March 17, 2026 | 11:44 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Skywatchers might score big this week with the possibility of the northern lights' appearance between March 16 and 18 as geomagnetic conditions show signs of brief intensification.
According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, solar activity has been relatively subdued in recent days. Even so, streams of energized particles from the Sun continue to move toward Earth.
Seasonal timing may also play a role. The weeks surrounding the spring equinox, often referred to as the “equinox effect," are known to increase the likelihood of geomagnetic disturbances.
As of now, minor solar flares have been detected alongside elevated electron levels. At the same time, solar wind continues to stream through space at high speeds, interacting with Earth’s magnetosphere. Even subtle shifts in this solar wind can have visible effects. When charged particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, they can produce brief displays of the aurora.
Best Time to Catch the Northern Lights Across the Arctic Circle
If the northern lights do appear this week, they are most likely to become visible after sunset, while activity typically strengthens closer to midnight, when Earth’s magnetic field aligns more favorably with incoming solar particles.
Patience remains essential when watching for the aurora borealis, as displays can be brief and unpredictable, often requiring extended time under dark skies.
Auroras are most commonly seen in high-latitude regions near the Arctic Circle, and thanks to their location, Alaska, northern Canada, and parts of Scandinavia remain among the best places to catch the northern lights.
During periods of increased geomagnetic activity, however, the lights can extend farther south. It means that if solar wind disturbances intensify tonight, stargazers across the northern United States, especially near the Canadian border, may have a small chance of spotting faint glows low on the northern horizon.
Tips to Enjoy the Northern Lights Show
Catching the northern lights can be as simple as looking up at the night sky. Under the right conditions, the display is visible to the naked eye.
For the best experience, head to a location far from light pollution. Choose an area with a clear, unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness for improved visibility, as People suggests.
Photographing the aurora requires a bit more preparation, but the results can be striking under the right conditions. For DSLR users, switching to manual mode is essential, while setting the focus to infinity helps keep the lights sharp. A shutter speed between 10 and 25 seconds allows enough light in, and a wide aperture around f/2.8 enhances brightness.
Smartphones can also deliver impressive results if equipped with night mode. Using the main lens instead of the ultra-wide improves clarity, while stabilizing the device with a tripod helps prevent blur. At the same time, keeping the flash turned off ensures the aurora’s natural glow remains the focal point.
Read: When Is the Spring Equinox 2026? Dates and Science Behind the Phenomenon
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