The Northern Lights are one of the northern latitude’s top attractions, and for good reason. The Aurora Borealis has fascinated people for thousands of years, from the Inuit of Nunivak Island in the Bering Sea to the residents of the Nordic countries. The shimmering dance of the Northern Lights, breathtaking displays of colorful lights across the night sky occur in the polar regions due to interactions between charged particles from the sun and Earth's atmosphere, are a much sought-after experience. The photography above: NASA photograph of the Aurora Borealis from outer space.
Naturally, some destinations, and some times of the year, make for better viewing than others. Here are some tips to increase your chances of being treated to a spectacular show of this magnificent natural phenomenon.
The Northern Lights are a natural light display that predominantly occurs in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic circles. In the north they are referred to as the Aurora Borealis and in the southern latitudes as the Aurora Australis. They are caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in the release of photons in the form of colorful light. Oxygen atoms typically produce green and red hues, while nitrogen atoms contribute to purple, pink, and blue tones.
Clear, dark nights away from light pollution are essential for optimal Northern Lights viewing. While they can technically be observed year-round, peak viewing is during the winter months when the nights are longest in the Northern Hemisphere. Additionally, solar activity plays a crucial role. The lights are more frequent and intense during periods of high solar activity, known as the solar maximum, which occurs roughly every 11 years.
The Northern Lights are often visible to the naked eye, especially during strong displays. However, capturing their full beauty in a photograph can require specialized equipment and techniques. Long-exposure photography can reveal colors and details that may not be immediately apparent to the naked eye, making it a popular method for capturing the Aurora Borealis in all its splendor.
From strategic vantage points in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA, and Andøya or Svalbard in Norway, NASA uses state-of-the-art technology to gain unprecedented insights into the physical properties of the Northern Lights. A fleet of satellites provides a global perspective, furnishing new knowledge about the Northern Lights and the intricate interactions between the solar wind, the Earth's magnetosphere, and the atmosphere.
Here are some of the best places on Earth to take in the Northern Lights. There is always the element of chance. Clouds, the moon, or a lack of solar activity can diminish viewing opportunities. But as anyone who has experienced a strong display will attest, often after many successive tries, it is worth the effort.
Fairbanks, Alaska: Located under the "Auroral Oval," Fairbanks offers excellent opportunities for viewing the Northern Lights. The winter months, from September to April, provide the best chances, with clear, dark skies enhancing the experience.
Norway: Norway's northern regions, including Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, are prime locations for Northern Lights enthusiasts. The period from late September to late March offers optimal viewing conditions, with numerous tour operators offering guided excursions.
Iceland: With its stunning landscapes and minimal light pollution, Iceland is another top destination for witnessing the Aurora Borealis. The winter months, particularly from September to April, provide ample opportunities, with remote areas such as Thingvellir National Park offering excellent viewing spots.
Finland: Lapland, in northern Finland, is renowned for its clear skies and Northern Lights displays. Visitors can enjoy activities such as husky sledding or reindeer safaris while keeping an eye out for the elusive lights, especially from September to March.
Greenland: Remote and sparsely populated, Greenland offers pristine conditions for Northern Lights viewing. Towns such as Nuuk and Ilulissat provide excellent vantage points, particularly during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.
Yukon, Canada: The Yukon Territory boasts vast wilderness and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal destination for Aurora viewing. From late August to mid-April, visitors can marvel at the dancing lights against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
Scotland: While not as well-known as some other destinations, Scotland's northern regions, such as the Isle of Skye and the Orkney Islands, occasionally offer sightings of the Northern Lights. The best chances occur during periods of high solar activity, typically from October to March.
Sweden: From Abisko National Park to the Swedish Lapland, Sweden offers numerous opportunities for experiencing the Northern Lights. The winter months, especially from September to March, provide the darkest skies and highest chances of sightings.
Finally, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration actually has a short-term forecast of the location and intensity of the aurora here: https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast