The Moonlight Effect: How the Moon Impacts Northern Lights Viewing

The Moonlight Effect: How the Moon Impacts Northern Lights Viewing

Have you ever wondered why some nights the Northern Lights seem to dance across the sky in a dazzling display of color, while other nights they appear dim or not at all? The moon, it turns out, has a lot to do with the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. When the Moon is full or close to full, its bright glow washes out the night sky and obscures the Northern Lights. The more illuminated the Moon, the harder it is to see the Aurora. While it's still possible to spot the Northern Lights during a full moon, the colors won't be as vibrant and the lights have to be more active for them to be visible. So next time you have a chance to view the Aurora, check the Moon phase first - a darker sky will lead to a much better show.

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The Moon's Brightness Reduces Northern Lights Visibility

When the Moon is bright in the night sky, it can be harder to see the Northern Lights. Any light source reduces the visibility of Auroras, and the bigger and brighter the Moon, the more it washes out the colors and details of the Northern Lights.

You can still spot the Northern Lights when the Moon is full, but the colors won’t be as vibrant and the Auroras have to be more active for them to be visible. The Moon’s brightness outshines the natural light show in the sky. During the new Moon when the sky is darkest, the Northern Lights are most spectacular.

There are a few reasons the Moon has this effect:

The Moon reflects sunlight, which brightens the night sky. This additional light pollution obscures the Northern Lights.
Our eyes adjust to the brightest light source. When the Moon is bright, our eyes adjust to see it best, making the dimmer Northern Lights harder to see.
The colors of the Northern Lights appear more washed out under the moonlight. The vibrant greens and reds won’t seem as bright when the sky is illuminated.
Fainter Auroras that would be visible under a dark sky may be obscured by moonlight. Only the most active, brightest Auroras will be visible.

The bottom line is the darker the sky, the better for viewing the Northern Lights. So for the most vivid display, watch the phases of the Moon and head out on a night with little or no moonlight. With the right conditions and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular show.

A Fuller Moon Means Dimmer Northern Lights

A bright, full moon is a sight to behold, but it's not ideal if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The more moonlight in the sky, the harder it is to see the Aurora Borealis.

Why is that? Well, the moon emits light that washes out the night sky and reduces the visibility of celestial phenomena like the Northern Lights. The colors and details of the Aurora become muted and faded, making them more difficult to spot. You may still be able to see the lights dancing overhead during a full moon, but the vibrant greens and reds will appear paler.

To see the Northern Lights in all their glory, aim for a New Moon when the night sky is at its darkest. Around this time, Aurora's activity only needs to be moderate for the lights to be clearly visible. The darker the sky, the more vibrant and dazzling the display.

Of course, the Moon cycle isn't the only factor that determines how well you can see the Northern Lights. Weather conditions, light pollution, and the intensity of geomagnetic activity also play a role. But in general, less Moon means more opportunity to witness a truly spectacular Aurora show.

So if catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, check the Moon calendar and head out on a night with little to no moonlight. Find a secluded spot away from city lights, bundle up to stay warm, and look to the northern sky. With a little luck and the right conditions, you'll be rewarded with a vision you won't soon forget.

Stronger Solar Activity Required for Viewing During Full Moons

The Moonlight Effect
When the Moon is full or close to full in the night sky, it can diminish your chances of spotting the Northern Lights. Any source of light decreases the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. The brighter the Moon, the more the vibrant colors of the Lights are reduced. You may still observe the Northern Lights during a full Moon, but the visible colors won’t be as vivid and dazzling.

Stronger Solar Wind Needed

For the Northern Lights to be visible when the Moon is shining brightly, increased solar activity and a stronger solar wind are required. The solar wind carries charged particles from the Sun that interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing the Aurora Borealis. When the Moon is full, the sky is too illuminated for most Auroras to be seen, except the very brightest.

During a new Moon when the sky is darkest, even a minor geomagnetic storm can produce visible Northern Lights.
But when the Moon is full, it takes a more powerful geomagnetic storm for the Aurora Borealis to overcome the moonlight and be observable.

Be Patient and Persistent

Don’t get discouraged if you go out anticipating an Auroral display during a full Moon and don’t see anything. The solar activity and geomagnetic conditions have to align for the Lights to be visible in such circumstances. Keep monitoring the Auroral forecasts and solar wind data. When a strong enough storm is predicted, get to a dark location, give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and be patient. The vibrant, dancing colors may emerge and put on a spectacular show, even under the glow of a full Moon.

With extra solar activity and persistence, the Moon’s light won’t necessarily spoil your chance to experience the wonder of the Northern Lights. Staying up late, bundling up warmly, and finding the perfect viewing spot will pay off when the Aurora Borealis comes out to play.

