Chasing the Northern Lights: Your Guide to Seeing the Aurora in L.A.
Believe it or not, the dazzling Northern Lights can sometimes be seen right here in Southern California. Recent sightings, like those witnessed in the Angeles National Forest, prove that with the right conditions and a little planning, you too can witness this celestial spectacle near Los Angeles. Get ready to embrace your inner aurora chaser!
An Unforgettable Local Experience
Staff writer Jaclyn Cosgrove recently shared two incredible encounters with the aurora borealis from the San Gabriel Mountains. Her first sighting last May, sparked by a friend’s text, led to a hurried trip up Angeles Crest Highway, where a faint pink glow gradually intensified for phone cameras. More recently, on Veterans Day, a serendipitous gym closure redirected her and a friend to Angeles National Forest, where a brilliant pink aurora was visible to the naked eye near Mt. Gleason by 8:45 p.m.
These experiences highlight that viewing the northern lights from Southern California isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a real, albeit rare, possibility that inspires awe and wonder.
The Science Behind the Spectacle
The key to these magical light shows lies with the sun. As explained by Delores Knipp, a research professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, the sun operates on an 11-year “solar cycle.” We recently passed the “solar maximum” period, meaning the sun’s magnetic poles flipped, transitioning it to a more active and stormy state.
Crucially, the sun is now in a “relaxing period” – a three-to-four-year window following the solar maximum where interactions of specific solar particles produce the most geomagnetic storms. We are currently about one year into this advantageous period. The aurora is a direct “manifestation of geomagnetic activity or geomagnetic storms,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This means a stronger storm significantly increases the chances for those of us in Southern California to witness the aurora.
Your Guide to Becoming an Amateur Aurora Chaser
Inspired by these local sightings, here’s how you can prepare to witness the northern lights from our region:
1. Sign Up for Alerts
Your first step is to get real-time information. Sign up for free updates from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. These alerts will provide forecasts for geomagnetic storms and their expected intensity. For a quick overview, check the predicted aurora viewline.
2. Understand the Data Points
When you receive an alert, two key metrics will help you gauge visibility:
- Kp-index: This is the planetary K-index, measuring the magnitude of geomagnetic storms. For the aurora to be visible near L.A., the Kp-index generally needs to be at an 8 or 9. As Knipp explains, a high Kp extends the auroral zone to mid-latitudes, allowing those further south to see the disturbances in the sky.
- G-scale: Ranging from G1 to G5, this rates a geomagnetic storm’s potential impact on technology like satellites and power grids. While different from the Kp-index, the article notes it’s worth paying attention when forecasts mention a possible G3 storm, and keeping a close eye if it intensifies to a G4.
Last week’s successful viewing in Angeles National Forest occurred during a forecasted three-hour window with a Kp-index expected to reach 8.
3. Find Your Dark Sky Spot
Los Angeles’s notorious light pollution makes finding a suitable viewing location paramount. You’ll need to drive away from city lights and find a spot with a clear northern view. Here are some local examples mentioned:
- Angeles National Forest: Jaclyn Cosgrove found success at a north-facing turnout off Angeles Forest Highway, moving beyond the clouds for a better view. Checking a resource like Dark Sky Map can help identify areas close to the “bright suburban sky” range on the Bortle scale.
- Mormon Rock(s): Photographer Patrick Coyne captured a stunning pink aurora video from Mormon Rock(s), located about 12 miles east of Wrightwood in the San Bernardino National Forest.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Photographer Jason Anderson filmed a deep red aurora scene from Joshua Tree National Park, indicating that desert locations can also offer exceptional dark sky conditions.
Aim for locations that are not only dark but also offer an unobstructed view of the northern horizon.
4. Gear Up for Success
While the aurora can sometimes be visible to the naked eye, capturing its full beauty often requires a little help:
- Camera & Tripod: Even modern mobile phones like the iPhone 15 Plus, with night mode and adjustable shutter speeds (e.g., 10 seconds), can capture the lights. A dedicated camera and a sturdy tripod are highly recommended for astrophotography.
- Patience: The aurora can pulse in intensity, appearing brighter at times and then fading to be only visible through a camera. Be prepared to wait and observe.
Understanding Aurora Forecasts
For those eager to chase the aurora, here’s a quick reference on what to look for in space weather alerts:
| Metric | What It Measures | Significance for L.A. Viewers |
|---|---|---|
| Kp-index | Magnitude of geomagnetic storms | Needs to be 8 or 9 for likely visibility near L.A. |
| G-scale | Potential impact on technology and power grids | Monitor for G3 storms; G4 significantly increases chances. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing the Aurora in Southern California
- When is the best time to look for the Northern Lights near L.A.?
We are currently in a favorable period within the sun’s “relaxing cycle” following a solar maximum, which means more geomagnetic storms are expected over the next few years. Alerts from the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center will notify you of specific windows of opportunity. - What Kp-index and G-scale values should I look for?
For visibility near L.A., the Kp-index typically needs to reach 8 or 9. For the G-scale, start paying attention when a G3 storm is forecasted, and chances increase significantly with a G4 storm. - Where are the best viewing spots in Southern California?
You need very dark skies with an unobstructed northern view. Locations like Angeles National Forest, Mormon Rock(s) in San Bernardino National Forest, and Joshua Tree National Park have offered successful sightings. Use dark sky maps to find areas away from light pollution. - Do I need special equipment to see the Northern Lights?
While they can sometimes be seen with the naked eye during strong storms, a camera (even a smartphone in night mode with adjustable shutter speed) and a tripod are highly recommended to capture or even discern the faint glow.
The universe continues to surprise us with its wonders. With solar conditions currently favorable and some preparedness, Southern Californians have a unique opportunity to witness the magic of the aurora borealis, transforming a simple night out into an unforgettable celestial adventure.
Northern Lights in Los Angeles
