How to Watch October's Northern Lights and Where They Will Be Visible
Here's what to know about the aurora borealis predicted to be visible from the United States, including where to spot it and how to photograph the display
Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty
The blinking lights of a plane streak through the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights in 2024.Colorful cosmos are coming!
The Northern Lights are expected to be visible this October as a result of a strong solar flare eruption, reported the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, producing a colorful display in the night sky.
NOAA issued a G1-G3 geomagnetic storm watch on Oct. 2 after the arrival of a coronal mass ejection (CME), which is an eruption of solar material. "When they arrive to Earth, a geomagnetic storm can result," the agency states.
While storm watches of this minor-strong magnitude and multi-day duration are "not frequent," NOAA notes they "are not uncommon" either. For example, NOAA issued a G3 storm watch for July 30 and a G2 storm watch for July 31 and Aug. 1.
On Oct. 3, NOAA reported the eruption of another solar flare, which is described as "an eruption of energy" that can last for a minimum of several minutes or a maximum of a few hours. The agency reports flares of this kind are "generally not common," but "not necessarily unusual."
Effects vary depending on the storm's magnitude, which explains the potential visibility of the aurora in parts of the United States as a result of the G1-G3 watch. Loss of radio signals may occur as a result of the R3 geomagnetic storm, though the majority of the general public won't be affected.
Astrologically, the northern lights won't have a huge effect on us because "there is no direct correlation with the zodiac signs," astrologer Valerie Mesa tells PEOPLE. However, she says "the intensity of these magnetic storms could impact us energetically" and "potentially heighten our emotional sensitivity," but there is no guarantee.
Here’s everything to know about the northern lights in October, including when to watch and where they’ll be visible.
Related: Will the Northern Lights Affect Your Zodiac Sign? What to Know
When will the northern lights be visible?
JFK/APA/AFP via Getty
Northern lights or aurora borealis illuminate the night sky on May 11, 2024.NOAA reported the northern lights are expected to become visible between Oct. 3 and Oct. 5, 2024. This is a result of the G1-G3 geomagnetic storm watch issued on Oct. 2 due to the arrival of the coronal mass ejection (CME) eruption and its arrival at Earth.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
Sky watchers in the United States, get excited because the chance to spot a spectacular celestial spectacle is upon us! According to NOAA, the northern lights are predicted to become visible over many of the northern states and some of the lower midwest to Oregon.
How to watch the northern lights?
Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty
Northern lights visible in Rochester, New York on May 11, 2024.There are various ways to increase your chances of watching the northern lights, though there are also challenges out of our control that can hinder visibility. Similar to spotting the full moon or a meteor shower, it's best to watch the display at night.
The preferred time to view this month's northern lights is between midnight on Oct. 4 local time through the early hours of Oct. 5 the following morning. The contrast of colors against the dark, black sky will create a stunning scene.
However, several factors are out of our control (we're looking at you, Mother Nature!). Clear nights are favored, though there's always the unpredictable possibility of fog and clouds that will drown out the display.
The best part about the northern lights? Zero technology is needed to spot them from Earth, so no need to spend money on binoculars or a fancy telescope because your naked eye will do the trick!
How to take photos of the northern lights?
Spotting the northern lights is a moment you'll remember forever, but might as well capture it on camera so you'll never forget it!
You don't even need a professional camera thanks to the special "night mode" toggle on smartphones. Oftentimes, this setting can pick up the northern lights even when they’re not visible to the naked eye!
In Iceland, authorities have shared a few tips on how to best capture the northern lights. According to the site, photographers should use a tripod, which is “essential for long exposures in low light;” lock your phone’s focus to the “infinity” setting; do not use a flash; and consider apps like Northern Lights Photo Taker, NightCap Camera, ProCamera and Slow Shutter for iOS, and for Android, ProCam X Lite.
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