Think back to the first time you heard about the Northern Lights aka aurora borealis. Maybe it was a childhood book, a nature documentary, or a photo so unreal you wondered if it had been edited.
For today’s poll, we want to know: Have you ever actually seen the Northern Lights in person? Once? More than once? Where? Tell us!
For some of you, the answer is an easy yes—and you probably remember exactly where you were standing. Maybe you were camping in Alaska, parked on a lonely road in Canada, or lucky enough to catch a rare display farther south. People who’ve seen them often describe the same thing: a quiet moment when the sky suddenly feels alive.
If you haven’t seen them yet, you’re definitely not alone. Plenty of travelers have chased those shimmering colors only to find cloudy skies, bad timing, or a light show that fizzled before it began. The aurora has a way of teaching patience, doesn’t it?
Still, the idea of seeing the Northern Lights once in your life is a bucket-list dream for many RVers. There’s something magical about the thought of looking up from your campsite and watching the sky ripple with greens, pinks, and purples. Even one glimpse feels like winning nature’s lottery.
So, how about you? Have you ever seen the Northern Lights, or is it still one of those “maybe next trip” hopes? Go ahead and vote—and if you have a story or a photo-worthy moment, we’d love to hear it.
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- Would you ever pick up a hitchhiker?
- Will you go south for the winter in your RV for at least two months?
- Do you own a boat?
- Do you have any international travels planned within the next year?
- How long would you stay in a place with no internet?
RVDT2779
Sadly NO I haven’t, in recent years there seems to have been more occurrences than typical and one night after several local news outlets all echoed the same message that the lights would be visible in my area my wife and I loaded up and drove nearly an hour away to a spot with nearly zero light pollution. Sat and stood for a long time watching the sky’s and never seen a thing. On the ride home I can honestly say I was feeling so angry at the reporters/weathermen, now I really don’t care if I ever see them. 😒😦😞
Hi Scott: Sometimes they can be elusive in most areas of the US – however this past week there were reports all the way into Florida! In the northern states they are sort of common and interesting to watch the patterns change. Usually, they occur into the morning hours, i.e., 1 to 4 a.m.. Unfortunately, any cloud cover can be a problem.
We had them several nights just last week.
We were supposed to be able to see them here in Western PA last week. The sky didn’t cooperate. It was overcast all night.
We lived in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada for a year. In the winter, the Northern lights were incredible. Some nights I could swear I could hear them!
N.Ind in the 1940s was my first. Then three years in Anchorage 72-75, walking to work 1/2 mile I had plenty of sightings! 2 weeks ago in N.Tn. And I agree with you Gordon, during some of the more energetic displays I too seemed to hear them. One of the other guys I worked with said the same thing, the other one did not. Wonder if all the cosmic radiation was in some way inducing electrical currents in the brain? A lot of the native population swore they could hear them at time also.
North west Wyoming has incredible Northern Lights. Saw many times.
Norway and Alaska! Numerous times.
Our domicile is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Lake Superior. Our Canadian friends share the dancing lights several times a year. The issue is WHEN the aurora appears at your location is unpredictable. Not being night owls, we miss far more displays than we see.
Growing up in the Minnesota countryside (no light pollution) I have seen them many times. But one occasion really sticks in my memory.
While going to college I worked a midnight shift at a factory. One crisp, clear, and very cold January night I came out of the house to a spectacular show of Northern Lights like I had never seen before or since. They were as bright as lightning bolts arcing from horizon to horizon. I stood there in awe at nature’s beauty for so long I was almost late to work!
I asked my co-workers if they saw the lights. Sadly, being city dwellers, none had.
Hi Mikal: I too had a similar experience in NE ND many years ago also. There were many streaks of color and they seemed to all come together straight overhead – it was spectacular! I hadn’t seen anything like that – even after living 3 years in Anchorage! I tried to get my wife to come out but she wasn’t interested. I felt I had to tell somebody – they were so fantastic. I did see a similar event one other time in the summer or fall many yrs ago also – haven’t seen anything like that since!
I’ve seen what I would call the “real” northern lights (actual moving curtains of light) once in my life when I was in the Air Force and stationed in Alaska. I’ve also seen the “glow in the sky” northern lights in Colorado three other times, two in the last two years. But that’s not really the same. So I chose “Yes, once”.
My first duty station with the Navy was at NAS Keflavik, Iceland. After a year and six days there, you bet I saw them plenty of times. Not one of my favorite places in the world.
In May 2024, north of Seattle, there was a spectacular Northern Lights show (for more than one night). I got lots of very colorful pictures from my yard, even with street lights, etc., all around. When I was growing up (’40s and ’50s[!]), we would see them quite frequently from our yard, before the area (now Shoreline, north of Seattle) had many buildings and/or lights. They’re amazing! –Diane at RVtravel.com
We slept through a display of Northern Lights when in Michigan in October ‘24. So disappointed when campers around us were excitedly sharing what they had seen the night before! We hope to see them next year on a trip to Alaska, though.
Last summer (2024) several times in Skagway AK. In north Seattle we saw them a couple of times during summer a long time ago (1959 ish) A tip for others is to use your digital camera or phone. Point it toward the north and take several pictures. Your camera picks up some of the infrared light spectrum. So you might not see the Aurora with your eyes but your camera will.
Thanks, MrDisaster. Or just point the camera to the sky like for taking a picture and look at the screen, rather than with the naked eye. It intensifies the colors remarkably. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
For the first time ever here in southeast Tennessee. We saw them once last year, and then again just a few days ago. We couldn’t see the curtain effect, just a brilliant glow.
No, but we have stayed in a Holiday Inn.
Well, there ya go, Rich. No need to see the Northern Lights when you’ve stayed in a Holiday Inn, right?👍 What?🤔🤣 Have a good night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com