If you have felt like throughout the year of 2024, the Northern Lights have been visible more often than they have in previous years, you would not be mistaken. This year marks the sun’s maximum point of what scientists say is an eleven-year solar cycle. This causes there to be more solar activity, which can create solar storms that allow places who rarely have the opportunity to see the northern lights to be able to see them with ease. As individuals who live in the Midwest, we have an even greater chance of seeing this phenomenon because we can typically experience it on a regular year, but recently our chances have been heightened.
So far, the best opportunities to view the Northern Lights this year were back in May when their activity peaked and just a few weeks ago in October when the activity peaked once again. If you got to witness them back in May, count yourself lucky because even though they were recently just as active, the weather in Grand Forks was unkind and their beauty was hidden behind thick clouds. However, their green and purple hues still shined through.
There have already been so many opportunities for Northern Light viewing so far this year, but if you have not had the chance to witness this breathtakingly beautiful natural lightshow, you still have plenty of time. As we near the colder months, the chances of seeing them will only increase as they normally become more active here in North Dakota, even without the help of the sun’s solar cycle.
If you hope to have the opportunity to witness the Northern Lights in their full beauty, you may consider keeping an eye on the Aurora Forecast. This will usually tell you where they will be visible, how strong they will be, when, and for how long. However, just because they are active does not mean you will be able to see them from anywhere. On just a few occasions this year, they were visible within city limits, but this is not typical. Normally, you will want to drive as far from light pollution as possible and then watch the sky and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. If you wait long enough, and the weather permits, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the lights.
Living in the Midwest is a great privilege when it comes to Northern Lights viewing, so as we enter the colder months, you might consider taking advantage of this and making an attempt to view them before their activity lessens. It is said that they will most likely be at heightened activity until 2026, so if you have always wanted to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its beauty, this is the time to try and make that happen.
Nora Lee is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].