A magical night in May 2024 demonstrated that the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, can be visible even in Germany. As solar storms collide with Earth's magnetic field, fascinating light displays dance across the night sky, creating spectacular shows that can occasionally be observed far from the polar regions. Experts from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have shared essential guidance on how to successfully observe and photograph these celestial phenomena.
The night of May 10-11, 2024, will remain unforgettable for many people across Germany. Green and red veils of light danced across the sky, with auroras visible to the naked eye even in southern regions like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. What was once an absolute rarity has become more likely due to increased solar activity in the current solar cycle, raising the question of when it's worth looking skyward and what aurora enthusiasts need to consider.
Successful aurora observation requires all conditions to align perfectly. Before heading out to scan the northern horizon, observers must pay attention to several critical factors: high geomagnetic activity, a dark and preferably cloud-free sky, and a good observation location with a clear view toward the north. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in determining whether the aurora will be visible.
The visibility of the Northern Lights depends fundamentally on geomagnetic activity, measured by the Kp-Index. According to NOAA's official information page, when Kp values reach between 6 and 7, the aurora moves further away from the poles and becomes very bright and active. At this level of geomagnetic activity, it becomes possible for the aurora to be visible even from the northern edge of the United States.
For Germany specifically, this means that starting from Kp values of approximately 6 to 7, the chances increase significantly, particularly in northern Germany. During extremely strong geomagnetic storms with Kp values of 8 or 9, the Northern Lights can even become visible in southern Germany, as was dramatically demonstrated during that memorable May night.
Even with high geomagnetic activity, auroras can remain invisible if observation conditions aren't optimal. NOAA states it clearly: it must be dark, observers should go outside at night, and they need to get away from city lights. Light pollution represents the greatest enemy of aurora observation. While in Scandinavia the aurora often shines bright enough to be visible even in cities, auroras in Germany typically appear much fainter, making a dark location far from street lamps and urban lighting absolutely essential.
The direction of observation is equally important. NOAA advises that from a suitable vantage point, observers can see auroras occurring up to 1,000 kilometers further north. An elevated position with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon – such as on a hill or at the coast – significantly increases the chances of success. The combination of darkness, clear skies, and proper positioning creates the optimal conditions for aurora viewing.
Photographing the colorful Northern Lights presents its own challenges, and many people want to capture this rare sight permanently. NASA provides specific tips for photographing the celestial light show using both cameras and smartphones. For camera users, the focus should be set to manual and adjusted to infinity if the camera allows it. The aperture should be opened as wide as possible to quickly capture as much light as possible.
NASA recommends setting the ISO between 800 and 1600 and using an exposure time of five to ten seconds. If photos turn out too bright, photographers can reduce either ISO or exposure time. If images appear too dark, they can increase either ISO or exposure time. When the aurora moves quickly, it's better to reduce exposure time and increase ISO instead. A tripod is essential for stability during longer exposures.
Smartphone photography requires different techniques but can still produce impressive results. Users should select night mode or manual mode if available. When manual settings are possible, choose the largest available aperture, set ISO around 800, and use an exposure time of five seconds. Since images can easily become blurred, using a tripod or leaning the smartphone against something stable is recommended. If colors don't appear correct, experimenting with ISO and exposure time until the results look right is the best approach. Alternatively, NASA suggests setting the white balance to 3500K.
To determine whether auroras are actually visible in the sky, smartphone cameras can serve as detection tools. Taking a quick photo with longer exposure time can reveal the glowing colors of the aurora on the display, even when they're not immediately visible to the naked eye. This works because smartphone cameras can often capture weak auroras better than human eyes can perceive them.
To avoid missing aurora opportunities, observers can use aurora warning apps or websites like aurorasaurus.org or polarlicht-vorhersage.de. The aurora forum of AKM e.V. also provides information about current aurora visibility, as does checking various webcams positioned in optimal viewing locations. These resources help aurora enthusiasts make informed decisions about when to venture out for observation sessions.
Despite all preparation efforts, aurora observation in Germany remains a game of patience and luck. Clear skies, high geomagnetic activity, and the right location must all come together simultaneously. However, those who follow expert advice and keep an eye on forecasting tools significantly increase their chances of witnessing this fascinating natural spectacle. When all conditions align, the only thing left to do is look up and enjoy the rare and beautiful sight that nature provides.
