11 years ago I saw them when I was in college in Maine. The northern part of the sky was red and green and blue and undulating. Very cool. Earlier this winter, I saw them again on a night flight (obviously) from Hartford to Chicago. The pilot told us that those of us on the right side of the plane might be able to see them. After holding my head to the window for a minute or two, shielding the cabin light out and letting my eyes adjust to the dark, I could see the Northern Lights faintly. I believe that the Northern Lights wax and wain in intensity in 11 year cycles -- something to do with the sun. So this year (or maybe last year or next year) likely is the high point of this cycle. See them now or wait a decade.