If you want to see the Northern Lights using just your phone, here are practical steps and location tips to maximize your chances. Where to go

• Go somewhere dark away from city lights. Northern latitudes increase the odds, but auroras can sometimes be visible further south during strong solar activity.
• Find a wide, unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Clear skies are essential; check local cloud cover forecasts and aurora forecasts if available.

Time and conditions

• The best time is during the long, dark nights of autumn and winter, typically after midnight and before dawn, when skies are darkest.
• Look for nights with clear skies, high aurora activity forecasts, and a geomagnetic KP index that indicates potential activity (higher values mean stronger auroras).

Viewing tips

• Give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adjust to the dark; avoid looking at bright screens during this time.
• Dress warmly and bring a comfortable chair or blanket, since you may be outside for extended periods.
• If you’re in a portable setting, consider using a queue of stargazing apps or aurora trackers to time your viewing window.

Phone setup for observing auroras

• Use Night Mode or a low-light camera setting if your phone supports it; this helps you see fainter colors in real-time without blasting the screen with brightness.
• Use a tripod or stabilize your phone on a flat surface to reduce shake during longer exposure attempts.
• For real-time viewing, avoid zooming in aggressively; a wide-angle view often captures more of the aurora and surrounding scenery.

If you want to capture photos later

• For long-exposure shots, begin with moderate exposure times (a few seconds) and adjust based on how bright the aurora appears.
• Use manual focus or focus on a distant bright star or light to keep stars and aurora crisp.
• Turn off the phone’s flash and avoid rapid tapping; use the timer or a Bluetooth remote to minimize shake.

What to watch for

• The aurora can appear as faint green glows, then arc shapes, bands, and curtains across the sky, sometimes with pink or purple hues at higher latitudes or during intense activity.
• Movement and intensity change rapidly; stay patient and keep an eye on the horizon for the best moments.

If you’d like, tell me your approximate location and the dates you’re planning to go out, and I can tailor a more precise viewing plan and check current aurora forecasts for you.