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Can the Northern Lights Be Observed During a Summertime Solar Eclipse

-- Larry | March 6, 2023

Artist's conception of "mini-aurorae" at poles of brown dwarf

Question:

On August 12, 2026 there will be a total solar eclipse in Iceland. I have family members who will not travel there in the winter due to the extreme cold. It’s a lifelong dream of mine to see the aurora. Can we view the northern lights during a summertime total eclipse?

-- Larry

Answer:

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis/Australis) are only visible at night (or, strictly speaking, when the Sun is not up and the skies are dark), so they cannot be observed at the same time as a solar eclipse. Also, with very few exceptions, the Northern Lights are only visible at north and south latitudes greater than 70 degrees.

-- Jeff Mangum

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