A phenomenon typical to the Northernmost part of the Northern Hemisphere also known as Aurora Borealis, named after the Roman goddess of dawn gives a surreal ambiance to the sky and everything in the vicinity.
This is a must-see and should be included in the bucket list of nature aficionados.
The interaction between highly charged electrons and atmospheric particles triggered by solar winds causes a riot of colors. They stupefy you with a spectacular vision across the sky. It is the glimpse of the paradise that you see that is nowhere else visible.
Every year a global rush to see the Northern Lights sweeps across the continents. As if you are having a secret rendezvous with the god himself and getting the sublime feel is a lifetime experience that is guaranteed. So folks keep traveling and make up for the lost time surrendered to lockdown banishment:
- The locations of the Northern Lights :
Although it is hard to pinpoint the exact coordinates of the Northern Lights, a few places faring better than others in terms of sightings are crowded by travel enthusiasts.
A lot of research goes on over the probable sites of visibility that prompts the hotels and resorts to arrange adequate tourist facilities promising a cosy stay. Besides Aurora Borealis forecasts come up and tourists are advised to keep in tune not to miss the heavenly glimpse.
•Best places to see Northern Lights :
Some of the classic Northern Lights viewing sites are right with a greater chance of sighting than other places in the far Northern latitudes :
∆ Svalbard , Norway :
Northern Lights can be viewed way better in locations with higher latitudes and Svalbard, Norway is ideally situated for a great view.
This is one of the most pronounced spot for Northern Lights, Europe attracting a massive influx of tourists for getting a vista of another spellbinding cosmic phenomenon- the Polar Night. Truly a sky gazers paradise Svalbard is an island with freezing cold temperatures set in the middle of the Arctic circle. The ideal to visit is between the months of November and February.
Between the months of mid November until the end of January this place is completely devoid of daylight turning it into a high probability zone for Northern Lights to catch your eye.
∆ Kakslauttanen, Finland :
This is a really wild way of doing it, to see mystic lights from an Igloo with a see through roof . For a bonus you are lodged in a log cabin . Dream facilities include a sauna bath and a fire-place. The arrangement is very carefully conceived to give you a close to nature feel without foregoing even an iota of comfort level. Kakslauttanen Arctic resort is a head turner with plush amenities even here in remote habitat. Other fun- adventure includes skiing and reindeer safari amid the exotic Urho National Park. Russian border is close by and you can do it on a dog sled and get the traditional charm of the ride along the freezing cold terrain. You can even meet Santa at Koryatunturi and exchange greetings.
∆ Jukkasjarvi, Sweden :
This had been a famous place in Sweden for the first ice hotel in the country was opened here. The Northern Lights visible from this quaint little village take the entire sojourn to a whole new dimension. In case if by some misfortune the famed Aurora Borealis doesn’t show up, there isn’t a reason to despair.
You can have a spectacular view of Sweden’s star studded sky from Esrange Space Center. Snowmobiles are available on hire for you to get around the place and enjoy it’s surreal ambiance.
∆ Reykjavik, Iceland :
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik is easy to travel and consequently a very favourable destination for Aurora Borealis viewing. Attractions are at galore here other than the mysterious light at dusk phenomenon.
This is a fairyland and features amazing lakes, roaring volcanoes and the exquisite blue Ice. The famed geothermal spa called the Blue Lagoon is just on the route between Reykjavik city and the airport. The sky offers a brilliant canvas in the backdrop of a very different twilight zone that you will recall for the rest of your life.
∆ Northern Canada :
Northern Lights Canada is a sensational phenomenon that drives tourists crazy with its sheer beauty. A greater portion of Canada is encompassed by the Aurora Oval which is a ring of light over the geomagnetic field of the earth at the North Pole. Chance of viewing Aurora Borealis is greater as a result.
Canadian provinces eclipsed by the Oval includes Yukon, Northern Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. A word of advice is to go for other attractions once you have viewed the Canadian Northern Lights. They include skiing while staying at fabulous skiing resorts, whale watching, braving the stiff mountains for the magnificent waterfalls and traveling the marvelous Canadian cities.
∆ Scotland, United Kingdom :
For Brits this is an easy access Aurora Borealis visual treat taking hardly any travel time or expenses for that matter. In the northern part of the country finding the magic of Northern Lights against a dark sky is quite possible. Apart from the celestial bliss Cairngorms and Aviemore National Parks hold a breathtaking charm for the tourists. Glenshee is a great treat as well considering its snowy marvel. Hiking , biking or nature walking whatever you think of doing this part of Scotland has it ready for you to explore.
- Recommended months
It is difficult to forecast even with the latest meteorological gadgets and data the precise time when Aurora Borealis will be visible. It defies a timetable. The magic light is ‘ alive’ all round the year. During the summer days starting from April till August it is hard to locate for the glaring summer sun . The ideal time to spot the surreal light is from September to March of which emphasis may be put on Autumn months for beautiful weather conditions. However if you can brave the freezing cold and withstand the dark winter nights you have a lifetime of happiness. Northern Lights are not as magical as the colder months.
