations offer unparalleled experiences for those who want to witness the Northern Lights in their full glory.
But what about waiting it out and hoping for a decent show closer to home? Zafra offers some sage advice: “While solar maximum does mean more storms, which bring the aurora oval to more southern latitudes, you will not only continue to see aurora at more polar regions — even during solar minimum — but with a more active sun, the frequency of storms increases. So your chances of seeing good aurora storms are higher during solar maximum.”
In summary: if you want to witness the finest aurora displays possible, 2025 is the perfect year to head north to the Arctic Circle. However, for those who can’t or won’t make the trip, there’s still hope closer to home.
So mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Clear skies and wide eyes ahead!
Source: www.forbes.com
