March could be the month that Southern Pennsylvania gets some Northern Lights (aurora borealis). While not very common, when the conditions are right, states like Arizona and Florida can even see them, and here’s why, writes Kara Seymour for Patch.

Space forecasters expect March to be the best month in two decades to see the lights. According to data from NASA, March gets more light activity than any other month due to solar activity peaking during seasonal equinoxes. October comes close second with the fall equinox, but March takes first place with the spring equinox falling on March 19 this year.

Last year, the biggest aurora event occurred in March which made auroras powerful enough to be seen in the southern states.

Additionally, 2024 is the “solar maximum” peak of an 11-year solar cycle. This is when the Earth’s magnetic fields flip between the North and South poles. The process of the reversal creates more space weather events like the aurora borealis.

While places closer to the North Pole, like Alaska, Greenland, and Canada, can see the lights in more colors and at higher frequencies, the East Coast still has a chance!

The best bet to see the lights in Southern Pennsylvania is in more rural areas or state parks, such as French Creek State Park in Elverson, due to its open space and lack of light pollution.

Read more about the Northern Lights being active during March in Pennsylvania at Patch.

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