how far can the northern lights be seen

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can be seen in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily at high latitudes. They are typically visible within a ring-shaped region known as the auroral oval, which includes areas around the Arctic Circle. Key locations for viewing the Northern Lights include:

1. Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland are popular destinations for seeing the aurora.
2. Canada: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and parts of Manitoba.
3. Alaska: Fairbanks and Anchorage in the United States.
4. Russia: Northern regions such as Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, and the Kola Peninsula.
5. Scotland: Northern Scotland, particularly the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands, and Caithness.
6. Ireland and Northern Ireland: Northern parts, especially on clear, dark nights.
7. New Zealand: Southern regions, though this is less common.

The aurora can occasionally be seen at lower latitudes during strong geomagnetic storms, potentially as far south as the northern United States (e.g., New York, Chicago, or Seattle), the UK, Germany, or even northern Spain. However, such sightings are rare and depend on solar activity.

To maximize your chances, visit high-latitude locations during the winter months (September to March) when nights are darker, and stay in areas with minimal light pollution.