Auroras over Indian skies tonight: Can you view this rare cosmic event in your city?

A strong solar storm is expected to reach Earth tonight, creating a chance for auroras, also known as the Northern Lights, to appear in some parts of India. The storm was triggered by a massive solar eruption on June 6, when the Sun released a huge cloud of charged particles into space.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), a G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm is expected, with brief periods that could reach G4 (Severe) levels. The strongest activity is likely between 11:30 PM IST and 2:30 AM IST on June 9.

What is an Aurora?

Auroras are colorful lights that appear when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These lights usually appear near the North and South Poles and can glow in shades of green, red, pink, and purple.

Because India is far from the polar regions, auroras are extremely rare here.

Why could Auroras be visible in India tonight?

During strong geomagnetic storms, the auroral zone can expand far from the poles. If tonight’s storm becomes strong enough, auroras could move southward and become visible in some high-altitude areas of India.

Although this storm is not expected to be as powerful as the historic May 2024 event, experts say it is strong enough to create a possibility of aurora sightings in northern India.

Which places in India have the best chance to see Auroras?

Hanle, Ladakh

Hanle in Ladakh offers the best chance of seeing auroras tonight. Located at around 4,500 metres above sea level, it is one of the darkest places in India and home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory.

Other Possible Locations

A weaker aurora may also be visible in:

• Nubra Valley, Ladakh
• Pangong Tso
• Parts of Kashmir
• Higher regions of Uttarakhand

People in these areas may see a faint red or pink glow near the northern horizon if conditions remain favorable.

Can people in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, or Chennai see it?

The chances are extremely low.

Although Delhi is expected to have clear skies, heavy light pollution makes aurora viewing nearly impossible. Cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai are also dealing with monsoon clouds and rain, which will block any potential aurora activity.

Best places around the world to watch the Northern Lights

People in several countries have much better chances of seeing auroras tonight.

North America

• Canada
• Alaska
• Minneapolis
• Seattle
• Bangor

Europe

• Scotland
• Norway
• Sweden
• Finland
• Iceland
• Northern Germany
• Parts of Poland

Southern Hemisphere

• Tasmania (Australia)
• South Island (New Zealand)
• Southern Chile
• Southern Argentina

Weather conditions for Aurora viewing in India

Ladakh

Clear skies and temperatures between 5°C and 10°C make Ladakh the best location for viewing.

Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh

Mostly clear conditions are expected, though some high clouds may appear.

Delhi

Clear skies are forecast, but light pollution remains a major problem.

Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai

Cloudy weather and rain will make aurora viewing impossible.

How to watch the Aurora tonight

If you are in Ladakh or another high-altitude northern location:

• Look toward the northern horizon after midnight.
• Find the darkest possible location.
• Allow your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to the darkness.
• Use a phone’s Night Mode or a long-exposure camera.
• Monitor live space weather updates throughout the night.

Will the Aurora actually appear?

The outcome depends on the magnetic field inside the solar storm. If conditions align correctly when the storm reaches Earth, auroras could become visible farther south than usual.

For skywatchers in Ladakh, tonight could offer a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular light shows without leaving India.