How to Watch Northern Lights Display on Valentine’s Day

Ready to add some magic to your Valentine’s Day?

Forget the roses and the chocolates — or bring them with you! Whether you’re sharing the moment with someone special or enjoying a peaceful solo adventure, the most romantic day of the year is about to put on a show like no other.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), stargazers in some parts of the United States will have the opportunity to experience the surreal views of the northern lights tonight, Feb. 14.

Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when solar activity — such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections — causes magnetic storms. These storms trigger interactions between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun, resulting in the stunning colors that light up the sky.

NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center forecasted a minor G1 geomagnetic storm for yesterday evening, with aurora displays likely to follow by tonight.

The sun is said to be in its “solar maximum” — the peak of its cycle when solar energy discharge is at its highest — making this uptick in solar activity especially common over the last few months.

Ever wonder what causes those mesmerizing green hues in the sky? Per NOAA, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) — bursts of magnetized plasma from the sun’s corona — travel toward Earth, illuminating the sky in the vibrant greens and pinks of the northern lights. 

Now that you know why this is such a stellar event, let’s dive into all the details you need to catch this dazzling Valentine’s Day light show — this is one date you won’t want to miss!

When will the northern lights be visible?

Although NOAA forecasted a minor G1 geomagnetic storm for Thursday evening, with aurora displays likely to follow by Friday (Feb. 14), predicting an exact time and location can be challenging because of the sun’s distance.

According to NASA, the sun is about 93 million miles away, so it can take several days for coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to reach Earth.

Where will the northern lights be visible?

According to NOAA’s aurora viewline map, several states in the U.S. — Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Alaska — may be able to witness the northern lights display in the coming days if conditions align.

Depending on the solar storm’s intensity, the auroras could even stretch as far south as northern Michigan and Maine.

How to watch the northern lights?

Just so you know, no technological equipment is required to catch a glimpse of this magical light show — all you need to do is look up!

According to NOAA, however, hours immediately before and after midnight are best for viewing. Avoiding bright lights is also suggested for the quality of viewing.

How to take photos of the northern lights?

Don’t have a professional camera handy? You’re in luck!

Smartphones are equipped with advanced technology that allows you to capture this unforgettable moment. So, grab your smartphone and switch your device to “Night Mode,” a setting that can often detect the auroras even when they’re not visible to the naked eye.