Aurora Viewing Guide
Everything you need to know about seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).
What is Aurora?
The science behind the lights
Aurora is a natural light display caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in Earth's atmosphere. When solar wind particles reach Earth, they are guided by our planet's magnetic field toward the polar regions.
Green Aurora
Most common color, produced by oxygen atoms at altitudes of 100-300 km. Visible during moderate activity (KP 3-5).
Red Aurora
Rare, produced by oxygen at higher altitudes (300+ km). Usually seen during intense geomagnetic storms (KP 7+).
Blue/Purple Aurora
Produced by nitrogen molecules. Often appears at the edges of green aurora or during strong displays.
Pink Aurora
Mix of red and green, appearing at lower edges. Common during rapidly moving curtains and intense activity.
When to See Aurora
Timing is everything
Best Time of Night
10 PM - 2 AM local time (around magnetic midnight). Aurora can appear anytime after dark.
Best Months
September-March (Northern), March-September (Southern). Equinox months often have highest activity.
Weather Conditions
Clear, dark skies essential. Avoid full moon periods. Check local weather forecast.
Solar Cycle Impact
Aurora activity follows the 11-year solar cycle. Solar maximum (next expected ~2025) brings more frequent and intense displays. Even during solar minimum, aurora can be seen at high latitudes.
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
The hidden treasure of the south
The Aurora Australis is the southern counterpart to the Northern Lights, occurring around the Antarctic region. While less accessible than the Aurora Borealis, it offers equally spectacular displays for those who can reach southern latitudes.
Why It's Rarer to See
- • Less landmass at high southern latitudes
- • Antarctica is difficult to access
- • Southern tip of continents only reach ~55°S
- • Requires higher KP for populated areas
Best Viewing Season
- • March to September (southern winter)
- • Peak activity: June/July
- • Equinox months (March/September) often best
- • Long winter nights = more viewing time
Where to See Aurora Australis
Stewart Island, Invercargill, and the South Island's southern coast offer the best chances. Lake Tekapo is popular for its dark skies.
Tasmania provides the best viewing, especially the south coast. During major storms (KP 7+), Melbourne and even Sydney have witnessed aurora.
Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile) are the world's southernmost cities. The Falkland Islands also offer excellent viewing.
Fun Fact: During extreme geomagnetic storms (G4-G5), aurora australis has been visible as far north as Brisbane (Australia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Santiago (Chile) - roughly equivalent to seeing aurora in Los Angeles or Madrid!
Understanding KP Index
Geomagnetic activity scale (0-9)
Northern Hemisphere (Aurora Borealis)
Southern Hemisphere (Aurora Australis)
Pro Tip: Even with high KP, aurora visibility depends on your latitude, local weather, and light pollution. A KP 5 storm can produce stunning displays in Scandinavia while barely visible in central Europe. In the southern hemisphere, Tasmania and New Zealand's South Island are your best bets for regular sightings.
Best Viewing Locations
Top destinations worldwide
Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
Scandinavia
Latitude: 65-70°N
- • Tromsø, Norway
- • Abisko, Sweden
- • Rovaniemi, Finland
- • Reykjavik, Iceland
North America
Latitude: 60-65°N
- • Fairbanks, Alaska
- • Yellowknife, Canada
- • Churchill, Manitoba
- • Anchorage, Alaska
Russia & Asia
Latitude: 60-70°N
- • Murmansk, Russia
- • Yakutsk, Russia
- • Hokkaido, Japan (rare)
Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
Australia
Latitude: 40-45°S
- • Tasmania
- • Victoria (high KP)
- • South Australia coast
New Zealand
Latitude: 45-47°S
- • Stewart Island
- • Invercargill
- • Queenstown
- • Lake Tekapo
South America
Latitude: 50-55°S
- • Ushuaia, Argentina
- • Punta Arenas, Chile
- • Falkland Islands
Antarctica
Latitude: 70-90°S
- • McMurdo Station
- • South Pole Station
- • Antarctic Peninsula
Finding Dark Skies
Get away from city lights. Even in aurora zones, light pollution can wash out fainter displays. Use the AstroMap light pollution layer to find dark sky locations near you.
Aurora Photography
Capture the lights
| Setting | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | 1600-6400 | Higher ISO for dim aurora, lower for bright displays |
| Aperture | f/2.8 or wider | Fast lens essential (f/1.4-2.8 ideal) |
| Shutter | 5-25 seconds | Shorter for fast-moving curtains, longer for faint glow |
| Focus | Manual to infinity | Use live view to focus on stars |
| White Balance | 3500-4000K | Or auto, adjust in post-processing |
Essential Gear
- • Camera with manual controls (DSLR or mirrorless)
- • Fast wide-angle lens (14-24mm f/2.8 or faster)
- • Sturdy tripod
- • Remote shutter release or timer
- • Extra batteries (cold drains them fast!)
Smartphone Tips
- • Use Night Mode or Pro mode
- • Set longest exposure available (3-30 sec)
- • Use a phone tripod or prop it steady
- • Disable flash
- • Modern phones can capture aurora surprisingly well!
Viewing Tips
Maximize your experience
Before You Go
- 1.Check the aurora forecast on AstroDeck or NOAA
- 2.Monitor local weather - clear skies are essential
- 3.Plan your location using light pollution maps
- 4.Dress in layers - you'll be outside for hours
- 5.Allow 30 minutes for eyes to adjust to darkness
In the Field
- 1.Look north (south in Southern Hemisphere)
- 2.Scan the entire sky - aurora can appear anywhere
- 3.Be patient - activity comes in waves
- 4.Faint glow may appear white - cameras show color
- 5.Use red light to preserve night vision
Ready to check current aurora conditions?