Where & What Time to Watch the Northern Lights on November 8: Details
On November 8 and 9, 2024, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) will be visible across parts of North America. Locations like Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan (Upper Peninsula), and northern Maine will have the best chances of seeing the spectacle. The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) advises watching between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, as this is when geomagnetic activity peaks.
To get the best view, experts recommend heading outdoors, away from city lights, and selecting higher ground to improve visibility. Clear skies are essential, as moonlight can reduce the brightness of the aurora, though it doesn’t affect its radiance. The best time for viewing is after sunset or just before sunrise. The event is expected to be visible from up to 1000 km away, depending on conditions.
The Northern Lights are a result of geomagnetic storms, which can affect technologies like radio and GPS. Observers should be aware that solar wind patterns near the equinoxes can produce stronger auroras, making autumn and spring prime times for viewing.
