Witnessing the splendor of the Northern Lights is one of the most majestic things a human can do on this earth. There is something otherworldly and completely engulfing about this strange display of light formations. Sadly, they are often hard to see—unless, of course, one happens to live in a country within the Arctic Circle. This year, though, they are going to to be visible from many parts of the United States. New Yorkers are in luck: From certain parts of the state, the Northern Lights have the potential to be seen in 2024! Trust us, it’s worth making the time to check out this rare, beautiful natural occurrence. For more information on the Northern Lights in 2024 in New York, keep reading, below. 

The Northern Lights auroras happen when "electrons from space flow down Earth's magnetic field and collide with atoms and molecules of the upper atmosphere in a ring or oval centered on the magnetic pole of Earth. The collisions produce light much like how electrons flowing through gas in a neon light collide with neon and other gasses to produce different colored light bulbs."
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The above is according to the according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center. That’s a lot of science, but it’s safe to say that the result transcends everything.
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This year, the sun will reach the peak of a decade plus cycle that has seen the North and South poles swapping places, which causes solar activity to be at its highest point and the aural oval to expand. All of this means that with this increased energy, the auroral zone will extend further south.
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Depending on a few factors—among them cloud cover and timing—the Northern Lights could make it to New York this year.
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In the past, the Northern Lights have been seen in areas as southern as the Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
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To stay updated on the Northern Lights in New York State, we recommend monitoring the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center.
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We think it’s really worth taking advantage of the fact that we might see the Northern Lights in 2024 in New York this year. So, keep a watch on the NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center website. And, for those looking to stock up on some cold weather gear to stay warm during a possible viewing, we recommend checking out all REI has to offer. 

Planning to visit the Catskills to look for the Northern Lights? Check out this scenic drive.

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