How to View Northern Lights Twice in a Row This Week

The night skies could light up with northern lights on Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Thursday, Dec. 4, as recent solar activity creates consecutive chances to witness this natural spectacle.

A strong X2-class solar flare and an associated coronal mass ejection (CME) may trigger a G2G3 geomagnetic storm, giving northern U.S. regions a prime opportunity to see the auroras. To maximize your viewing experience, seek out dark locations away from city lights and track updates from NOAA or aurora monitoring apps.

This week offers skywatchers a special treat. A powerful solar flare on Dec. 1, followed by a burst of charged particles from the sun, increases the likelihood of auroras across parts of the northern U.S. and Midwest. The aurora borealis forms when geomagnetic storms make charged solar particles collide with Earth's atmospheric gases, producing vibrant lights in the sky.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, conditions are aligning for a moderate geomagnetic storm that could create dazzling displays from New York to Idaho. SpaceWeather.com notes, The CME could reach Earth on Dec. 2, and it may combine with a solar wind stream ahead of it, intensifying its effects.

Timing for Viewing

Experts predict a G2 geomagnetic storm on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 3, with solar activity possibly continuing into the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 4. If the CME and solar wind arrive together, aurora activity could briefly spike to G3 levels before settling back to moderate intensity.

Where to See the Northern Lights

The auroras could appear across northern states including Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, and Maine. If storm intensity increases, visibility may extend to Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Tips for Watching

For the best experience, choose a dark location with a clear view of the northern horizon, away from artificial lights. Tools like the Dark Sky Place Finder and light-pollution maps can help you pick the ideal spot. Stay updated with NOAAs 30-minute aurora forecasts or use apps such as Aurora Now, My Aurora Forecast, or Glendale Aurora.

Photography Tips

Even a smartphone can capture the northern lights. iPhone users should enable Night Mode, while Android users can use Pro Mode. Turn off the flash and keep the device steady; a tripod is recommended. DSLR photographers should use a wide-angle lens and longer exposures to capture the movement and color of the auroras.

Author: Ethan Caldwell