Where to see the northern lights in the lower 48 💫

Plus, eco-friendly whale watching Advertisement [10best logo]( [Read in Browser]( Weekly Escape [Where to see the northern lights in the lower 48: Our 10 favorite spots]( [Where to see the northern lights in the lower 48: Our 10 favorite spots]( Although the northern lights, or aurora borealis, are common in Alaska and British Columbia, they’re barely visible in the lower 48 states. However, this year, increased solar activity has caused a series of geomagnetic storms, which allows the aurora borealis to be visible in areas south of the Alaskan border. The storms happen when the sun releases clouds of charged matter known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs, in turn, affect the Earth’s magnetic flux, resulting in an effect known as the northern lights. While not typical, the northern lights have been seen as far south as San Diego County in California. Geomagnetic activity, the interaction between the sun and the Earth's magnetosphere, follows an 11-year cycle. We’re at the peak of that rotation, so you can expect more sightings of the northern lights through 2025 and possibly into 2026. Here are 10 of the best spots to see the aurora borealis in the lower 48. [Read More]( [5 ethically responsible whale watching tours for an epic eco-friendly getaway]( [5 ethically responsible whale watching tours for an eco-friendly getaway]( Ecotourism is undeniably one of the most popular forms of travel right now. Of all the various ecotourism trends, whale watching is a favorite for many sustainable trip seekers. It's believed that the first whale-watching tours took place in California in the 1950s, sparking a new branch of conservation. Today, millions go on these trips annually, generating more than $2 billion each year. But is whale watching ethical? As a veteran whale-watching tour guide, I get this question a lot. From selecting an eco-friendly tour company to practicing whale-watching etiquette (yes, you play a role, too), many factors can influence the answer. Here's what to consider if you're interested in going on a whale-watching tour and witnessing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. [Read More]( Advertisement [10best logo]( Trusted Travel + Lifestyle Advice [visit us on facebook]( [visit us on twitter]( [visit us on instagram]( [Terms of Service](  •  [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( [Privacy Notice](  •  [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy](  •  [Feedback]( Need to unsubscribe? [Click Here](