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Northern lights in New Jersey

Yes, during strong and stronger geomagnetic storms, usually as a low glow that cameras show better than eyes. In October 2024 residents from Mahwah to Cape May Point shared photos of the aurora.

Tonight's northern lights forecast

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How strong a storm each city in New Jersey 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. Across New Jersey the level ranges from Kp 7 (G3) in Plainfield to Kp 7.3 (G3) in Vineland.

CityGeomagnetic latitudeAurora usually needsTonight
Plainfield49.8°Kp 7 (G3)
Trenton49.4°Kp 7.1 (G3)
Vineland48.6°Kp 7.3 (G3)

How these levels are worked out: our methods.

How often you can see the aurora in New Jersey

New Jersey lies at about the same geomagnetic latitude as Illinois, NOAA’s example for strong storms. Most of the state needs a strong storm, which NOAA counts on about 130 days per 11-year solar cycle. The southern tip usually needs a severe one, which comes on about 60 days per cycle. The table above shows each city’s level against tonight’s forecast.

Where to watch

New Jersey has no place certified by DarkSky International, but October 2024 photos came from many parts of the state:

  • The northwest: Sussex and Warren counties are the most northerly part of the state and lie well west of the New York City glow. Residents of Sparta, Hopatcong and Hackettstown shared aurora photos.
  • The Shore: residents of Barnegat, Manahawkin and Cape May Point shared photos. Beaches and bays give flat, open horizons.

Notable sightings

On the night of October 7–8, 2024, Patch reported that residents across New Jersey shared aurora photos in shades of pink, yellow, purple and green. They came from Mahwah, Denville, Montgomery Township, Bedminster, Hackettstown, Sparta, Barnegat, Manahawkin, Cape May Point and other towns. Two days later, on October 10, NOAA reported a severe geomagnetic storm that brought aurora to much of North America.

What you’ll see this far south

From New Jersey you usually see only the top of the aurora, far to the north. NOAA explains that the highest part glows red from oxygen, which is why displays here often look like a pink haze low in the north.

Tips for New Jersey

  • Use your phone. A long exposure often shows color your eyes can’t pick out.
  • Escape the light domes. New York City and Philadelphia brighten much of the state, so drive away from them to a spot with a low northern horizon.
  • Look near midnight. NOAA says activity usually peaks within an hour or two of midnight, though big storms can start earlier.

Local resources

Check the moon phase and read how to see the northern lights. Neighbors: New York and Pennsylvania.

Dark-sky places near Trenton

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 near New York City from New Jersey?

Only during big storms, and city glow hides faint displays. In October 2024 residents of Mahwah and North Haledon in North Jersey still shared aurora photos, so a spot with an open view north and few lights nearby is worth trying.

Will the aurora look like the photos?

Usually not. NOAA notes that a dim aurora looks pale white or gray to the eye and that cameras pick up color the eye can't, so expect a faint glow and check it with your phone.

Can you see the aurora from the Jersey Shore?

During big storms, yes. In October 2024 residents of Barnegat, Manahawkin and Cape May Point shared photos with Patch. Look north along the beach or across a bay.

Other states

Sources