The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are perhaps the most captivating light display created from nature—a kaleidoscope of colors and energy that illuminates the polar regions. These polar displays of color, which range in color from green to violets with an occasional red, are like a graceful performance in the sky. Terrains, barely explainable where solar particles invade Earth’s atmosphere, comically explains the dazzling energy of light dancing inside boundary elements. The auroras are mostly found in the Arctic regions, which have bemused mankind and fueled fables through the ages. The Northern Lights are more than beautiful against the backdrop of the North—they are pictures of the splendor of our universe outside of the humdrum in which we typically exist.
What are the Northern Lights?
One of the most spectacular natural phenomena is the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, a name Galileo Galilei coined in 1619 by combining Boreas, the Greek god of the north wind, and Aurora, the Roman goddess of the morning. The Northern Lights have been admired for thousands of years. In Norse mythology, they are depicted as reflecting the armor of the Valkyries who guided fallen warriors to Valhalla. The Sami indigenous tribes of Scandinavia believed that the lights were ghosts. We still find the aurora intriguing, and we know the science behind what makes them so beautiful.
Science behind the Northern Lights
The light we see in the night sky is actually caused by activity on the sun’s surface. Solar storms eject huge clouds of charged particles onto the star’s surface. Millions of kilometers can be covered by these particles, and some of them may finally strike Earth. Most of these particles are deflected, but some are caught in the Earth’s magnetic field, accelerating to the north and south poles and entering the atmosphere. Aurora activity is focused on the magnetic poles for this reason. “These particles then hit atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere and essentially heat them up,” explains Tom Kers, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory.
So, what we see are atoms and molecules in the atmosphere colliding with particles from the sun. The aurora’s characteristic wave patterns and “curtains of light” are caused by lines of force in the Earth’s magnetic field.
What causes the movement and shape of auroras?
Input from the changes in the sun, the reaction change of the atmosphere on Earth on Earth and the planets and the movement of the particles at the nearest intervals causing different aurora movements and forms. From these movements and forms we can understand that they
were further in space along the Earth’s magnetic field line.
When and where can I see them?
According to the Geophysical Observatory in Tromsø, Norway, the best place to see the northern lights is any destination in the “aurora zone,” which is about 1,550 miles (2,500 kilometers) from the North Pole. Here the northern lights are most visible, although during particularly strong solar storms the phenomenon can spread further south. In the aurora zone, it is best to stay as far away from city lights as possible to maximize visibility. But even with a guide, getting to the Arctic wilderness is quite difficult, so it is best to be in places with good infrastructure, for example, Fairbanks, Tromsø, Norway Finland and almost anywhere in Iceland. The best time of the year to see the northern lights is from September to April, when the sky darkens and the northern lights are visible (Summers in the far north have midnight sun, or 24 hours of daylight) Peak activity usually occurs between 3 am, according to the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Magical places to See Northern Lights
Here are the top places where you can see Northern Lights:
- Abisko, Sweden
Ever witnessed the sky turning pink or purple? If not, travel to Sweden’s Abisko to see the best of Aurora. One of the best places to see the Northern Lights, and the most famous Sweden attracts you with your snow mountains, beautiful sky and many places you can visit on vacation. There are four primary places in Sweden where you can perceive the exciting creation of the mother’s nature. Kiruna, Aurora Sky Station of Abisko, Yukkasjärvi and Pores are where you can see Aurora at night.
When to Visit: Between November and March
- Finland
Another fantastic country where you may use your camera to catch the vibrant dancing streaks is Finland. Finland is unquestionably one of the greatest locations to observe the Northern Lights because it is situated in the center of the Aurora Zone. This nation will make your visit even more memorable with its opulent mansions and glass igloos. Finland’s cathedrals, national parks, and museums are open for exploration. Try taking a husky sleigh ride during the day to add excitement to your trip, and spend the evening lounging in a warm igloo while taking in the breathtaking display of dancing lights.
When to Visit: September, October, November to January, February to March
- Iceland
Whether you’re pitching a tent or sitting in an RV, Iceland is sure to offer the best views of the northern dawn. Get comfortable and relax in the hot springs where nature takes its course and you will be amazed by the enchanting view of the green and purple lights. Majestic volcanoes, stunning glaciers and picturesque waterfalls await you in Iceland, and the northern lights are sure to be the highlight of your trip. All adventure lovers can enjoy hiking along the scenic trails and relaxing on the beach!
When to Visit: September, October, November to February, March to Early April
- Siberia, Russia
Russia is the best country to see the Northern Lights because the northern parts of this country are less contaminated and are experiencing long dark nights. The Kola Peninsula in Russia will allow you to charm with the wonderful view of the glittering lights dancing in the dark sky.
If you want to enjoy the beautiful nature on a cold night, Siberia is the right place for your trip. Siberia will give you a full day of exciting activities such as ice diving, ice skating, kayaking, paintball and climbing.
When to Visit: September to Early April, peak months are December and February
- Alberta, Canada
Because of its unique topography, Canada has some of the world’s most spectacular Northern Lights. They light up the night sky, drawing tourists from all over the world, particularly to the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
When to Visit: Between September and April
- Norway
Spend your holiday in Norway watching the northern lights in a sky full of twinkling stars. Norway has a special location in the best place for Northern Lights. Patrol, witness to this magnetic phenomenon when you are sitting across the country. Picturesque surroundings, delicious food and countless tourist attractions, Norway has it all!
Don’t leave your trip just for the northern lights, but explore this country and its food scene. The best places in Norway to see the northern lights are Lofoten, Alta, Andoa, Bodo and Harstad. Star status in the sky, green lights are scattered and dancing everywhere, is it not worth it?
When to Visit: Late September and Early April
- Fairbanks, Alaska
In Fairbanks, Alaska, the aurora season lasts from August to April. There is plenty of time to arrange your trip because it covers all four seasons and nine months of the year. The ideal time to visit would be the end of August and the first half of September, as you can enjoy summer activities and attractions during the day and chase the northern lights at night. Fairbanks is located under the Aurora Oval, so it’s great to see the northern lights from the city itself. It is also a good base for trips beyond the Arctic Circle.
When to Visit: Late August to Early April
- Denmark
Denmark, located north of Scotland, also mimics the weather conditions of the British Isles. When the weather is good, Denmark also offers mesmerizing light shows. Best known for Lunde, there are 18 islands where you can expect to see the Northern Lights. Provided the weather conditions are right, the Faroe Islands are the perfect place to witness the Northern Lights on a tight budget. The ideal months to see the northern lights are from late August to mid-April. Book your flights and hotel in advance (preferably outside the main city to avoid light pollution and dark skies) to ensure a better chance of seeing one of the most beautiful phenomena nature has to offer.
When to Visit: Late September to Early April
Conclusion
All in all, the northern lights are dazzling in endless ways and are a spectacle worth seeing. They appear to us throughout the day, but can only be seen at night (Scholastic Encyclopedia). We have kept this a secret for generations; until about a century ago, these lights were seen as a gift and a privilege, illuminating even the darkest nights and representing a god or other supernatural being (earth, sea, and sky).
