Best Time To See Aurora When? Here's The Answer, The Affecting Factor, And The Location

Best time seeing Aurora (Freepik Image)

YOGYAKARTA - One of the most amazing natural experiences is seeing aurora, called aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere and aurora australis in the southern hemisphere. Curious when is the best time to see aurora?

Charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth's atmosphere to produce clumpy colorful light in the sky tonight. However, to see this phenomenon properly, you should consider many things, especially about your time and location.

1. Winter in the North and South Poles

Aurora is most often seen near Earth's magnetic poles. In the north, aurora borealis is usually seen in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska. While in the south, aurora australis can be seen in Antarctica, New Zealand, and Tasmania. The best time to see aurora borealis is during winter in the northern hemisphere, from September to March, when the night is long and the sky is darker. While in the south, aurora australis can be seen from March to September, at night longer and darker.

2. Midnight to Early Days

The observation time of aurora in a day is also important. Aurora is usually active between 21.00 to 02.00, with its peak around midnight until one in the morning. At this time, the sky tends to be darker and geomagnetic conditions are more intense, making the aurora light brighter and easier to see. However, auroras can appear at any time at night, provided the sky is dark and free from light pollution. Therefore, monitoring weather forecasts is highly recommended.

Factors That Affect Aurora's Observations

I. Dark Sky

Aurora is only clearly visible in the truly dark sky. Locations far from light pollution, such as small villages, tundras, or polar areas, are ideal places to observe auroras. Remote places or low populations usually provide the best view.

II. Sunny Weather

Sunny skies without clouds are essential. Bad weather such as thick clouds or rain can block the appearance of auroras, even though geomagnetic conditions are active. Make sure to check weather forecasts before planning to hunt aurora.

III. Solar Activity

Aurora arises as a result of the interaction of solar particles with Earth's magnetic field. Rising solar activity, such as solar storms, increases the chances of brighter and more frequent auroras. The solar cycle that lasts about 11 years affects the aurora intensity. At the peak of this cycle, called solar maximum, auroras appear more frequently, while at minimum solar, auroras are more rarely seen. To monitor solar activity, online services such as Aurora Forecast or NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center provide real-time aurora forecasts.

Best Location To See Aurora

1. Norway (Tromsmen) and the Lofoten Islands)

Norway is one of the most popular destinations for hunting for borealis aurora. The cities of Tromsctions and the Lofoten Islands within the Arctic Circle offer ideal locations with long nights and little light pollution.

2. Iceland

Iceland is known for its extraordinary natural beauty and also the perfect place to see borealis aurora. Remote locations such as Reykjavik and Vatnaj\"okull National Park are often a favorite place for visitors to watch the aurora.

3. Canada (Yukon and Churchill)

northern Canada, particularlyION and Manitoba (Churchill), is a popular location to view borealis aurora in North America. These areas have a long night and the sky is free of light pollution.

4. Antarctica and Tasmania (Aurora Australis)

Despite being more difficult to access, Antarctica and Tasmania in southern Australia are some of the best places to witness aurora austrlis. Here, the dark sky in the southern winter offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness the aurora.

In addition, who would have thought that NJIT Astronomers would find the 'Aurora' Phenomenon on Mahari Spots.

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