Guides
Practical knowledge, kept short and checked against reliable sources.
How to see the northern lights
Where to go, when to look, how to read the forecast and what to do on the night: a practical guide to seeing the aurora.
How aurora forecasts work
What the Kp index, Bz, solar wind speed and the auroral oval actually tell you, and how far ahead the aurora can be predicted.
Why the aurora has different colours
Why the aurora is mostly green, when it turns red, pink or purple, and why your camera sees more colour than your eyes.
What to wear for aurora watching
How to dress for standing still outside at −10 °C to −35 °C while watching the aurora: layers, boots, gloves and small things that make a big difference.
Staying safe while chasing the aurora
How to chase the northern lights safely: parking and driving at night, ice and snow, wildlife, remote areas and local rules.
Guided tour or chasing on your own?
Should you book a guided aurora tour or chase the northern lights yourself? An honest comparison of cost, flexibility, safety and photo help.
How dark does it need to be?
How town lights hide the aurora, how dark your viewing spot needs to be, and how to find darker skies near you.
Seeing the southern lights
Where to see the southern lights in Tasmania, New Zealand and South America, the best months, and why they are harder to see than the northern lights.
The solar cycle and the aurora
How the 11-year solar cycle affects the northern lights, where Solar Cycle 25 stands, and why the years after solar maximum are still good.
Northern lights: myths and facts
Is the aurora only visible in winter? Do you need a high Kp? Can you hear it? Common northern lights myths, checked against the data.
The northern lights with children
Practical tips for an aurora trip with kids: timing, clothing, keeping warm and making the wait part of the fun.
Aurora glossary
Plain-language definitions of the terms used in aurora forecasts: Kp, Bz, solar wind, CME, coronal hole, substorm, auroral oval and more.