The Northern Lights are a phenomenon usually reserved for the freezing climes of the far north. But, with changing geomagnetic forces, they can now be seen further south. If you want to get out there and watch nature's own light show, here is how.
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The best months to watch them are during spring. This is when there is the most geomagnetic activity. There are usually around six days of high geomagnetic activity in March, and numerous other dates around the season to catch the Northern Lights.
Best Time To Watch The Nothern Lights
If you're heading out with your camera, do so just after sunset. This is when the northern lights will be first visible. However, waiting until midnight will give the darkest night, and the brightest lights. March is the best month to watch, due to the angle of the Earth compared to the sun.
The heightened solar activity will ripple across the skies, visible to the naked eye.
Where To Watch The Northern Lights
It is possible to catch the Aurora Borealis in the north of the US, and Canada. The closer to the Arctic Circle, the better the chances are of seeing them. However, in recent years there have been reports of them being seen much further south. It's always a good idea to check with weather reports, not only for cloudy skies but also for the chance they may be visible further south than usual.
Best Way To View The Aurora Borealis
Although a lot of the pictures of the Northern Lights are huge beaming vistas of bright light, that isn't always the case. Many of these pictures have been taken with professional cameras. If you want an amazing picture of the lights, get a camera with an adjustable shutter speed.
To take a good picture, simply lower the shutter speed to as slow as you can. A thirty-second exposure will result in a sky full of celestial glory.
But, to view them with your own eyes, stay away from bright lights. Get out of cities and into the countryside. Being far from artificial light pollution will make the night sky darker. Around midnight will be best, once your eyes adjust.
