When the sun begins to rise and chase away the darkness, the wholeness of Alaska becomes increasingly visible, but most of its wonders have been unveiled to only a few. The Northern Lights, for example, are an astonishing vision of light that appears at the top of the world. Mostly found within what’s known as the Oval of Aurora, the lights have been seen all around the state, with additional activity taking place in Canada. The people of our distant past believed in a range of old-world myths and stories about the light display. That is one of the reasons most folks are so captivated by the aurora today. The shafts of light that grow so brightly and quickly need to be seen in person. Trying to stuff a bottle of aurora borealis photographs in an album would not properly simulate gazing into the real-life vision of light and color in the sky. Destinations are packed with new experiences thanks to bustling major cities, stargazing communities, remote lodges, and cruises dedicated to witnessing the aurora. When your friends ask to just pack up your things and see the lights, do not despair. Let our guide give you hints, stories, and history on the best places across the Arctic Circle, while explaining where to go and how to catch them. The idea for this is to add to the individual visits so that guests may come back with a deeper understanding of precisely what it is they have experienced. Additionally, the instruction will advise on what not to do while on-site, such as playing with sunlight or thinking about missing time.
What are the Northern Lights?
Also known as auroras, the Northern Lights are a breathtaking display of bright, electrified lights that dot and slash the dark winter sky. They are most frequently seen in countries far above the equator, such as Finland, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska—in other words, in the polar regions. The most common colors include green, mauve, pink, deep violet, and flickering shades of blue. The various colors come from gases. During the long months of darkness, the daily rise and fall of dazzling lights in the northern hemisphere was called, in Latin, ‘Aurora’ from the Roman goddess of the dawn and ‘Borealis,’ the Greek name for the wind from the north.
Although the shimmering lights of an aurora look close enough to touch as they flicker, they actually occur above the Earth’s atmosphere, at altitudes from twenty to two hundred miles above the Earth. An eruption of particles swells into the Earth’s upper atmosphere over the polar regions. In the winter, the auroras can be so delicate and ethereal in a back-and-forth streaming motion due to solar winds racing at speeds faster than four million miles per hour. This results in a more obvious light show of bands that dance in the sky or fall like a curtain showering down, in a display known as the ‘drapery’ aurora. The intensity of the lights seen in any particular area is unpredictable. Auroras can appear as static lights across the sky, as rippling arcs, as patchy clouds enveloping the whole sky, or even as shooting rays or falling curtains. They can change from a pale green to a variety of colors or color combinations shimmering or blazing. Emotionally, they do not so much stop people in their tracks as cause them to lift their heads and cease all other activity, gazing into the fantastic sky show.
Scientific Explanation and Phenomenon
A natural light display in Earth’s sky, the Northern Lights, also known as aurora, occurs near the North Magnetic Pole. The scientific explanation for the phenomenon comes in the form of solar winds striking the Earth’s magnetosphere and colliding with atoms or molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. The entire process executes with electrically charged particles being mainly emitted from the Sun. Consequently, a stream of particles flowing out from the Sun into space is defined as solar wind. Then, the solar wind enters the Earth’s magnetosphere and collides with gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. The discharge of light is the most noticeable feature of the collision. The glow emits at various wavelengths of the visible light spectrum referred to with characteristic names such as green and red. Barring any notable enhancements in solar wind activity and geomagnetic storms, the aurora can be witnessed a few times each year.
It is the geomagnetic storms that fascinate aurora enthusiasts to descend to the poles. During stronger events, when solar winds carry a greater load of electrically charged particles into the Earth’s magnetosphere, the curtains of light expand closer to the equator and the average brightness increases. The opportunities to directly witness the spectacle are therefore greatly magnified. At relatively lower latitudes, the probability of cloud cover and twilight is less polar when compared to the polar regions. Because the poles initiate the magnetic field lines, Earth’s protective forces deflect most of the solar wind strike, saving the atmosphere above the poles from overexposure to the charged particles for auroras to be seen.
