The Northern Lights Could be Visible in California This Week, Here's Everything to Know

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena, usually visible in the skies of high-latitude regions such as Alaska, Norway, and Iceland. However, once in a while, the magic of these shimmering lights is visible in other regions. One of those moments occurred in May 2024, when people in NorCal witnessed the glory of aurora borealis. Believe it or not, there might be another chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Northern California again this weekend! The visibility might not be as good as it was in May, but it’s still something to look forward to. 

What Are the Northern Lights?

Before looking into the forecast, it’s worth revisiting what causes this beautiful spectacle. The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions release energy in the form of light, painting the sky with hues of green, purple, pink, and sometimes even red. Solar flares and geomagnetic storms increase the likelihood of strong auroras, making it possible for them to be seen far beyond their usual range.

What’s the Forecast for California?

The Northern Lights forecast relies on solar activity, and while it’s not possible to predict exact dates far in advance, scientists closely monitor solar flare activity to provide real-time forecasts. 

For California, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights improve when there’s increased solar activity. During solar maximums, periods of heightened sunspots, and solar flare activity, geomagnetic storms are more frequent and stronger. We are currently entering a solar maximum, which is expected to peak between 2024 and 2026, increasing the likelihood of Northern Lights sightings across more southern latitudes, including Northern California. It might be possible to witness it around this Friday night into Saturday morning, or even through the weekend. 

How Often Do Northern Lights Appear in California?

California is far from the polar regions where the Northern Lights are most commonly seen, but under special conditions, Californians can witness this celestial event. Geomagnetic storms, measured by the Kp index, help predict the intensity and visibility of the Northern Lights. A Kp index of 6 or higher increases the chances of seeing auroras at lower latitudes. During particularly strong solar storms, which occur roughly every 11 years in line with the solar cycle, Northern Lights visibility can extend down into the United States, including parts of California.

How to Maximize Your Chances of seeing the northern lights

To increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights in NorCal, here are a few tips:

1. Stay Updated on Solar Activity: Websites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and apps dedicated to aurora forecasting can provide alerts when geomagnetic storms are strong enough to reach California.
2. Head North and Find Dark Skies: The further north you go in California, the better your chances. Dark skies, free from city lights, are essential for seeing faint auroras. 
3. Be Prepared for Late Nights: Northern Lights displays are often strongest between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. when the skies are darkest. Patience is key—these displays can last for minutes or hours, depending on the strength of the storm.
4. Check the KP Index: A KP index of 4 or higher gives Northern California the best shot of seeing auroras. The higher the index, the farther south the auroras can be visible.
5. Bring the Right Equipment: While the naked eye can often see the lights, bringing a camera with a long exposure setting can help capture the details that may not be immediately visible to the eye.