Is it a rare thing ? Not to much of the lower 49 states Instagram account think that if you haven’t got the chance to see them there is still hope. The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, have long been associated with Arctic regions like Alaska or Scandinavia. However, residents in places as far south as South Carolina have been treated to this celestial display. Recently, people in this region have been fortunate enough to catch glimpses of these dancing lights, leaving many wondering: How often can we see the Northern Lights here, how many more might we expect in the future, and how can we capture these magical moments through photography?

How Often Can We See the Northern Lights in Western Pennsylvania?

Seeing the Northern Lights in Western Pennsylvania is quite rare due to the region’s lower latitude. Typically, auroras are more common near the polar regions because they are caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. However, during periods of increased solar activity—particularly around the time of solar storms—these particles can travel farther, extending the auroral display into areas like Pennsylvania.

In recent years, solar activity has increased, particularly as we approach the solar maximum (the peak of the 11-year solar cycle). This means more geomagnetic storms, which increase the chances of auroras being visible in lower latitudes. Over the past couple of years, there have been a few instances of auroras being seen in Western Pennsylvania. As we near the solar maximum in 2025, we can expect more chances to see the Northern Lights, though they will remain sporadic and highly dependent on solar activity.

How Many More Northern Lights Events Can We Expect?

Predicting the exact number of Northern Lights events is difficult. However, with the solar maximum approaching, it is likely that the frequency of auroral displays will increase over the next year or two. It’s important to stay updated on space weather forecasts, as organizations like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center and apps like Aurora Forecast provide alerts when conditions are favorable.

Cloud cover, light pollution, and horizon visibility all affect how well auroras can be seen. Keep an eye out for high KP index readings (generally 6 or higher) as these indicate geomagnetic storms that are strong enough to push auroras to southern latitudes.

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

If you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Western Pennsylvania, you’ll want to capture the moment. Photographing auroras can be tricky, but with the right equipment and techniques, you can come away with stunning images.

1. Use a Tripod: Auroras require long exposure times, so using a tripod will keep your camera steady and prevent blurring.
2. Manual Mode: Set your camera to manual mode to have full control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Start with a high ISO (800 to 3200), an aperture of f/2.8 or lower, and a shutter speed between 5 and 30 seconds. You can adjust these settings based on how bright the aurora is.
3. Focus to Infinity: Set your lens to focus at infinity to capture the distant lights clearly. It’s helpful to focus on a distant light or star before the aurora appears.
4. Choose a Dark Location: Light pollution from cities can wash out the aurora. Head to rural areas or high elevations for the best chance to see and photograph the lights.
5. Shoot in RAW: RAW files preserve more data and allow for better editing later on, particularly in low-light situations like aurora photography.

Challenges of Shooting Auroras

While photographing the Northern Lights is rewarding, it does come with some challenges:

1. Unpredictability: Auroras can appear and disappear quickly, often without warning. Even if a geomagnetic storm is predicted, cloud cover or light pollution can obscure the view. Being patient and ready with your camera settings is key.
2. Battery Life: Cold temperatures can drain camera batteries quickly. Bring extra batteries and keep them warm in your pocket until you need them.
3. Light Pollution: As mentioned earlier, artificial lights can drown out the aurora. In Western Pennsylvania, you’ll want to head to places with minimal light pollution, such as rural areas or state parks, to increase your chances of seeing the lights clearly.
4. Camera Settings: Getting the right settings for aurora photography can be tricky, especially for beginners. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect combination of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to capture the aurora’s colors and movement.

Final Thoughts

While seeing the Northern Lights in Western Pennsylvania is rare, the increasing solar activity over the next few years means more opportunities might be on the horizon. If you’re passionate about capturing this elusive spectacle, staying informed about space weather and following the tips above will increase your chances of getting that perfect shot.

Keep your camera ready, find a dark sky, and you might just catch one of nature’s most breathtaking shows!