Northern Lights Dazzle Minnesota: When, Where, and How to See and Capture the Aurora in the Twin Cities
Last night, the northern lights brought a spectacular show to the Twin Cities and across Minnesota, with vivid colors lighting up the sky—one of the most intense aurora displays in decades. The phenomenon was triggered by rare strong geomagnetic storms following a massive solar flare and coronal mass ejection, allowing the lights to be visible much farther south than usual.
Photos from the Twin Cities
Images from neighborhoods like Woodbury and Maple Grove and Blaine captured brilliant bands of green, red, and purple, with some areas reporting a rare “coronal aurora”—a crown-like burst directly overhead. Many local photographers and residents shared their shots online, showcasing magical skies above city landmarks and quiet parks.
Why Can We See Them?
The display is thanks to a surge in solar activity: the sun released powerful bursts of charged particles (CME) that collided with Earth’s magnetic field, causing severe geomagnetic storms. These storms (rated G3-G4, strong to severe) push the aurora further south, making it visible in places like Minnesota, and even as far as Illinois and beyond. Fall often allows for stunning auroras because of the way solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetosphere during seasonal transitions.
Where to See the Lights Tonight
Forecasts predict another chance to view auroras across Minnesota tonight, especially if skies are clear. For the best viewing in the Twin Cities area:
- Go north, if possible, and get away from city lights.
- Try parks or open fields with a wide view of the northern horizon.
- Suggested spots: Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Rice Creek Chain of Lakes, and suburban open spaces.
- The best time: From after sunset through the late evening (7pm–10pm, with activity possible all night). Check aurora forecast maps (NOAA, My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app) for real-time updates.
How to Photograph the Northern Lights (Phone Tips)
Making the most of a phone camera:
- Use “Night Mode” if available.
- Adjust exposure to the maximum (increase “ISO” to 800–1600 and set exposure time to several seconds if your phone allows).
- Lock focus on infinity or tap the darkest part of the sky.
- Hold the phone very steady or set it on a solid surface.
- Avoid flash, and take multiple shots—your camera will pick up colors more strongly than the naked eye.
With tonight’s forecast, keep your camera ready and enjoy this rare spectacle right at home in Minnesota.