Northern Lights Could Be Visible This Weekend Across New York

Residents across New York State could have a chance to see the Northern Lights right from their backyard this weekend.

This weekend could be the best time all month to see Aurora Borealis here in New York State.

WHAT IS THE AURORA BOREALIS?

The Northern Lights or Polar Lights happen when the light from the sun hits the magnetic fields of the Earth's atmosphere and produces a variety of colors.

WHEN CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?

Usually, the best time to see Aurora Borealis is between November and February but it is possible to see it outside those times. Usually, the best time to see the Northern Lights is 9 pm and 2 am.

CAN I SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS WITH THE NAKED EYE?

Yes, you can, but what you see won't look like the photos you see on the internet. Cameras use a form of long exposure and this allows for the capture of colors and details that are impossible for the human eye to detect.

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According to meteorologists the best chance to see the Northern Lights is to be far from artificial lights from towns and cities. Looking over bodies of water like Lake Ontario and Lake Erie is helpful since there isn't much light on the water.