- Northern Lights Canada :
Since Canada is a vast nation in terms of area and located in very high latitudes, Northern Lights in this large country is a much discussed subject with romantic connotations among tourists, geographical societies and enthusiastic aurora hunters.
One element definitely goes in favour of visibility of the Canadian Aurora Borealis apart from a rise in the latitudes is its pollution free environment. The best sightings are between October and March .
The night sky turns into a brilliant palette of colours with a beautiful blend of yellow, green and pink giving an alien glare to the even more mysterious sky. Here are some of the remarkable Canadian sites for viewing the Northern lights :
∆ Takhini Hot Pools, Whitehorse, Yukon :
Come here during the winter and feel the extreme of the darkest and coldest of cold nights. That Northern Lights here is magical would be too weak a word to describe its charm. It is divinity glorified. As a bonus you can dip yourself in the Takhini hot pools and unwind. Whitehorse is a marvelous city , unique in its own charisma.
∆ Athabasca, Alberta ( near Edmonton )
An observatory exists here called the Athabasca University Geographical Observatory which is a study centre exploring if Aurora Borealis generates a magnetic field. However this centre is not for public access. Take a trip around the boreal forest in snowshoe or cross country skis. It’s worth a visit . Even the south bank of the Athabasca river and Muskeg Creek trail have a powerful tourist appeal.
∆ Lake Superior, Ontario ( near Thunder Bay ) :
This super lake is wedged between the Canadian shield and vast water body, it’s Northern shore offering a stunning setting for gazing at the Northern Lights for hours with dumbfounded bewitchment. The Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a strong temptation you are bound to yield to. From here you can get a mesmerising view of the night sky and it’s enthralling reflection caught in the crystal waters of Lake Superior directly below.
∆ Yellow knife, Northwest Territories :
This is simply the axial point directly below the Northern lights visibility in North America. A vast table land running along long stretches makes an uninterrupted viewing of the mystic lights . Moreover the precipitation is low on atmosphere making the sky crisp and clear. It lies in the auroral zone striking the maximum probability of viewing the aurora borealis. There are arrangements of jacuzzi in resorts , a lounge chair with temperature control or you can even see them while riding on a dog pulled sledge from Beck’s Kennels.
∆ Churchill, Manitoba :
Locational advantage of just beneath the Auroral Oval makes it a splendid Aurora Borealis viewing site. More surprises await your itinerary and the most commendable one is the Tundra Buggy which is a multi terrain transport that takes you across an amazing journey along Churchill’s Northern terrain . It is a once in a lifetime experience that offers a terrific view of the Northern lights. The trip may cross you paths with Canadian wildlife of which the chance of bumping into a polar bear is highly possible.
- Northern Lights Alaska :
The renowned Northern Lights viewing spot in Alaska is the Fairbanks. The mode of viewing this miracle in the sky ranges from Yurt staying, heated aurorium cabin , dome or lodge . On the mobile mode you can have a glimpse of this great celestial phenomenon while riding a dog sledge or even while ice fishing or a snow cat tour. While sitting on a plane flying over the Arctic circle can also get you this million dollar spectacle.
The freezing winter chill and the clear sky is an ideal mix for the visibility of these lights and Alaska is very popular with the American tourists for the simple reason of its easy access and some great viewing.
The best time is March for viewing Northern Lights Alaska for those who are in a mood for an immediate visit. Have patience and wait till Spring, it’s hardly two months away !
Here goes the scientific reason :
Northern lights are at their dramatic best during the equinox months of March and September. The earth’s inclination at equinox relative to the sun brings up a condition where the earth’s magnetic field and the solar winds are in perfect concord.
This celestial effect together with the clear autumn and spring sky makes March and September the ideal months .
Dark and crystal sky at dusk is an indication for the tourists to see the Northern lights at this side of the world. Best sightings come by around midnight a study at the Geographical Institute has inferred this.
∆ Fairbanks :
Fairbanks which had been a sort of a legendary town in the days of gold-rush is the cynosure of frequent chance of Aurora Borealis viewing in Alaska.
Interesting destinations for the tourists are not far off. Cleary Summit is one place where you have enough car parking space and a brilliant view of the sky magic. Similar good Alaskan Northern Lights viewing sites are the Haystack mountain, Ester, Wickersham and Murphy Domes.
You can get reflections on the still waters of the Chena Lakes Recreation Area . The captivating sky with even more captivating riot of colours simply gets their image mirrored on the lake. There is a spacious wharf where you station your vehicle.
