First, we need to find out when there's a good chance to see the aurora. Aurora activity is rated on the KP scale. We need at least a 5 or 6 to be able to photograph the aurora and a 7, 8 or 9 to physically see the aurora with our eyes.

Keep an eye on spaceweather.com for the geomagnetic storms that cause aurora to appear in our upper atmosphere. You'll also want to watch the 3-day forecast at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/3-day-forecast

You can sign up for free email alerts from NOAA when there is likely to have an aurora impact Earth. This way you don't have to sit out for hours waiting for something that may or may not happen. Create a free account at https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/content/subscription-services and choose the following settings  under "geomagnetic storm products":

• WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 5 (G1)
• ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 6 (G2)
• WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 6 (G2)
• ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 7 (G3)
• WARNING: Geomagnetic K-index of 7 or greater (G3 or Greater)
• ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 8 (G4)
• ALERT: Geomagnetic K-index of 9 (G5)
• WARNING: Geomagnetic Sudden Impulse expected
• WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G2 Predicted
• WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G3 Predicted
• WATCH: Geomagnetic Storm Category G4 or Greater Predicted

They will send you email alerts so you have at least some advance warning.

You need to be away from light pollution to see and photograph the aurora well.

Check this Dark Skies Map to find a good location »

Areas in black, blue, green, and yellow work best. The areas in the transition of yellow to orange can work but will wash out the aurora. This means most of the areas within 10 miles of Allentown,  Bethlehem, and Easton will not work well.  But you can find spots not too far away that are dark enough to let you get some good pictures!