Can You See the Northern Lights in the City?: 1 Minute to Learn Where to Spot the Aurora Borealis

The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that many hope to witness at least once in their lifetime. However, viewing them from a city can present significant challenges. The biggest obstacle in urban environments is light pollution—streetlights, homes, and skyscrapers all emit light that washes out the faint glow of the aurora. While it is technically possible to see the northern lights in a city, especially during periods of intense geomagnetic activity, the visibility and vibrancy will be greatly diminished compared to rural or remote locations. Additionally, tall buildings and limited open sky further restrict the view, making it harder to appreciate the full scale and beauty of the lights.

As a designer, I see this challenge as an opportunity to consider how our built environment interacts with natural phenomena. Incorporating "dark sky" principles—using shielded lighting, low-lumen fixtures, and smart controls—in urban planning can help reduce light pollution, making city living more compatible with celestial events. From a home design perspective, creating rooftop gardens or dedicated viewing terraces with minimal artificial light could offer city dwellers better opportunities not just for stargazing, but also for those rare chances to catch the aurora. In fact, integrating elements for optimal sky viewing could be a unique consideration in modern home layouts. Tools like a home designer can assist in planning such sky-friendly spaces within urban homes or apartment complexes.

Tips 1:

If your city is in the auroral oval’s path (parts of Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, or northern Russia), check real-time aurora forecasts and find the darkest, most open spot possible—parks or riverbanks away from major lighting—for your best chance at seeing the northern lights.

FAQ

Q: Is it completely impossible to see the northern lights in cities?

A: No, but sightings are rare and typically far less vivid due to light pollution and urban obstructions.

Q: What cities are best for seeing the aurora borealis?

A: Cities in high-latitude regions like Fairbanks, Tromsø, or Reykjavik offer occasional city sightings during strong auroral events, but rural areas nearby are better.

Q: How can urban design help with observing the northern lights?

A: Strategies like minimizing unnecessary outdoor lighting and creating open-view rooftops or terraces can enhance the odds of seeing auroras.

Q: Can you photograph the northern lights in a city?

A: Camera sensors can pick up faint auroras, but urban glare and reflections make capturing clear photos challenging without long exposures and careful planning.

Q: Will turning off house lights improve my view of northern lights in the city?

A: Every reduction in light pollution helps, but household lights have less impact compared to citywide illumination from streets and businesses.