Aurora can only normally be seen at high latitudes. This is because of the way in which the magnetically charged particles from the Sun interact with the Earths magnetic field. At certain times in the Solar cycle, about every eleven years, it goes through a change. Huge flares can be seen coming off the sun by using an Hydrogen Alpha filter. You will also see Sun spots. Its during these times that Aurora can be seen more often. There are many sites that give Aurora forecasts, to give early warnings.
Try these sites for more info:
- http://sec.noaa.gov/ This site gives an image of current activity for the Northern or Southern hemisphere.
- http://www.pfrr.alaska.edu/~pfrr/AURORA/ Gives lots of info on how Aurora is caused and what to look for.
- http://www.spaceweather.com/ All the latest Aurora/space news.
- http://aurora.n1bug.net/ The Aurora Sentry. A nice round up of all the important figures.
Click on these links to see my images I have taken: