I consider myself a hobby sky watcher. I'm not anywhere near knowledgeable enough to be considered even an amateur, but I've seen some cool things in my time watching the skies around Cleveland. I've seen fireballs, the Starlink satellites, and, one time, aurora borealis. Otherwise known as the northern lights, this naturally occurring display of colored light is arguably one of the most sought-after stargazing experiences, and on rare occasion, they're visible in Northeast Ohio. As luck would have it, your chances of seeing the northern lights in Cleveland in 2024 are anything but low. In fact, 2023 wrapped up with one last opportunity to see the lights in Cleveland, and while we thought it was a one-off experience, it may have kicked off a year of stargazing splendor.

So... what are the northern lights?

The northern lights, known as aurora borealis, are the colorful result of solar wind in the magnetosphere. They're usually visible in high-latitude regions like Alaska, Norway, and Siberia. Essentially, as the particles in the magnetosphere are disturbed, light may form and dance across the sky.

On rare occasion, a geomagnetic storm may push the aurora borealis to lower latitudes.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration took a look at Solar Cycle 25, which peaks between January and October 2024, and found the possibility for strong space weather storms. 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!

As solar activity is expected to peak at a higher level than previously suspected in 2024, the odds are in our favor.

This comes with one caveat, however... the northern lights are difficult to predict. When the lights are likely to be visible near Cleveland, we locals probably won't hear about it until a few days in advance.

You're probably wondering, Will I be able to see the lights if I'm in Downtown Cleveland? The answer is probably not, but the area surrounding The Land is fair game.

Light pollution, as you know, can prevent clear views of the sky. This means that your proximity to Cleveland may impact your ability to see the natural light show.

However, you don't have to venture far to see the northern lights!

When I saw the northern lights a few years ago, I happened to be in Brunswick, Ohio in December of 2020. I was driving home when I noticed that a few stars were green, and the sky around them was, too! Once I returned home, I saw articles touting the visibility of the northern lights that evening. It was rather subtle, like this photo taken in Northeast Ohio in 2015, but it was a beautiful and humbling experience.

As our area is often on the very edge of aurora visibility, our displays are usually subtle... but they're still beautiful!

Unfortunately, those massive green and blue light streaks spotted in arctic regions are unlikely to occur with such intensity down here. However, as this photo taken in one Ohio yard proves, our views are still humbling and beautiful.

If you're looking for the clearest night skies near Cleveland, a local light pollution map is going to be your greatest tool.

As this map shows, Brunswick (where I last saw the northern lights) is a light pollution hot spot, but the area just beyond Brunswick starts to creep toward 20.6 on the Bortle scale, which is classified as a transition sky that's leaning toward brighter rural territory. The closer you can get to rural and dark skies, the better your odds of seeing the lights are. Remember... you don't have to go that far from Cleveland!

While you're striving to see the northern lights in Cleveland in 2024, also check out the NASA Night Sky Planner for an idea of which additional astronomy events should be on your radar.

Check out the phase of the moon, which constellations are visible, and sunrise time. While Solar Cycle 25 is still peaking, you might even have a chance to catch a meteor shower in Cleveland, like the Lyrids or Perseids.

The night skies over Cleveland in 2024 are going to be stunning.

Keep an eye on the news for expected views of the northern lights. We might not know until a few days before they're visible, but their beauty is worth experiencing in person.

If you're hoping to see the northern lights in Cleveland in 2024, you might be in luck. This coveted display of celestial splendor is likely to be visible as far south as Ohio... it'll just take cloud-free skies and a clear view.

Hoping to go stargazing near Cleveland this year? Let me point you in the direction of my favorite spots! At Letha House Park, the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association often opens their observatory to the public, and the expert astronomers are so friendly and knowledgeable. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also has trails open at night, and some spots (like the Pine Hollow parking area) are coveted for their views of the northern lights.