Other recreational activities include ice fishing and cross country skiing that sets your adrenaline racing with thrill. Some of the other places worth mentioning for the Alaskan Northern lights goes here :
∆ Coldfoot :
This was once a settlement for gold miners now turned into a very prominent Northern Lights viewing site hugely popular among Aurora hunters. This is a wild country in the Brook’s Mountain range area with spectacular panoramic views.
∆ Utqiagvik :
Northern Lights viewing has made this place popular as has the Inupiat Alaska Native culture. A visit to Inupiat Heritage Centre is worth taking for its educational value. The thrill and adventure of hunting the bowhead whales can be literally felt as it is vividly demonstrated by the staff.
∆ Wrangell- St Elias National Park :
This sprawling park covering about 13.2 million hectares is the largest protected reserve forest in the US.
Excellent lodges exist with comfortable staying arrangements. Northern Lights here are a dance of a myriad of colours that will take your breath away.
Outdoor adventure opportunities are plenty including white water rafting, glacier trekking and angling in Lake Tebay. It’s truly a wild and exciting fun chasing the heavenly lights.
•Prediction of Northern Lights spotting in Alaska :
Short term prediction of Northern Lights visibility is done at The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . The bureau has a facility, Space Weather Prediction Centre which is engaged in the job.
There are forecast apps too for travelers guiding them on the precise chance of viewing. A three day geomagnetic prediction is delivered by Solar Ham which gives a trustworthy data and direction to Aurora hunters.
•Northern Lights Europe :
The northern latitudes of the continent of Europe is the most coveted place on earth for viewing the greatest show on Earth in terms of natural sunlight and it’s brilliant hues that dance across a dark sky. Legend goes back to a conviction held by the sea faring Vikings that these mystic brilliance was sunlight mirrored off in captivating shades from the armour of Gods.
The age of the Vikings have been lost in history but the glorious sheen of the Northern Lights is very much alive. They can be seen, felt and absorbed with a lot of bliss preserved for us till this day.
Pitch black nights that don’t seem to end is typical to Northern European winters. In some European locations still over higher latitudes, there is no sunrise. The phenomenon is known as ‘ Polar Nights’
It is a very weird celestial feature that gets you spellbound and yet it’s lure is irresistible that Aurora Borealis hunters make a rush in the Nordic countries in Northern Europe between December and February.
Besides the Northern Lights, other activities that keep the crowd in hyperdrive are snowmobiling and dog sledding.
As to the timing of sightings, Aurora Borealis is hard to forecast, they can happen anytime.
The reason why people prefer the colder months is that the winter sky is darker, offering a better background for the colorful display of Northern Lights compared to other seasons when the sky is not so dark . Hence the contrasting background is absent to catch a better view .
Best North European countries offering fabulous Aurora Borealis
•Iceland :
The amazing country is within the Northern Lights belts being located at 65°N latitude.
The play of lights across the sky and above a spectacular landscape horizon would leave you agape. The scene is absolutely mind blowing ! The entire spectacle becomes even more betwitching owing to minimum light pollution and presence of a dark sky to give the effective contrast.
The Icelandic plains are vast helping you get an uninterrupted viewing of the eruption of colours against an inky sky.
The capital Reykjavik is a modern city with amenities and tourist friendly. Fjords and dark sand beaches are an added bonus.
Norway :
This Nordic nation makes for an excellent aurora borealis spotting zone in winter against a dark sky. Now this magic does happen in all the parts of Norway given its vast area. You need to know the exact location of viewing before leaving for Norway.
Various options exist, you can traverse the Norwegian villages to have a satisfying glimpse of the show. An alternate is to take a cruise in the sea and view the coveted greatest light show on earth.
Tromso is a place that gets a long stretch of polar nights in winter and consequently a prolonged dark sky to bring the Aurora Borealis glory in vivid colours.
Other notable Aurora sighting locations in the country are Lofoten Islands, Kirkenes, Svalbard and Nordkapp. They all hold you taut with the mind-blowing colour show against a dark sky.
•Lapland :
This Northern Lights viewing zone in Europe spreads across a part of Finland and a part of Sweden bounded by the Arctic circle.
Primary conditions are all set for you to achieve an amazing view of the Northern lights here. Light pollution is minimal, winter sky is dark enough and solar activity is at its best. All these factors blend together to bring out the best display in the sky .
•The Isle of the Skye, Scotland:
Now that the North Pole is in its immediate vicinity, Scotland offers a great location for having an enchanting view of the Northern Lights. It is worth mentioning the Isle of the Skye offers nine dark sky discovery spots for stargazing buffs together with the dance of the mystic lights. Put Glendale beach in your top priority bucket list. Between December and February it could be one of the best places on earth you have made. Wrap up in linens and mugs of English tea could do the rest. You can get some terrific Scotch Whisky from Talisker, the oldest functioning distillery in Skye. Lot more surprises await you as you bump into archeological finds. Dinosaur footprints are carefully conserved for you to see in An Corran beach in Staffin.
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