If you’re reading this from southern California, your timeline today likely has been divided between jokes about not being able to see The Northern Lights, to those who got in their car, some driving between just 15 minutes more inland to 2 hours to the desert, to chase a glimpse of the phenomenon.
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are typically visible in the lower polar regions. This natural light display happens when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating breathtaking patterns of light in the sky. And this year, an unusually strong geomagnetic storm has made it possible for Southern Californians to witness this rare spectacle.
When Will the Northern Lights Be Visible in Southern California?
Residents across Southern California saw the Northern Lights last night. According to the National Weather Service in San Diego, tonight, May 11, 2024, also looks promising for viewing this phenomenon.
NWS San Diego recommends that coastal viewers from Los Angeles down to Orange County and San Diego head north or east to avoid expected high cloud cover. Visibility will depend on weather, pollution, and cloud cover. The NWS map suggests that areas in the blue coloring may be ideal for viewing the Northern Lights.
SoCal sightings of the Northern Lights last night were reported between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. To see if you’ll be able to catch the Northern Lights from your location, check out NOAA’s aurora forecast tool, which provides a 30-minute forecast window.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that this phenomenon might continue for several nights, giving residents multiple opportunities to catch a glimpse. For more detailed updates, visit the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center site.
NOAA Updates and Viewing Conditions
The NOAA announced that “storming of extreme intensity would continue through at least Sunday,” with “several CMEs (coronal mass ejections) anticipated to merge and arrive at Earth on May 12.”
This increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, especially in dark, elevated areas away from city lights.
Where Can I See the Northern Lights in Southern California?
Here are some of the best spots where Southern California spotted the Northern Lights on May 10:
- Mountains: Locations like Mountain High in the San Gabriel Mountains, and Big Bear, offer dark skies and high elevations.
- Traveling more inland, whether east or north: Residents have driven out to Lancaster, Palmdale, and other more Inland areas from Los Angeles for a clearer, darker sky. This Twitter / X user drove towards Lancaster until they saw pink skies:
- Deserts: Known for its pristine stargazing conditions, areas like Joshua Tree National Park, are excellent for stargazing due to minimal light pollution.
Here is last night’s view from the Mount Wilson tower cam above Los Angeles:
When Will the Northern Lights Be Visible Next?
NOAA predicts that we’re approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, an 11-year cycle where the sun’s poles flip, increasing solar activity. This could lead to more sightings over the next few years. For more detailed updates, visit the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center site.
How Else Can I See the Northern Lights?
If you’re unable to venture out or if the skies aren’t clear, you can still experience the Northern Lights via Explore.org’s online livestream. This ensures you won’t miss out on this awe-inspiring event.