The Northern Lights: Nature’s Most Spectacular Light Show

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. These shimmering, colorful lights stretch across the polar skies, captivating those lucky enough to witness them. 

But what exactly are they, and why do we see them in different colors? Let’s dive into the science behind this natural phenomenon, as well as the best places and times to view them.

First things first: what Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights occur when charged particles from the sun, primarily electrons, collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere. These particles are blown towards Earth by solar winds. When they reach our planet, they are drawn toward the magnetic poles by Earth's magnetic field, concentrating the auroras in the polar regions—hence the name "Northern" (or "Southern," for the Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere) Lights.

The collisions between the solar particles and gases in our atmosphere cause the release of energy in the form of light. This light is what we perceive as the Northern Lights, dancing across the sky in various shapes and patterns, often forming arcs, curtains, or rippling waves.

Why Do We See the Northern Lights in Different Colors?

The variety of colors seen in the Northern Lights is due to the types of gases in Earth's atmosphere and the altitude at which the collisions occur. Each gas emits different colors of light when it is excited by the solar particles.

• Green: The most common color, green, is caused by oxygen molecules about 60 miles (96 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. When the solar particles interact with oxygen at this altitude, they emit the bright green hue that is often associated with the auroras.
• Red: When oxygen is present at higher altitudes (about 150 miles or 240 kilometers), it can produce a red glow, which is rarer but equally stunning.
• Purple and blue: These colors are produced by nitrogen molecules. Nitrogen emits purplish or bluish light when excited by solar particles, and this can be seen in the lower parts of the auroras.
• Pink and yellow: These are mixtures of the primary colors—green, red, and blue—and occur when multiple gases interact at varying altitudes.

The interplay between these gases and the energy from the sun creates the kaleidoscope of colors we see in the night sky.

Where and When to See the Northern Lights?

If you're eager to witness the Northern Lights, certain places and times are more favorable than others.

Best Locations to View the Northern Lights

Following our earlier explanation, the Northern Lights are best viewed in areas close to the magnetic North Pole, with minimal light pollution (this is  very important!).
The farther north you go, the better your chances of seeing them:

• Norway (Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands): Norway, particularly the town of Tromsø, is a top destination for aurora hunters. Its proximity to the Arctic Circle makes it an ideal spot.
• Iceland: Iceland’s clear skies and vast landscapes provide excellent opportunities to see the lights, especially in remote areas like Thingvellir National Park or the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
• Finland (Lapland): Finnish Lapland is known for its long, dark winters and is a fantastic place to view the lights. It’s also famous for cozy glass igloos, where you can watch the auroras from the comfort of your bed.
• Sweden (Abisko National Park): Located above the Arctic Circle, Abisko is one of the most reliable locations to see the Northern Lights. Its "blue hole"—a patch of clear sky—often gives visitors a chance to see the aurora even when nearby areas are cloudy.
• Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories): Canada’s northern regions offer excellent aurora viewing, with places like Whitehorse and Yellowknife being popular spots.

Best Times to See the Northern Lights

• Autumn and Winter months: The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the dark, clear nights of autumn and winter, from late September to early April. This is when the nights are longest, providing optimal viewing conditions.
• Solar Activity: The auroras are more active during periods of high solar activity, which happens in cycles of about 11 years. We are currently approaching the next solar maximum, expected around 2025, which will increase the frequency and intensity of the lights.
• Clear, dark skies: The best displays of the Northern Lights occur on clear, cloudless nights away from city lights. Look for nights with little to no moonlight, as the darker the sky, the more vivid the auroras appear.

Final Tips for Aurora Chasing

• Check the forecast: Websites and apps like the Aurora Forecast (for UK) or the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center can give you real-time updates on the likelihood of aurora activity. 
• Stay up late: The Northern Lights are most often seen between 10 PM and 2 AM, though they can appear earlier or later depending on the conditions.
• Be patient: While the auroras can appear suddenly and be incredibly vibrant, they are unpredictable. Sometimes they can last for just a few minutes, while other times they might stretch out for hours.
• Dress warmly: Northern regions are cold, especially during winter, so be sure to dress in layers and stay comfortable while you wait for the lights!

In summary, the Northern Lights are a stunning natural phenomenon, the result of solar particles colliding with Earth’s atmosphere and creating a spectacular light show. By visiting the right locations during the best times of the year, and with a little patience, you’ll be able to witness this beautiful spectacle for yourself.

Further scientific info about the Northern Lights can be here, enjoy!