The Northern Lights are often considered one of the most majestic sights on the entire planet Earth, and countless people are willing to make a pilgrimage up north to see them in person. And by “up north”, we really do mean “up north” – travelers usually have to go to a country within the Arctic Circle to get a clear view, which is a long trek and not feasible for most people. But that might be changing this year, because for the first time in a very long time, it will be possible to see the Northern Lights in 2024 in New Jersey and surrounding states. This won’t be possible everywhere in the Garden State, but for those wiling to make a trek to some of our wide-open areas, you might be able to witness something magnificent without taking a trek of several thousand miles.

The Northern Lights are a sky effect that happens when electrons from space flow into Earth's magnetic field, causing a collision with molecules in the atmosphere.
Varjisakka/Wikipedia
The result is a light show caused by a similar effect to that of a neon light, resulting in colors dancing across the sky.
USAF/Wikipedia
So why are the Northern Lights making such a big show this year? The sun is reaching the peak of an extended cycle, wirh solar activity at its highest point.
Samuel Blanc/Wikipedia

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The Northern Lights are expanding further south than they have in many years, which means they may be visible as far south as New Jersey.
Brocken Inaglory/Wikipedia
There is no guarantee that the Northern Lights will be seen in New Jersey this year, as it all relies on atmospheric conditions.
Pete Lytwyiuk/Flickr
But in the past, they've made it as far south as New York, and as the atmospheric conditions increase, this could be the year. The odds of seeing them will be best in isolated areas of the state with minimal light pollution.
Diana Robinson/Flickr

Are you planning to try to see the Northern Lights in 2024 in New Jersey? What are your favorite spots for stargazing in the Garden State? Let us know in the comments section! If you want to know more about the atmospheric conditions that make this possible, keep an on the Space Weather Prediction Center website. For a perfect stargazing location, check out our past coverage of Jenny Jump State Forest, one of New Jersey’s most beautiful and isolated locations. And if you’re planning to get a good look at the sky, you might want to bring along a pair of binoculars.

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