The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural light display caused by energized particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions cause oxygen and nitrogen molecules to emit light, creating vibrant green, pink, and red curtains visible in the polar sky. March is considered one of the best months of the year for viewing the aurora.
March: The Seasonal Advantage
March falls within the prime viewing season, which generally runs from September to April, but it offers a specific astronomical boost that makes it exceptional. The primary reason for the increased activity is the alignment between the Earth’s magnetic field and the solar wind streams near the spring equinox. This alignment is described by the Russell-McPherron effect, a geophysical mechanism that significantly increases the likelihood of geomagnetic storms.
Data from long-term studies shows that geomagnetic disturbances are almost twice as likely to occur during the equinox months of March and September compared to the solstices in December and June. This phenomenon occurs when the Earth’s magnetic field is momentarily oriented in a way that allows charged solar particles to more easily funnel into the magnetosphere. The resulting enhanced connection between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field maximizes the energy transfer that fuels the aurora.
Beyond the celestial mechanics, March provides a practical advantage over the winter months. While January and February offer maximum hours of darkness, they often suffer from unstable weather and increased cloud cover. By March, many high-latitude regions experience more settled weather patterns, which translates to a greater number of clear, cloud-free nights. This combination of enhanced solar activity and improved terrestrial weather makes March an excellent time for viewing.
Geographic Requirements for Viewing
Even with the seasonal advantage of March, successful viewing is heavily dependent on being in the correct geographical location. The Northern Lights are consistently visible within the Auroral Oval, an oval-shaped ring centered around the Earth’s magnetic pole. This zone of peak activity typically sits between 60 and 75 degrees northern latitude.
To maximize your chances, you must position yourself directly beneath or very close to this oval. Prime geographic locations include the northern territories of Canada and Alaska in North America, as well as Nordic destinations like Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. These areas are situated perfectly to capture the light show when the geomagnetic activity is high.
When solar activity is stronger, the Auroral Oval expands outward, temporarily moving to lower latitudes. This allows for rare sightings further south in places like the northern United States or Scotland. However, relying on these lower-latitude sightings is risky. A dedicated trip should always target a location within the oval’s core geographic range where the phenomenon is a regular occurrence.
Key Factors Beyond Location and Season
Once you have chosen a high-latitude location in March, the success of your nightly viewing depends on several dynamic, real-time factors. The strength of the geomagnetic activity is measured using the Planetary K-index, or Kp index, which ranges on a scale from 0 to 9. A score of Kp 3 or 4 is generally sufficient to see the aurora from within the Auroral Oval.
If the Kp index is forecasted to be 5 or higher, indicating a minor geomagnetic storm, the auroral display will be brighter and expand toward mid-latitudes. Aurora forecasts, which are typically available several days in advance, should be checked regularly to determine the expected Kp value for the time you plan to be outdoors. This measurement is the best indicator of the intensity of the light show on any given night.
Darkness is required, as the aurora is a relatively faint light source. Although the days are lengthening in March, northern latitudes still provide ample hours of true darkness between approximately 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM. The light from the moon can diminish the visibility of a weaker aurora, so planning your viewing around a new moon is advisable.
The sky must be clear, as even the strongest auroral display will be obscured by cloud cover. Monitor local cloud forecasts and be prepared to move away from areas experiencing local weather systems. Finding a location free of artificial light pollution, such as city lights or street lamps, is necessary to allow your eyes to adapt fully to the darkness and perceive the colors of the display.