Lights usually peak around local midnight, but they can show up as early as dusk or as late as dawn. Think of it as a shy celeb—it might appear for five minutes, then vanish for hours. Tip: Go out when the moon is new or crescent. A full moon will wash out the aurora like a spotlight on a disco dancer. Also, check the cloud cover. If it’s overcast, you’ll see only clouds. And clouds are not the Northern Lights, no matter how much you squint.
Northern lights tonight: Can you see them in New York?
Dress Like You’re Going to War Against Frostbite
You will be standing still for hours. That means three layers minimum on your torso, and two pairs of socks. If you can’t hear your own heartbeat over the crunching of snow, you’re underdressed. Joke break: The only thing more elusive than the aurora is a warm, affordable coffee shop open at 1 AM in rural Norway. Bring a thermos. Your hands will thank you—and so will the guy next to you who forgot his gloves.
