2024 Could Be a Great Year to Spot the Northern Lights

Solar activity is approaching its peak, which will increase the frequency and intensity of Northern Lights displays, reports YLE.

The intensity of the solar wind that creates auroras varies randomly, but the Sun also has a cycle of about 11 years when it is at its most active. This peak is approaching. However, the exact timing is not known.

"That's when the solar wind is at its strongest and the gusts are fierce," says Tiera Laitinen, Team Leader for Space Weather Research at the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

"The next peak in activity has been forecast for 2025, but it could come as early as this year. The variability of the solar activity cycle is not yet well modelled or explained."