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights Is Around New Moon

The darker the night, the brighter the lights

The Northern Lights are best viewed when the sky is at its darkest—around the New Moon phase. During this time, the moon is not visible in the night sky, allowing the dazzling colors of the Aurora to shine through.

Around the New Moon, the night sky is pitch black, providing the perfect backdrop for the Northern Lights to illuminate the sky. Without any moonlight, your eyes can adjust to the darkness and take in the vibrant greens, pinks and purples dancing overhead.
Closer to the Full Moon, the additional light reflecting off the Moon washes out the sky and reduces the visibility and intensity of the Northern Lights display. The colors appear more muted and faded, and fainter Auroral activity may not be visible at all.
For the most vivid Northern Lights show, aim for viewing around 3 to 5 days before and after the new moon. During this window, the moon will not have risen yet or will have already set, leaving behind an inky black sky for optimal Aurora viewing.
Of course, the Northern Lights can still be visible around the full moon, you may just need a particularly strong geomagnetic storm and solar wind activity for the colors to shine through under the moonlight. But for your best chance at a dazzling display, keep an eye on the Moon phases and head out under a New Moon sky.

In summary

While the Northern Lights are a spectacular sight any night, viewing them around the New Moon phase will provide the darkest sky and the most vibrant, colorful show. So for your next Aurora adventure, check the Moon calendar and plan your trip around the New Moon—your eyes will thank you!

Plan Ahead: Check the Moon Visibility Prediction

To maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory, check the Moon visibility predictions for your location. The Moon has a big impact on how vibrant and visible the Aurora will be.

The Brighter the Moon, the Dimmer the Lights

The more illuminated the Moon is, the less visible the Northern Lights become. During a Full Moon, the sky is too bright for Aurora's colors to shine through fully. You may still see the lights dancing, but the colors won't be as prominent or dazzling.

Plan Around the Lunar Cycle

Aim for viewing the Aurora around a New Moon when the night sky is at its darkest. This is when the Northern Lights are most likely to put on a spectacular show.
As the Moon waxes and becomes brighter each night, the visibility and intensity of the Aurora will decrease.
Around a half moon, the Aurora may still be visible but the colors will appear more muted.
Closer to a Full Moon, the lights may be harder to spot and any colors observed will seem washed out.

Check Local Moonrise and Moonset Times

The moon isn't up in the sky all night, so you can also plan your Aurora viewing around when the moon will be below the horizon in your location.

Find the local moonrise and moonset times for your area.
Try to view the Northern Lights during the period when the Moon has not yet risen or has already set for the best visibility.
The later into the evening and closer to midnight you can stay out viewing, the higher your chances of catching a spectacular Aurora show when the Moon is not present in the night sky.

With the right timing and a little luck, you can experience the full glory and vibrant colors of the Northern Lights by planning around the phases of the Moon. By avoiding the brightest nights, you'll increase your odds of a breathtaking encounter with the Aurora.

Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights During Full Moons

Find darker viewing locations

The brighter the Moon, the more its glow will wash out the Northern Lights. Seek out viewing spots away from city lights and any other sources of light pollution. Head to a secluded area in the countryside, a mountain, or a large open space. The darker your surroundings, the more vibrant the lights will appear.

Check the moonrise and moonset times

If possible, view the Northern Lights when the Moon is still below the horizon or has already set. The lights will be most visible during the darkest period of the night between moonset and sunrise. You can find the moonrise and moonset times for your location to plan the optimal viewing window.

Look for higher activity levels

The Northern Lights are often more active and intense around the equinoxes in March and September. During these periods, the lights frequently put on a more spectacular show to compensate for the Moon’s glow. The higher the geomagnetic activity, the better your chances of spotting the Aurora through the moonlight.

Use a camera

A camera, especially one with a wide-angle lens, can help enhance your view of the Northern Lights. They act as natural light filters and help the colors of the Aurora pop more against the night sky. Look through the camera with your naked eye to get the best experience.

Be patient

Don’t get discouraged if the Northern Lights aren’t immediately visible to the naked eye. Give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, at least 30 minutes. The longer you’re outside, the more your eyes will adapt to the low light conditions. Subtle movements and colors may become more apparent. With some patience and the right conditions, you’ll be enjoying a spectacular show, even with a bright Moon.

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the inside scoop on how the moonlight impacts your chances of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. The bottom line is the brighter the Moon, the dimmer the show. But don’t let a Full Moon deter you from heading out on an Aurora hunt. While the colors may be a bit muted, the lights are still dancing. And if Aurora’s activity is strong that night, you’ll still be treated to a spectacular display, moonlight or not. The night sky holds so many wonders, so bundle up, find a dark spot, look north, and enjoy the show. Mother Nature will take care of the rest.

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