When/Where is the best place in the world to watch the aurora borealis (also known as the "Northern lights")

Question

I want to see the aurora borealis this year:) Should I go to Alaska in January OR as the paste below claims, is it better to see it in September to October? Is there a better spot than Alaska to see it (perhaps in Europe)?

Also is the "aurora australis" as impressive as the aurora borealis?

"The aurora borealis most often occurs from September to October and March to April. Its southern counterpart, "aurora australis", has similar properties."

Answer 1

You need to remember the Sun is in its quiet period as part of its 11 year cycle, so activity may not be that great...

To the other parts of your question... the Aurora Australis would be just as spectacular as its northern counterpart, it's just not seen by as many people. Have a look at the planet: there is virtually no land between 40S and Antarctica, so the only people to see it in it's full glory are those at sea or on research stations.

I've seen (and photographed) it here from Victoria, Australia, as a pink and green glow with the occasional ray.

Check the link below for more info....

Answer 2

In Northern Canada, which is near the magnetic North Pole and therefore the very best place to see the "Aurora Borealis". Try a place like Yellowknife, Yukon, Canada. And the best viewing is when there have been sunspots. I believe the "Aurora Borealis" to be much more impressive that the "Aurora Australis". The best viewing of the "Aurora Australis" would be from the Antarctic continent.

Answer 3

Aurora borealis occurs at about the same rate all during the year, but since it's only visible at night, your best chance to see it is when nights are the longest -- which means winter.

You may be better off going to Churchill, Manitoba, which often has better auroral conditions than anywhere in the world. Or see the University of Alaska/Fairbanks maps for the most current data.

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/aurora_predict/worldmap6.html

Answer 4

you can see the aurora almost any night. I live in northern Canada and we see them all year round.
However since you can only see them at night, the winter is better than the summer, due to the longer and darker nights.
I say fall is the best time for the following reasons

1 the nights are getting longer, so you have a better chance of seeing them
2 the nights are alot warmer, since you are coming off summer rather than spring, when the nights can still be quite cold
3 the trees change colour in the fall, so you have something to look at during the day.

but basically anywhere above about 50 degrees should give you an excellent chance to see aurora.
Alaska could be cool, I have never been there but they have some good cruises to there. maybe check one of those out.

Answer 5

Alaska

Answer 6

A prime location would be Alaska, around the Fairbanks area and also Eastern Canada.
The best time would be March and the End of September/October...because of the mild weather and dark skies, you will see best around midnight.

Answer 7

Right up near . Living at the time in Northern British Columbia . it was the greatest Sky Show around Northern Lights D :)

Answer 8

You don't need to go to Alaska. There are indications that at certain times of the year, they are visible in Mexico.

See links below

Answer 9

Norway I guess September

Answer 10

I heard jan. in alaska. have you ever searched northern lights on the web? what a sight.