How to Watch the Northern Lights for a Second Time in November

Mar. 15, 2025

Northern lights in Alaska on Oct. 7, 2024.Photo:Hasan Akbas /Anadolu via Getty

ALASKA, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 07: Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) illuminate the sky in Alaska, United States on October 07, 2024

Hasan Akbas /Anadolu via Getty

Colorful cosmos, oh my!Another round of northern lights are expected to take place this November, dazzling the night skyjust weeks afterthe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted a minorgeomagnetic storm watch (G1)earlier in the month.On Nov. 18, NOAA published a forecast that predicted potential aurora sightings over the course of three days. However, day one was reported to have the strongest chance of viewing compared to the following nights.Unlike the northern lights forecast for the beginning of November, this round of auroras is not a result of a geomagnetic storm. Furthermore, no geomagnetic storms are expected to take place in the next three days either.Northern lights are famously known for their spectacular display of radiant colors — blues, greens and pinks — in contrast to the dark, night sky. The vibrancy of the hues, however, is dependent upon the level of geomagnetic activity.This is measured using a Kp index on theNOAA scale, which calculates the magnitude for geomagnetic storms ranging from zero to nine. The agency’s latest forecast predicts a Kp index of three, indicating viewers will likely have a display of auroras that is “quite pleasing to look at.”The best part about the northern lights dazzling the night sky in the technologically advanced world that we live in today? Smartphones have a “Night Mode” feature that allows sky gazers to capture the beautiful display on camera with a single tap of a button.Read on for everything to know about the second round of November northern lights, including when and how to watch them.When will the northern lights be visible?Northern lights in Wisconsin.Ross Harried/NurPhoto via GettyNOAA published a three-day forecast that predicted northern light visibility between Monday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 20. At the time, day one was expected to be the best chance for viewing the auroras in comparison to the days that followed.The agency published a follow-up report on Tuesday, Nov. 19 with a secondthree-day forecastthat stretched through Thursday, Nov. 21. Again, the first night is predicted to be the strongest of the three overall.On a Kp scale of zero to nine (with nine being the strongest), the Nov. 19 forecast measured a Kp index of three. The days that followed all have a forecast of one, with NOAA writing, “No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.“Where will the northern lights be visible?The Nov. 19-21 stretch of northern lights are predicted to be visible in select parts of the United States. According to theNOAA, the best areas for viewing include the following: Alaska, northern portions of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.Viewers in parts of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin and Michigan may also have a chance at catching the auroras. Be sure to checkNOAA’s aurora viewlinefor accurate updates over the course of three days.How to watch the northern lights?Northern lights over Lake Berryessa, California in 2024.Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via GettyThe best part about watching the northern lights is its ability to be spotted with the naked eye! That means you don’t have to purchase expensive technology to catch a glimpse.Viewing from Earth is simple if the Kp index is strong and the weather conditions align, taking into consideration Mother Nature’s natural obstacles like fog and the brightness of the moon, for example. Fortunately,this month’s full moon already peaked on Nov. 15.If the weather conditions are in your favor, the best time to point your eyes to the sky is just after sunset or right before sunrise. NOAA emphasizes, “The aurora is not visible during daylight hours,” so darkness is preferred!In addition, the auroras do not have to be directly above your vantage point. According to the agency, they can be observed “from as much as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.“How to take photos of the northern lights?Viewing the northern lights is widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, therefore capturing the moment is a must! Fortunately, smartphones have the technological capability to snap a picture of the spectacular display.Simply switch your phone to “Night Mode.” Sometimes, the image comes out better than the real-life scene (plus, it can sometimes capture and further enhance the colors when it appears dark with the naked eye).Since Nordic countries are known for often aurora displays, authorities in Iceland have shareda few tipson how to best capture the northern lights. According to the site, tripods are recommended for shooting “long exposures in low light.“Then, 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, Slow Shutter for iOS and ProCam X Lite for Android.

Colorful cosmos, oh my!

Another round of northern lights are expected to take place this November, dazzling the night skyjust weeks afterthe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasted a minorgeomagnetic storm watch (G1)earlier in the month.

