This autumn has offered prime conditions for viewing the northern lights, as the sun remains near the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Strong solar flares and coronal mass ejections ? key drivers of auroras ? have been frequent and are expected to stay elevated through early 2026. Throughout October and November, forecasts fluctuated as solar winds and eruptions disturbed Earth’s magnetic field.
Auroras occur when charged solar particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s upper atmosphere, releasing energy as color. Green is the most common hue, while reds and purples appear during stronger storms. Scientists monitor the Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0 to 9, with higher readings signaling brighter and more widespread displays.
In November, the best viewing spots are at high latitudes such as northern Norway, Sweden, Finnish Lapland, Iceland, Greenland, and the upper part of North America. In East Asia, rare storms can even light up northern Japan. While the spectacle generally sticks close to the Arctic Circle, powerful surges occasionally push it farther south. For the best experience, seek dark, open skies far from city lights, and plan around midnight when auroral activity often peaks. Avoid nights with bright moonlight and check both weather and space weather forecasts. While even a smartphone in night mode can capture the glow, a camera with a wide lens offers stunning results.
As solar activity continues to surge, November stands as one of the most promising chapters in this golden season of the northern lights.
May For The Teen Times teen/1762915766/1613367697
1. What are the best conditions for viewing the northern lights according to the passage?
2. What happens when charged solar particles from the sun interact with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen in Earth’s upper atmosphere?
3. What is the main reason this autumn has been described as one of the best seasons for observing the northern lights?
4. How do the collisions between solar particles and atmospheric gases result in different colors of auroras, such as green, red, or purple?
1. Who do you think plays the most important role in helping people understand the science behind auroras ? teachers, astronomers, or media reporters?
2. What kind of feelings or thoughts would you have if you saw the sky filled with green and purple lights?
3. If you could choose the perfect night to see the northern lights, what conditions would you want ? weather, moonlight, and location?
4. If the northern lights could appear in any color you wanted, which color would you choose and why?
This autumn has offered prime conditions for viewing the northern lights, as the sun remains near the peak of its 11-year solar cycle. Strong solar flares and coronal mass ejections ? key drivers of auroras ? have been frequent and are expected to stay elevated through early 2026. Throughout October and November, forecasts fluctuated as solar winds and eruptions disturbed Earth’s magnetic field.
