Aurora in PA? The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Northern Lights

Have you ever dreamt of witnessing the magical aurora borealis, but thought you'd have to travel to Iceland or Alaska? Think again! The quest to spot the elusive aurora in pennsylvania is a thrilling adventure. The Clear Sky Chart acts as your indispensable tool, predicting optimal viewing conditions. Consider travelling to Cherry Springs State Park, renowned for its dark skies and offering the best chance to witness this spectacle. Local astronomy clubs, such as the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh, frequently organize viewing events, providing expert guidance to fellow stargazers hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.

Image taken from the YouTube channel CBS Philadelphia , from the video titled Aurora borealis potentially visible in Pennsylvania .

Aurora in PA? The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Northern Lights in the Keystone State!

Let's talk about seeing the Northern Lights, specifically the possibility of witnessing this magical display in Pennsylvania! It's a rarer sight here than in more northern latitudes, but definitely not impossible. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to maximize your chances of catching the aurora in Pennsylvania:

Understanding the Aurora: What Makes it Shine?

Before hunting the lights, it's helpful to understand the science behind them! The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude (around the Arctic and Antarctic regions).

• Solar Activity: The aurora is caused by solar activity, specifically solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These events release charged particles into space.
• The Earth's Magnetic Field: These charged particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, which funnels them towards the poles.
• Atmospheric Collision: As the particles collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere (mainly oxygen and nitrogen), they excite these atoms.
• Light Emission: When the excited atoms return to their normal state, they release energy in the form of light – creating the beautiful aurora we see. The colors depend on which gas is excited:
  • Green: Oxygen (most common)
  • Red: Oxygen (higher altitudes)
  • Blue/Purple: Nitrogen

The Reality of "Aurora in Pennsylvania": Is it Likely?

Seeing the aurora in Pennsylvania is less frequent than in places like Alaska, Canada, or Iceland, but it absolutely does happen! It relies on particularly strong solar events. Think of it like this: the bigger the "solar storm," the further south the aurora becomes visible.

• Geomagnetic Storms: Auroral sightings in PA are strongly correlated with major geomagnetic storms. These storms are measured using the Kp-index. A Kp-index of 7 or higher significantly increases your chances of seeing the aurora in Pennsylvania.
• Historical Sightings: Documented aurora sightings in Pennsylvania do exist, providing hope for future viewings. Sometimes, historic auroras are recreated in visual simulations, allowing us to get an idea of what such an event would look like in our skies.

Preparing for the Hunt: Maximizing Your Chances

Okay, you're ready to chase the lights! Here's how to prepare:

Monitoring Space Weather: Your Auroral Alarm Clock

Stay informed about space weather conditions! Several resources provide real-time data and forecasts:

• NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC): This is the official source for space weather forecasts. They provide Kp-index predictions and alerts.
• SpaceWeatherLive: This website offers a user-friendly interface with real-time solar activity updates and auroral oval forecasts.
• Aurora Alerts Apps: Many mobile apps will send you notifications when auroral activity is high, tailored to your location. Search for terms like "aurora alert" or "space weather" in your app store.

Location, Location, Location: Finding Dark Skies

Light pollution is your enemy! You need to escape the city lights to have any chance of seeing the aurora.

• Dark Sky Finder Maps: Use a dark sky finder map (easily found online) to identify areas with minimal light pollution near you.
• Rural Areas: Look for rural areas, state parks, or remote locations away from major cities and towns.
• Northern Horizon: Find a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
• Examples of potential locations (PA):
  • Cherry Springs State Park (designated Dark Sky Park)
  • Sproul State Forest
  • Susquehannock State Forest
  • Any large open field in a rural area of northern or central PA

Timing is Everything: When to Look Up

Timing your viewing is crucial:

• Nighttime, of Course!: Obvious, but worth stating. Look for the darkest hours of the night, typically between midnight and 3 AM.
• New Moon: The darker the sky, the better. Aim for dates around the new moon when there is minimal moonlight.
• Clear Skies: Check the weather forecast! Cloud cover will completely obstruct your view.
• Winter Months: While the aurora can occur any time of year, the longer nights of winter (October-March) offer more viewing opportunities.

What to Expect: Realistic Expectations

Don't expect a dazzling, vibrant display like you see in photographs from Alaska or Iceland. In Pennsylvania, the aurora is often fainter and may appear as a pale green or grayish arc on the northern horizon.

• Naked Eye vs. Camera: Sometimes, the aurora is more visible through a camera lens than with the naked eye. Long exposure photography can capture faint light that is difficult to see directly.
• Coloration: The colors may not be as intense as in the high arctic. Look for subtle shifts in color on the horizon.
• Patience is Key: Auroral activity can be unpredictable. Be prepared to wait, and don't be discouraged if you don't see anything immediately.

Equipment Checklist: Gear Up for the Hunt

Here's a basic checklist of equipment to bring:

• Warm Clothing: Dress in layers! It can get very cold at night, especially in remote areas.
• Red Light Flashlight/Headlamp: Red light preserves your night vision. Avoid using white light, as it can take your eyes 20-30 minutes to readjust.
• Camera (Optional): A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens and the ability to shoot long exposures is ideal for capturing the aurora. A sturdy tripod is essential.
• Binoculars (Optional): Binoculars can help you spot faint auroral activity.
• Blanket or Chair: For comfortable waiting.
• Hot Drinks: To stay warm and alert!
• Friends (Optional): Chasing the aurora is more fun with company!

Capturing the Moment: Photography Tips for "Aurora in Pennsylvania"

If you're hoping to photograph the aurora, here are some basic settings to get you started:

• Camera: DSLR or Mirrorless (ideally full-frame)
• Lens: Wide-angle lens (e.g., 14mm, 24mm) with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8)
• ISO: Start around ISO 800-3200, adjust as needed. Be mindful of noise.
• Aperture: Use the widest aperture your lens allows (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8).
• Shutter Speed: Experiment with shutter speeds between 5-30 seconds. Longer exposures will capture more light, but may also blur stars due to the Earth's rotation.
• Focus: Manually focus on a distant star for sharp images.
• Tripod: Essential for long exposure photography.
• Remote Shutter Release (Optional): To minimize camera shake.

Remember: These are starting points. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for your equipment and the specific conditions.

Staying Safe: Prioritize Your Well-Being

Safety is paramount when chasing the aurora in Pennsylvania.

• Tell Someone Your Plans: Inform someone of your destination and expected return time.
• Check the Weather: Be aware of potential weather hazards, such as snow, ice, or extreme cold.
• Wildlife: Be mindful of local wildlife.
• Road Conditions: Drive carefully, especially on rural roads.
• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

By following these tips and staying informed, you'll greatly increase your chances of witnessing the elusive and awe-inspiring aurora borealis in Pennsylvania. Happy hunting!

Video: Aurora in PA? The Ultimate Guide to Seeing Northern Lights

Play Video