There’s nothing quite as humbling and life-affirming as staring up into the sky. Gazing up at the big, beautiful universe, with its twinkling stars and far-away galaxies, is an immensely grounding and inspiring experience. Add in a few colorful fireworks courtesy of Mother Nature, and you have the aurora borealis, a bucket-list experience for stargazers, nature lovers, and, well, pretty much anyone. Hi, I’m Anyone, and seeing the aurora borealis is certainly on my to-do list. But, here’s the catch: I live in Ohio. Can you see the northern lights in Ohio? Indeed you can! As luck would have it, your chances of seeing the northern lights in Ohio in 2024 are anything but low — in fact, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of stargazing splendor.

Stargazing in Ohio? Yes.
Cavan Images/iStock /viaGetty Images Plus
The Buckeye State certainly has some (ahem) *stellar* Dark Sky Parks (I LOVE the John Glenn Astronomy Park in Hocking Hills); however, catching the aurora borealis above the skies of Ohio isn't a common occurrence.
Sarah McCosham/OnlyInYourState
The northern lights, known as aurora borealis, are the colorful result of solar wind in the magnetosphere. They're usually visible in Arctic regions like Alaska, Norway, and Siberia.
murat4art/iStock via Getty Images Plus
But on rare occasions, a geomagnetic storm may push the aurora borealis to lower latitudes -- and 2024 is shaping up to be one such occasion!
popofatticus/Flickr

Related Stories

The Iconic Hiking Trail In Ohio Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

The Iconic Hiking Trail In Ohio Is One Of The Coolest Outdoor Adventures You’ll Ever Take

 16 Incredible Natural Wonders In Ohio That Defy Explanation

16 Incredible Natural Wonders In Ohio That Defy Explanation

 Old Man's Cave Is An Easy Hike In Ohio That Takes You To An Unforgettable View

Old Man's Cave Is An Easy Hike In Ohio That Takes You To An Unforgettable View
According to forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA), solar activity is expected to increase more quickly and peak at a higher level this year than previously predicted. Forecasters believe Solar Cycle 25, the current solar cycle, will peak between January and October, reaching a maximum activity level in July.
Jasim Sarker/500px Collection via Getty Images
As we approach the peak of the solar cycle, researchers expect to see more sunspots, regions of intense magnetic activity that are capable of producing solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Agita Zeltkovska/500px Collection via Getty Images
Think of solar flares and coronal mass ejections as "lightning" rods. When these blasts collide with Earth’s magnetosphere, it causes the breathtaking aurora borealis.
In layman's terms, this could lead to more frequent displays of aurora borealis, including an expanded viewing region that stretches into lower latitudes... like the northern stretches of Ohio!
See1,Do1,Teach1/Flickr
As solar activity is expected to peak at a higher level than previously expected, the odds of seeing the northern lights in Ohio in 2024 are in our favor.
Aleksandra Konoplia/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Your best bet? Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready to head to your favorite stargazing spot. The darker, the better! Don't let light pollution interfere with Mother Nature's most marvelous show.

A solar eclipse AND northern lights show in Ohio in 2024? Wowza!

While Mother Nature can be anything but predictable, chances seem pretty good that Ohioans will be able to see this spectacular light show this year. So grab a comfy stargazing chair and enjoy the show!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Ohio