Okay, you’ve got the right season. Now, what time of night is best? The classic answer is 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. local time. That’s when the geomagnetic activity often peaks. But don’t be a clock-watcher.
Sometimes the lights appear at 8 p.m., sometimes at 3 a.m.—they’re rebellious like that. Pack a thermos of hot cocoa and a cozy chair. The aurora is a hanging-out activity, not a quick look.
Solar Cycles: The 11-Year Rhythm
Here’s a fun comparison: the Sun goes through a mood cycle—kind of like a teenager. Every 11 years or so, it gets hyped up (called a solar maximum) with more sunspots and solar flares. Then it calms down (solar minimum).
We’re currently heading toward the next solar maximum, expected around 2026. That means more solar burps = more aurora shows. If you’re planning a trip, now through 2026 is your golden window. It’s like showing up when the band is on fire.