Factors Affecting Northern Lights Visibility
The visibility and appearance of the Northern Lights, such as the Auroras in the North Pole and Australis in the southern hemisphere, depend on several factors. Firstly, the ghostly sheen of the Northern Lights is directly linked to powerful solar activity. The intensity of the Northern Lights depends upon the intensity of solar wind, which is generated during sunspots—dark patches formed when the sun’s magnetic field disrupts its surface. Gradually, the sun rotates, and loops of magnetic field lines created from the sunspots expand and consequently collapse, generating powerful eruptions in space. In terms of geography, including the curvature of the Earth, the best places to see the Northern Lights are in regions known as the “Auroral Oval” above the Arctic Circle. The mechanical force or speed of solar winds cannot influence the appearance and intensity of Auroras. Secondarily, the frequency and duration also depend on latitude. The more north or south one travels, the more frequency one will have, and lastly, the clarity of the atmosphere solely depends on the weather, and at last, is the amount of light one is subjected to—light pollution.
The immense darkness of polar nights makes it easier to spot the Northern Lights in the North. In other words, the darkness of the Arctic Circle will help reduce the light pollution, making the Northern Lights more remarkable. The frequency of their appearance is obvious; the more north one travels, the more frequency one will have to witness this phenomenal barrage of color dancing in the sky. The Northern Lights over the North Magnetic Pole are more frequent, and in some specific locations, serve as an excellent base for Northern Lights. Also, to increase the chances of viewing the Aurora, one should try to visit a location that is either inland or away from the coastline. A coastal area can experience cloud cover that is not present inland, which can spoil the viewing. The effect of altitude usually follows the same logic: the higher you go, the clearer the sky, and you can escape darkness.
Solar Activity and Sunspots
When it comes to predictions about the Northern Lights, the first point of study is solar activity, more precisely, solar cycles that occur every 11 years and are characterized by the increase and decrease in the number of sunspots. This is the most important parameter in predicting the Northern Lights, as the Sun is the only source of energy for them. Scientists prove that the northern and southern auroras are closely connected. Thus, seeing the colors in the sky of Lapland or Canada essentially depends on the moments when the Sun’s crust is restless. The higher the solar activity, the greater the probability of observing the Northern Lights. The best time to see auroras is during the cycle maximum, about a year before and after the sudden sunspot number increase. Sun activities are characterized by the presence of sunspots. Stretching 100 times the size of Earth, these dark regions are associated with particularly powerful magnetic fields. They provide a range of features, from solar flares releasing a high amount of ultraviolet and X-rays to coronal mass ejections, where billions of tons of charged particles are ejected into space. As the level of activity varies, the number of visible sunspots starts from zero and then reaches its highest level before cycling back to zero again. Auroras are caused when charged solar particles reach Earth. When the cloud of particles encounters Earth’s magnetic field, electrons and protons are funneled by Earth’s magnetic lines down toward the magnetic poles and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere. The shift from the magnetic field lines to the atmospheric atoms produces energy and lights up the surrounding landscape.
Geographic Location
Positioned near the top and bottom of the Earth, approximately 66° and 34° latitude on the northern and southern hemispheres, the Earth is bordered by the North Pole and South Pole respectively. The geographic location of these latitudes at both world regions aligns with the magnetic poles; existing magnetic energy flows from these poles to several geographical locations. Locations near the magnetic poles are the most suitable for frequent viewings of the Polar Lights. Polar Lights are most frequently viewed in areas of Canada, from Dawson City to Yellowknife; Alaska; Greenland; Iceland; and all combinations of northern Scandinavia. Polar Lights are sporadically seen in areas of Siberia as well. Viewing elevation will affect the ability to see Polar Lights. Surrounded by forest, valleys, or mountains could block the view of partially obscured Aurora Borealis. Scenic, unobstructed viewing areas bring photo opportunities, and tours are available departing from various locations throughout the state.
