Updated Northern Lights Guide: Top Tips for Seeing the Aurora (January 2026)
The aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights) remain bucket-list spectacles, with Solar Cycle 25 delivering elevated activity through 2026—potentially a “double peak” extending strong displays beyond the 2024-2025 maximum.
Stunning captures from recent displays.
Best Places (2025-2026 Season)
- Top Picks: Tromsø (Norway), Abisko (Sweden), Fairbanks (Alaska), Yellowknife (Canada), Reykjavik area (Iceland), Churchill (Canada for polar bears + lights).
- Southern Hemisphere: Tasmania, southern New Zealand, Antarctic cruises.
Optimal Timing
- Northern: Sep–Apr (peak Sep/Mar equinoxes).
- Southern: Mar–Sep.
- Avoid full moons; aim for new moon phases.
Tracking Tools (Updated 2026)
- Top Apps: Hello Aurora (community sightings + alerts), My Aurora Forecast (Kp, maps, notifications), Aurora Alerts.
- Websites: NOAA Space Weather, SWPC Aurora Dashboard, GI Alaska Forecast, AuroraMap.app.
Kp 3+ for visibility; low negative Bz boosts chances.
Viewing Tips
- Dark skies (away from cities).
- Clear weather essential.
- Peak activity: Midnight–4am.
- Look north (southern for australis).
- Bundle up—cold nights!
Photography Basics
- Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or lower), tripod, high ISO (800–3200), long exposures (5–20s).
- Practice night sky shots beforehand.
2026 offers prime viewing—book early for popular spots!