As the vernal equinox draws nearer, bringing with it the glow of longer days, there is another type of glow lighting up the northern skies that has aurora chasers buzzing with excitement. March is considered the peak month for witnessing the dazzling aurora borealis light displays, according to a 75-year study by retired NASA solar physicist David Hathaway. So what makes March so special for seeing the northern lights?
The dancing lights of the aurora are caused by energetic particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. During the equinoxes in March and September, Earth’s tilt positions our poles at an optimal angle to allow more solar particles to penetrate the magnetic field and collide with atmospheric gases, unleashing more intense shows of green, pink and purple hues rippling across high-latitude skies.
On top of the equinox advantage, we are currently approaching the solar maximum in the sun’s approximately 11-year activity cycle, which is expected to peak between late 2023 and early 2025. At solar max, the sun emits increased flares, coronal mass ejections and solar wind, providing more fuel for spellbinding aurora displays. No wonder March sees twice as many geomagnetically active days conducive to northern light viewing as any other month!
For the most dedicated aurora hunters, the best tactic is to embark on a winter adventure to Arctic destinations where frigid darkness enhances the odds of sightings. Popular spots include northern Scandinavia and Iceland, Alaska, the Yukon, northern Canada and Greenland. Even in more southern locations, though, strong outbursts could bring the celestial show farther south to backyards and neighborhoods when conditions align just right.
As we transition into springtime, the stage is set for a stunning display in the northern skies. Auroras are known for their unpredictability, but increased activity this March raises the chances that patient observers across high latitudes will be rewarded with a glimpse of some of nature’s most riveting performance art. The cosmic dance is on!
