A visually stunning phenomenon called the aurora can be seen near the northern and southern poles of the Earth. In the north, it is called the aurora borealis; in the south, it is called the aurora australis.

This nighttime light show is caused by activity on the surface of the Sun. Solar storms on the surface of the Sun give out huge clouds of electrically charged particles, which can then travel millions of miles and even collide with planets in our solar system.

Most of these particles are deflected, but some get captured in the Earth’s magnetic field, which propels them toward the poles. This is why aurora activity is concentrated at the magnetic poles.

What we see from the Northern Lights are atoms and molecules in our atmosphere colliding with particles from the Sun. The wavy patterns characteristic of the aurora are caused by the lines of force in the Earth’s magnetic field.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Northern Lights in Minneapolis.

What is the Best Time of Year to See the Northern Lights in Minneapolis?

While the Northern Lights in Minnesota can be seen all year round, they are more active during the spring and fall equinoxes (in March and September), as well as the winter solstice (in December).

Sightings also depend on solar activity and weather conditions, so keeping an eye on real-time forecasts can help increase your chances of seeing them. Watch the Kp index forecast for indicators of strong solar activity. A Kp index of 4 or higher means you have a decent chance of spotting the Northern Lights.

When Can You See the Northern Lights in Minneapolis?

Typically, the best time to see the Northern Lights in Minneapolis is after dark between 11:00 PM and 3:00 AM. On nights with unusually strong solar activity, the Lights may appear sooner and longer.

How Long Do the Northern Lights Usually Last in Minneapolis?

The duration of the auroras depends on the intensity of solar storms, atmospheric conditions, and the overall strength of the aurora display. A single display of the Northern Lights may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. However, during periods of heightened solar activity — like the large solar flare in May 2024 — and favorable atmospheric conditions, the auroras can last for several hours.

How Are the Northern Lights Forecasted?

The Kp index measures geomagnetic activity and is used to forecast the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights. A Kp of 4 or higher means you've got a good shot at spotting the lights.

A Northern Lights Forecast for Minneapolis is often issued for up to 27 days ahead. These forecasts aren’t necessarily the most reliable, as space weather forecasts can change at any time. 

A 3-day Aurora forecast is typically more reliable and contains detailed information for every 3-hour time slot

Can You See the Northern Lights in Minneapolis?

Technically, yes, you can see the Northern Lights from Minneapolis. But the conditions have to be just right for the glow of the aurora to overpower the city lights.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights Near Minneapolis

While light pollution makes it difficult to see the Northern Lights from within Minneapolis, there are several good spots just outside the city to catch a glimpse of the Aurora.

• Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge: Located about an hour northwest of Minneapolis, this refuge offers a vast area with limited light pollution.
• Jay Cooke State Park: Located about 2.5 hours out of Minneapolis, this state park offers easy accessibility and darker skies compared to the city.
• Tettegouche State Park: About a 3.5-hour drive from Minneapolis, this state park offers dark skies along the shores of Lake Superior.
• Gooseberry Falls State Park: Also situated along the North Shore of Lake Superior, this park offers a chance to see the auroras dancing above the waterfalls.
• Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW): A few hours' drive from Minneapolis, BWCAW provides a secluded location to witness the Northern Lights.
• Crow Hassan Park Reserve: A 45-minute drive west of Minneapolis, this park reserve has trails and open fields with clear views of the night sky.
• Wild River State Park: About an hour northeast of Minneapolis, this park follows the St. Croix River and has overlooks and canoe-in campsites if you want to stay overnight.
• Buffalo River State Park: 3.5 hours northwest of Minneapolis, this park offers open views and darker skies than the city.
• Elm Creek Park Reserve: This park is about 30 minutes west of Minneapolis, offering open prairies and trails perfect for Northern Lights viewing.
• Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area: 2 hours north of Minneapolis, this recreation area is full of abandoned mines now filled with lakes.

If you can’t get out of the city and the Northern Lights forecast looks promising, consider finding a nearby area with a long open horizon, such as a field, where you have a clear view of the dark skies.

How to Prepare for the Northern Lights in Minneapolis

The Northern Lights are often most active around midnight, so plan to arrive at your viewing location by 10:00 PM. Dress warmly and bring:

• a flashlight with a red light
• a camera
• a tripod
• hot drinks and snacks

Then all that's left to do is wait.

Will I Be Able to See the Colors and Movements in the Northern Lights?

When solar activity is high and the Kp index reaches 6 or 7, you have a much better chance of seeing the “dancing” of the lights and the different colors that can appear. The further north you are, the more vivid the Northern Lights are likely to appear.

What Causes Different Colors in the Northern Lights?

When solar energy hits the Earth, it heats up the different gases in the atmosphere. Like the metals that give fireworks different colors, different gases give off different colors when they are heated.

The two primary gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are nitrogen and oxygen — the green in the aurora is from oxygen, while hints of purple, blue or pink are caused by nitrogen.

Do the Northern Lights make any sound?

This might seem like a strange question, but, surprisingly, the Northern Lights do make sound! The intense activity of the auroras can give off a faint crackling sound that some describe as similar to high-voltage power lines buzzing and popping.

However, it’s unlikely that you’ll hear the sounds without a near-perfect, silent environment. 

Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights

Capturing the Northern Lights on camera can be difficult, but the right equipment and techniques can make it more likely you’ll get a good shot. Here are a few tips:

Use a DSLR camera: A DSLR camera allows you to manually adjust the settings. A wide-angle lens, between 14-35 mm, works well for capturing the broad, sweeping lights.

Set your camera to manual mode: In manual mode, you can adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the best shot. 

• Start with a high ISO, around 800 to 6400. 
• Use a wide aperture, around f/2.8 to f/4, to let in more light. 
• For shutter speed, start with 15 to 30 seconds. You may need to adjust up or down from there. Using the bulb mode allows for shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds.

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