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Northern lights in New Hampshire

Yes, during moderate and stronger geomagnetic storms. The far north, in the Great North Woods, has the best odds, and in October 2024 the aurora was even photographed from the Seacoast.

Tonight's northern lights forecast

Loading NOAA's Kp forecast…

How strong a storm each city in New Hampshire needs

The farther a place is from the magnetic pole, the stronger the geomagnetic storm needed to push the aurora into view. These levels come from each city's geomagnetic latitude and NOAA's storm scale, which says how far south aurora is usually seen at each level. They are for aurora low on the northern horizon from a dark spot; overhead displays need more.

CityGeomagnetic latitudeAurora usually needsTonight
Manchester52.1°Kp 6.6 (G3)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in New Hampshire

New Hampshire falls between NOAA’s examples for minor storms (Maine) and moderate storms (New York). The northern tip of the state gets chances during fairly common storms. The south usually needs a strong one. The table above shows each city’s level against tonight’s forecast.

Where to watch

  • The Great North Woods: the state’s most northerly region. Visit NH says its remote, rural landscape escapes light pollution, and it points stargazers to Lake Umbagog.
  • The Seacoast during big storms: on October 10, 2024, an NHPR photographer captured the aurora over Rye and Jenness State Beach.

Notable sightings

During the October 10, 2024 storm, the aurora was seen as far south as the Seacoast. An NHPR photo shows it over Rye and Jenness State Beach. NOAA rated that storm severe, the second-highest level on its scale.

Tips for New Hampshire

  • Get away from the southern cities. Manchester, Nashua and Concord light the southern sky. The farther north you drive, the darker it gets.
  • Find a gap to the north. Mountains and forest hide much of the low horizon. Lakeshores and wide fields work best.
  • Use your phone. A long-exposure photo will show a faint aurora that looks like a gray cloud to the eye.
  • Favor the equinox months. NOAA says bigger storms tend to come near the spring and fall equinoxes. In Interior Alaska, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute puts the odds of aurora at about twice as high at the equinoxes as at the solstices.

Local resources

Check the moon phase and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: Maine and Vermont.

Dark-sky places near Manchester

Certified dark-sky places are among the best spots to watch for aurora: little light pollution and, often, open views to the north.

Questions and answers

Can you see the northern lights from Manchester or Nashua?

Only during strong storms, and the cities' lights hide faint displays. Drive north or west to darker countryside with an open view of the northern sky.

Can my phone see the aurora when I can't?

Often, yes. Phone cameras collect light over several seconds and can record a faint aurora your eyes miss. New Hampshire Public Radio passes on experts' advice to use your camera's night mode.

What time of night is best in New Hampshire?

NOAA says the aurora is usually best between about 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. During strong storms it can show earlier in the evening.

Other states

Sources