How to Watch the Northern Lights Under the Equinox Sky Tonight Valerie MesaSeptember 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM 0 Getty Stock image of the northern lights The autumnal equinox doesn't just mark a seasonal shift, but also increases the chances of dazzling auroras thanks to the Earth's orientation and magnet...
- - How to Watch the Northern Lights Under the Equinox Sky Tonight
Valerie MesaSeptember 22, 2025 at 6:47 PM
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Stock image of the northern lights -
The autumnal equinox doesn't just mark a seasonal shift, but also increases the chances of dazzling auroras thanks to the Earth's orientation and magnetic field
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts minor geomagnetic storms from Sept. 21-23, creating the potential for northern lights to be seen much farther south than usual
Skywatchers across parts of the U.S. could catch a rare equinox light show
Get ready, stargazers! The northern lights are crashing the equinox party this week.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), minor geomagnetic storms are forecast for Sept. 21 - 23, which means auroras could spill much further south than usual, potentially dazzling northern U.S. states and low horizons across parts of Europe.
The aurora borealis (northern lights) is a result of geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of light in the sky. Still, their visibility depends on several factors, including intensity and location.
As for the timing, it couldn't be more magical. After all, Monday, Sept. 22, marks the autumnal equinox, a unique threshold when the sun crosses Earth's equator, balancing day and night across the globe.
In the northern hemisphere, however, the equinox is the official start of the fall season. Still, for aurora hunters, the equinox is more than just a seasonal shift as it is prime time for what scientists call the "equinox effect."
Every year around the equinox, Earth's orientation makes its magnetic field tilt just right. This allows more solar wind particles to stream in, igniting brighter, more widespread auroras.Scientists forecast these stellar events based on the planetary K-index (Kp), which runs from zero to nine. The higher the number, the stronger the storm and the farther south the northern lights can be seen.For this round of auroras, NOAA's Space Weather forecast predicts Kp values in the middle range, which is enough to give much of the U.S. a real shot at witnessing Mother Nature's most ethereal light show.
Read on for everything you about this cosmic spectacle.
When will the northern lights be visible?
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Northern lights and stars in Lapland, Sweden
Are you ready for an equinox light show?Aurora activity is expected to peak between Sept. 21 and 23, right around the autumnal equinox. Still, skywatchers could catch a glimpse of the northern lights mid-week if solar conditions remain active.As for the best viewing window? Your best bet is to head out between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time, when skies are darkest.
Where will the northern lights be visible?
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The aurora borealis above Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Friday May 10, 2024.
Forecasters say auroras could dip farther south than usual, potentially lighting up the skies across states like Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and as far south as Illinois. (Northern Europe at similar latitudes may see faint glows near the horizon).Be sure to look north in dark, rural areas away from city lights. But remember, even with the forecast in your favor, auroras are never guaranteed. Their visibility can be wildly unpredictable, more often than not depending on the weather.
How to watch the northern lights?
Ian Forsyth/Getty
People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis, commonly known as the northern lights, on May 10, 2024
If you're wondering whether you need equipment, or at the very least a telescope to watch the northern lights, you're in luck — the answer is no.
It really all boils down to how patient you are and how dark it is. This is why it's important to head somewhere with a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon, ideally far from light pollution.
It also doesn't hurt to check local forecasts for cloud cover and follow aurora trackers for real-time updates on the Kp index, which indicates how far south the lights might stretch.
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How to take photos of the northern lights?
The best part about the northern lights is that you can also make fun memories in the process. Your smartphone is more than enough, too! All you have to do is go to settings, turn on Night Mode and point your camera lens towards the sky.If you're a more seasoned skywatcher and happen to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, grab a tripod and set your camera to manual mode. Don't forget to stay warm!
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