The Ultimate Guide to the Northern Lights

Introduction

Every now and then, the sky at night gets painted with amazing colors in a dazzling show called the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. It's one of the most incredible things nature does on Earth, and experiencing it firsthand is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers.

Simply put, the Northern Lights happen because tiny particles from the Sun crash into the air around Earth. The colors and patterns vary depending on the type of gases involved and the location of the collisions. Common colors include green, pink, purple, and red, creating a mesmerizing dance of light.

This article explores the origins, mechanisms, and cultural significance of this natural wonder. Why do they occur? What is the history behind this amazing spectacle? Join us as we unravel the secrets of the Aurora Borealis.

What Causes Aurora Borealis

The Science Behind the Spectacle

What we all know as the Northern Lights, also called Aurora or Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display in Earth's sky. It is often seen in places closer to the poles or the so-called high-latitude places (between 60 and 90 degrees latitude in the northern and southern hemispheres). The lights appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or light flickers covering the entire sky and usually range from green to blue and pink. Rarely, they can be red, yellow, or even purple.

The Northern Lights happen because particles from the Sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere. The Earth's magnetic field draws these solar particles toward the poles, and when they collide with gases in our atmosphere, they emit light. This light is what we see from the Earth and call the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights are not just a visual spectacle; they also provide valuable insights into space weather and the complex interactions between the Sun and the Earth. However, scientists still do not fully understand the details of these phenomena.

The History of the Northern Lights

Documentations and Theories

The earliest Aurora record is from ancient China around 977 or 957 BC, and cave paintings in northern Spain from 30,000 BC depict it. Pytheas, a Greek explorer, mentioned it in the 4th century BC. Even Galileo coined "Aurora" in 1619.

In Scandinavia, a Norwegian chronicle from AD 1230 references the Northern Lights. Indigenous polar peoples saw the Aurora as spirits or gods. It was seen as a divine sign in medieval Europe—the modern explanation developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led by physicist Kristian Birkeland.

Birkeland's research in the late 19th century contributed significantly to understanding the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and the Earth's magnetic field, which is crucial to the formation of the Aurora borealis.

Today, the modern theory of the Aurora borealis incorporates knowledge from multiple fields of study, including solar physics, magnetospheric physics, and atmospheric science, to comprehensively explain this captivating natural phenomenon.

Northern Lights: aurora borealis from space International Space Station NASA images time-lapse, Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndQEq48IZA4.

How to See the Northern Lights

The Best Time to See the Northern Lights

Determining the best time to see the Northern Lights largely depends on your location. However, as a rule of thumb, winter months (from September to March) provide the best viewing conditions due to longer, darker nights.

A geomagnetic storm can expand the auroras (north and south), bringing them to lower latitudes.

Map of the midnight equatorward boundary of the aurora phenomena at different levels of geomagnetic activity. A Kp=3 represents very low geomagnetic activity, while a Kp=9 represents a very high level.

A reliable Northern Lights forecast is a key tool in planning your Aurora-viewing trip. Websites and apps provide real-time data on solar activity, helping you choose the perfect night for your experience.

Northern Lights Tours and Vacations

Several travel companies offer Northern Lights tours, including transportation to accommodation and meals. These packages can also include other activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

Northern Lights Cruise - A Northern Lights cruise is an excellent way to combine the relaxation of a cruise holiday with the adventure of Aurora hunting. These cruises often travel through Norway's fjords, offering spectacular views. 

Northern Lights Camping - For the adventurous at heart and those who like a more DIY approach, camping under the Northern Lights can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember that patience is crucial. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and there's no guarantee when they will appear. Check the forecast, pack warm clothing, and bring a good-quality sleeping bag.

Accommodations with Northern Lights Views - Consider staying in accommodations like glass igloos or hotels with clear ceilings to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. These options are particularly popular in Finland and Norway.

Top Places to See the Northern Lights

As we discovered, Aurora borealis are best seen in high-latitude places, which are regions close to the Earth's poles. High latitude refers to areas situated at latitudes between 60° and 90° north or south of the equator.

These regions include countries in the Northern Hemisphere, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska.

So, catching a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis involves heading towards the Earth's poles. Here are some of the best places to see the spectacle:

Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights. Popular viewing spots include Thingvellir National Park and the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The remote and dark locations make for perfect viewing conditions.

Northern Lights in Norway

People often call Norway's Tromsø the "Northern Lights capital of the world." It offers fantastic opportunities to see the Northern Lights, especially during the polar nights when the Sun doesn't rise at all.

Northern Lights in Canada

Canada's Yukon territory, in particular, is a fantastic place to view the Aurora Borealis. The city of Whitehorse and the surrounding wilderness offer dark skies that are perfect for viewing.

Northern Lights in Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska, is an excellent location to watch the Aurora due to its position under the area with the most Northern Lights activity called "Aurora Oval."

Northern Lights above Bear Lake, Alaska.

Northern Lights in Finland and Sweden

In Finland, try visiting Finnish Lapland, particularly the town of Rovaniemi. In Sweden, the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi provides a unique Northern Lights experience.

Taking a Good Photo of the Northern Lights

Capturing the Northern Lights on camera is a dream for many photographers. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots:

1. Use a phone with manual settings or a dedicated night mode.
2. Keep your phone steady by using a tripod or resting it on a stable surface.
3. Use a wide-angle lens attachment to capture more of the sky.
4. Set your phone to a longer exposure or use a night photography app to capture more light.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't feel discouraged if your first few shots don't turn out as you'd hoped.

Conclusion

We've looked at where the Northern Lights come from, how they work, and why they're important in history. We've learned about the intricate dance of solar particles, magnetic fields, and gases that give rise to these celestial displays. So, to conclude our journey, here's what we learned:

1. The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis, are natural light displays caused by charged particles from the Sun crashing into Earth's atmosphere. These collisions release light, producing colorful displays ranging from green to blue, pink, and even purple.
2. The earliest documented instances of an Aurora appear in the ancient records of the Chinese and Greeks. Over the years, people have linked them to different beliefs and stories, ranging from divine messages to signs of the future.
3. The modern understanding of the Northern Lights stems from scientific research conducted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Physicists like Kristian Birkeland made significant contributions to explaining this phenomenon.
4. To witness the Northern Lights, travelers should visit high-latitude regions during winter for optimal viewing conditions. Tour options, including cruises, camping trips, and accommodations with Northern Lights views, offer firsthand opportunities to experience this natural wonder.
5. Using your phone's manual settings, a tripod, a wide-angle lens, and long exposure techniques can help you capture stunning Northern Lights photos.

References

1. Siscoe, G. L. (1986). "A historical footnote on the origin of 'aurora borealis'." History of Geophysics. Vol. 2.
2. Northern Lights Centre
3. NASA's Space Place - "What causes the auroras?"
4. Visit Norway - "Northern Lights"
5. Travel + Leisure - "The Best Places to See the Northern Lights"
6. Digital Photography School - "How to Photograph the Northern Lights"
7. Wikipedia - "Aurora"