Thanks to a Coronal Hole (CH)–a region in the sun’s outermost layer where magnetic fields open and release high-speed solar wind–experts say there’s a real chance to see the aurora borealis shimmering over New York tonight, Friday, April 17, and into early Saturday morning.
This wouldn’t be the first time the city got lucky; New Yorkers captured stunning shots of the lights dancing over the skyline as recently as October 2024.
If the conditions hold, you won’t need a flight to Alaska to see the magic!
When will the Northern Lights be visible in NY?
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G2 (Moderate) geomagnetic storm watch for tonight. While solar activity is notoriously unpredictable, here’s the current forecast:
- Moon Phase Bonus: We have a new moon tonight! This means the sky will be extra dark, significantly increasing your chances of spotting a faint glow
- Peak Window: The best viewing times are typically between 10 pm and 2 am local time
- The “Kp” Factor: The Geophysical Institute is forecasting a Kp index of 4 or higher between 8 pm and 11 pm. On a scale of 0 to 9, a Kp 5 is considered “high activity,” which is what’s needed for visibility this far south
Where is the best place to see them near NYC?
Light pollution is the enemy of the aurora. To see the green and purple hues, you need to escape the city’s glow.
- Head North: Look for a north-facing vantage point with an unobstructed view of the horizon
- Dark Zones: Local favorites for stargazing include Montauk, parts of the Rockaways, or state parks in Westchester and the Hudson Valley
- Parks & Beaches: If you’re staying in the city, try the darkest corners of large parks (like the northern end of Central Park) or south-facing beaches like Jones Beach, though looking away from the city lights toward the north is key
Pro-Tips for Catching the Show
- Use Your Phone: Even if you can’t see the colors clearly with your naked eye, phone cameras are much more sensitive. Switch to Night Mode and use a long exposure (3–10 seconds). You might be surprised to see pinks and greens appear on your screen that were invisible to the eye!
- Check the Live Map: Use the NOAA 30-Minute Forecast for real-time updates on where the “aurora oval” is sitting
- Be Patient: Auroras often come in pulses. If you don’t see anything at 11 pm, try again at midnight
How else can I see the Northern Lights?
If luck isn’t on your side tonight or you can’t get outside, you can watch the magic from your couch on this Northern Lights live stream.
And if you want the ultimate view, NASA astronaut Don Pettit captured stunning footage of the aurora from space.
