How to See the Northern Lights in India Tonight: Timings, Best Viewing Spots & Camera Settings

A rare space-weather event could give skywatchers in India a chance to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) tonight. A strong geomagnetic storm triggered by a solar eruption is expected to affect Earth on June 8–9, potentially pushing auroral activity much farther south than usual. While sightings are never guaranteed, experts say parts of northern India may have a rare opportunity to see the phenomenon. 

What Time Should You Look?

The best viewing window is expected to be:

• Between 10 PM and 3 AM local time
  
• After the sky becomes fully dark
  
• During periods of peak geomagnetic activity
  

Auroras are usually most visible around local midnight when skies are darkest. 

Best Places in India for Viewing

Your chances improve dramatically if you are in a high-altitude area with dark skies.

Potential viewing locations include:

• Ladakh
  
• Hanle
  
• Leh
  
• High Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh
  
• High-altitude areas of Uttarakhand
  

Observers should find locations away from city lights and look toward the northern horizon. 

Best Camera Settings

For smartphones:

• Enable Night Mode
  
• Use a tripod or stable surface
  
• Turn off flash
  
• Capture multiple shots
  

For DSLR or mirrorless cameras:

• ISO 1600–3200
  
• Exposure 5–15 seconds
  
• Wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower if possible)
  
• Manual focus set to infinity
  
• Use a tripod
  

Long exposures often capture auroras more clearly than the naked eye can see. 

What Are Your Chances?

Auroras are extremely rare in India and visibility depends on:

• Storm strength
  
• Cloud cover
  
• Light pollution
  
• Viewing location
  

Even if the display is weak, cameras may detect colours that are difficult to see visually. A strong solar storm has already prompted forecasts suggesting auroras could extend unusually far south, including parts of India. 

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Final Words

Tonight could offer one of the rarest skywatching opportunities India has seen in years. If skies remain clear and geomagnetic activity is strong enough, observers in northern Himalayan regions may get a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Find a dark location, look north after 10 PM, and keep your camera ready—you may witness a phenomenon usually reserved for countries much closer to the Arctic Circle.

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