On Nov. 18, NOAA published a forecast that predicted potential aurora sightings over the course of three days. However, day one was reported to have the strongest chance of viewing compared to the following nights.

Unlike the northern lights forecast for the beginning of November, this round of auroras is not a result of a geomagnetic storm. Furthermore, no geomagnetic storms are expected to take place in the next three days either.

Northern lights are famously known for their spectacular display of radiant colors — blues, greens and pinks — in contrast to the dark, night sky. The vibrancy of the hues, however, is dependent upon the level of geomagnetic activity.

This is measured using a Kp index on theNOAA scale, which calculates the magnitude for geomagnetic storms ranging from zero to nine. The agency’s latest forecast predicts a Kp index of three, indicating viewers will likely have a display of auroras that is “quite pleasing to look at.”

The best part about the northern lights dazzling the night sky in the technologically advanced world that we live in today? Smartphones have a “Night Mode” feature that allows sky gazers to capture the beautiful display on camera with a single tap of a button.

Read on for everything to know about the second round of November northern lights, including when and how to watch them.

When will the northern lights be visible?

Northern lights in Wisconsin.Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty

The night sky in Wisconsin glows with the Northern Lights as a geomagnetic storm brings vibrant pink and green colors to a majority of the northern states.

Ross Harried/NurPhoto via Getty

NOAA published a three-day forecast that predicted northern light visibility between Monday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 20. At the time, day one was expected to be the best chance for viewing the auroras in comparison to the days that followed.

The agency published a follow-up report on Tuesday, Nov. 19 with a secondthree-day forecastthat stretched through Thursday, Nov. 21. Again, the first night is predicted to be the strongest of the three overall.

On a Kp scale of zero to nine (with nine being the strongest), the Nov. 19 forecast measured a Kp index of three. The days that followed all have a forecast of one, with NOAA writing, “No G1 (Minor) or greater geomagnetic storms are expected.”

Where will the northern lights be visible?

The Nov. 19-21 stretch of northern lights are predicted to be visible in select parts of the United States. According to theNOAA, the best areas for viewing include the following: Alaska, northern portions of Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.

Viewers in parts of Washington, Idaho, Wisconsin and Michigan may also have a chance at catching the auroras. Be sure to checkNOAA’s aurora viewlinefor accurate updates over the course of three days.

How to watch the northern lights?

Northern lights over Lake Berryessa, California in 2024.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, which is visible over Lake Berryessa, Calif., near midnight on Saturday 11, 2024. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said a rare, G5 geomagnetic storm had reached earth at around 4 p.m.Friday afternoon, and was expected to continue through the weekend. NOAA said it was the first observed G5 event since the Halloween storms of 2003.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty

The best part about watching the northern lights is its ability to be spotted with the naked eye! That means you don’t have to purchase expensive technology to catch a glimpse.

Viewing from Earth is simple if the Kp index is strong and the weather conditions align, taking into consideration Mother Nature’s natural obstacles like fog and the brightness of the moon, for example. Fortunately,this month’s full moon already peaked on Nov. 15.

If the weather conditions are in your favor, the best time to point your eyes to the sky is just after sunset or right before sunrise. NOAA emphasizes, “The aurora is not visible during daylight hours,” so darkness is preferred!

In addition, the auroras do not have to be directly above your vantage point. According to the agency, they can be observed “from as much as 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right.”

How to take photos of the northern lights?

Viewing the northern lights is widely considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, therefore capturing the moment is a must! Fortunately, smartphones have the technological capability to snap a picture of the spectacular display.

Simply switch your phone to “Night Mode.” Sometimes, the image comes out better than the real-life scene (plus, it can sometimes capture and further enhance the colors when it appears dark with the naked eye).

Since Nordic countries are known for often aurora displays, authorities in Iceland have shareda few tipson how to best capture the northern lights. According to the site, tripods are recommended for shooting “long exposures in low light.”

Then, 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, Slow Shutter for iOS and ProCam X Lite for Android.

source: people.com

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