If you can see Mt. Baker, you are part of The Experience
Washington state isn’t the first place that comes to mind for aurora borealis viewing, but dedicated chasers have been enjoying a spectacular couple of years.
The aurora becomes more visible during years of high solar activity, and the sun follows an 11-year cycle of sunspot activity. We are currently near the peak and entering the declining phase of the current cycle, which has made for some great aurora viewing – occasionally as far south as Arizona. The rise of digital photography has drawn more people into the hobby, as these colorful displays can often be captured on cell phones. Digital sensors pick up colors the human eye can’t see, so experienced chasers know that what looks like pale gray movement in the sky may turn into brilliant green or purple when viewed through a camera.
Of course, the experience is nothing like viewing the aurora in the far northern parts of the world, where dark skies and the intensity of the phenomenon allow people to see vivid color without a camera. But if traveling isn’t an option, this is a good year to follow the sun’s activity right where you are. In northwest Washington, clear northern horizons over water – like the Skagit flats or coastal areas – can improve your chances.
I started looking for aurora activity about five years ago and have learned a great deal about recognizing favorable conditions. A helpful Facebook group called Aurora Borealis Washington State has been a great resource, but if you’re not on social media, there are plenty of ways to chase on your own. Several phone apps provide real-time alerts. When the sun releases a coronal mass ejection, NASA tracks its trajectory and whether it’s likely to impact Earth. Many aurora chasers also watch the “Kp index,” which measures geomagnetic activity – higher numbers increase your chances of seeing aurora farther south.
While general forecasts can be made days in advance, the exact timing and intensity often aren’t clear until about 30 to 60 minutes before activity reaches Earth. Even then, predictions can be off, but once you understand the key indicators, you can be ready when it matters. A reliable source for updates is NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, SpaceWeather.com. Vincent Ledvina, a space physics Ph.D. student in Fairbanks, Alaska, is another excellent resource; his site is called theauroraguy.com.
In Washington, the aurora visible to the naked eye often looks like pale clouds drifting through the night sky. Occasionally you may notice faint color, but more often it appears white or gray. The first time you see it and then lift your camera or phone and suddenly see color, it’s a surprise – but it also teaches you what to look for. The more you watch, the better you get at spotting it.
If you’re planning to look for aurora, preparation matters. Scout a location with minimal light pollution and a clear view to the north. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged. If you’re using a digital camera, bring a tripod. For phones, use night mode to allow for longer exposures. Many people use small tripods for stability.
With a camera, use a wide-angle lens and an aperture of f/2.8 to f/4. Turn off autofocus, as it won’t work well in the dark. Instead, set your focus in advance by zooming in on a star using your camera’s magnifier and making sure it’s sharp, then leave it alone.
ISO will vary depending on conditions, but a good starting range is 1600–3200. For those striking vertical columns, a shutter speed of two to 15 seconds usually works well. Longer exposures blend the colors together, while shorter ones help preserve definition, especially for ribbon-like movement. Including a foreground element – a mountain, water, a building, or a bridge – adds interest and context. A colorful sky is beautiful, but seeing it above something familiar makes the image more compelling.
Aurora chasing takes patience. I’ve spent entire nights out for just a few shots, and other times I’ve stepped outside for thirty minutes and captured something incredible. Sometimes the aurora lasts for hours; other times it’s a brief burst just after sunset. If you’re not ready, you can miss it.
But with the right attitude, that’s part of the experience. I usually go with a friend or two, and whether we get lucky or not, we have a good time. If you’re looking for a unique hobby, this is a great year to give it a try.
Nancy K. Crowell is a photographer and writer based in La Conner, Washington. X
