This is not about smoking but wifey and I are interested in seeing the Northern Lights. I understand that the next couple of years should have increased activity and may be the best time to try and get a good show.
The recent edition of Backpacker magazine suggested the NE part of Minnesota as a good place to see them. Can anybody help with good viewing locations in the lower 48 and the best time to view. I know around the equinoxes but don't know if one week on either side or 1 month on either side of the equinox is good. I assume a full moon is bad for aurora viewing? So is it generally better to view one week before or after an equinox if I can take advantage of a new moon?
I live way down south and trying to juggle weather (cloud cover), travel arrangements, solar activity etc is what I have to base my plans on, I guess. Anything else I need to consider.
I would either ride the City on New Orleans to Chicago and rent a car there or just make a two and a half day drive to Voyagers National Park. Something I would like to visit anyway. I can't imagine the cost of purchasing airline ticket on a two day notice.
I guess another consideration is the probability of having a good show in the lower 48 as opposed to Alaska or Canada. Are my chances for good viewing in Alaska and Canada so much better that I should just plan a 10 day vacation and hope the weather cooperates?
Thanks again for any help,
Al
The recent edition of Backpacker magazine suggested the NE part of Minnesota as a good place to see them. Can anybody help with good viewing locations in the lower 48 and the best time to view. I know around the equinoxes but don't know if one week on either side or 1 month on either side of the equinox is good. I assume a full moon is bad for aurora viewing? So is it generally better to view one week before or after an equinox if I can take advantage of a new moon?
I live way down south and trying to juggle weather (cloud cover), travel arrangements, solar activity etc is what I have to base my plans on, I guess. Anything else I need to consider.
I would either ride the City on New Orleans to Chicago and rent a car there or just make a two and a half day drive to Voyagers National Park. Something I would like to visit anyway. I can't imagine the cost of purchasing airline ticket on a two day notice.
I guess another consideration is the probability of having a good show in the lower 48 as opposed to Alaska or Canada. Are my chances for good viewing in Alaska and Canada so much better that I should just plan a 10 day vacation and hope the weather cooperates?
Thanks again for any help,
Al