It is also important to be far away from most forms of city light pollution for the optimal opportunity to see the Polar Lights. Some locations lie within a city’s limits yet don’t have an impact on the view due to natural elevation. However, in general, do not book a hotel room in a heavily urban area to witness the Polar Lights. Many guesthouses, cabins, hotels, and lodges that advertise a view of the Lights are located slightly remote from city limits and not near city light pollution. These may provide opportunities to see the Aurora for hotel guests. Thirty minutes to one hour driving distance is sometimes required for tour company transportation and the lighting of guest and hotel vestibules, even if the overnight provision states a view of the Polar Lights. Geo-positions will be listed favoring the travelers with the furthest north exposure and shortest flight to the area of view, which proves to be most cost-effective. Always be certain to check the weather forecast of your chosen location.
Top Destinations for Northern Lights Viewing
Seeing the Northern Lights in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. Due to the preparations and planning involved in the trip, a Northern Lights vacation isn’t on most people’s to-do lists, but hopefully, the list below will inspire you to chase the aurora. Below you can read about Northern Lights destinations around the world, featuring some of the planet’s top spots for viewing the Northern Lights in terms of accessibility, beauty, activity, adventure, and Dark Sky preservation. Each of these places offers an entirely unique experience based on your desired adventure and comfort level. – Tromsø, Norway Tromsø is the largest city in Northern Norway and acts as a gateway to the Arctic. The city is one of the best places on the planet to witness the Northern Lights due in part to its accessibility; these glowing phenomena can be witnessed as close as 20 minutes from the heart of the city. With easily accessible cabins, Northern Lights cruises, dog sledding, or off-roading options, Tromsø is the perfect base for aurora hunting, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just learning the ropes. – Whitehorse, Canada Canada is the second-best country to see the Northern Lights, and in Canada, the Yukon Territory is regarded as one of the prime spots for viewing the aurora. Away from city life and light pollution, Yukon’s vast, dark skies offer one of the best viewing experiences in the world. The capital of the territory, Whitehorse, offers visitor centers, easily accessible accommodations, and Northern Lights tours around the dark surrounding areas. It’s also the only city on Earth that shares a membership card to the world’s greatest Dark Sky Preserves, so you know the auroras are doing something right.
Iceland
Iceland is often hyped as the prime destination to watch the northern lights, and for good reason! The surreal landscapes of Iceland, featuring geysers, rugged terrains, and numerous waterfalls that form a stunning periphery to the dancing auroras, make for an unparalleled visual treat. There is an added advantage for aurora watchers visiting Iceland; many good views are accessible within a short drive from Reykjavik, the capital of the country. The best time to visit for the northern lights is from October to February or March, even though Iceland has year-round aurora activity. The favorable time of winter is chosen just to stay farther away from Iceland’s everlasting daylight in the summer, which will absorb some of her sky paint.
Several guided northern lights tours start from Reykjavik or other towns in the vicinity, giving their guests varying degrees of comfort and luxury; some facilities even include permanent twilight tours. If one is fascinated by the northern lights, the beauty of Iceland will not fail to captivate them, offering stunning locations such as Dettifoss and Jokulsarlon, where the sky lights up in vibrant colors after sundown. It will make the night come alive with several shades of shimmering green, magenta, violet, and even hints of red. There is, however, a need to be extremely careful while traveling in Iceland during this time, especially while wandering into unfamiliar, offbeat, and remote locations in the dark. Visitors are advised to dress warmly, carry survival kits, and another safety accessory with them. A good way to prepare the mind for the surreal experience during the visit to Iceland is by delving into the folklore, local stories, and myths of Iceland related to the northern lights.
Norway
This Scandinavian crown jewel is another sought-after Northern Lights viewing location. In Tromsø, Northern Norway, the stunning scenic backdrop that the Aurora is framed by includes snow-peaked mountains and the perfect mirror to the lights – the Lofoten Islands. Visiting these northern regions from September to April increases your chances of a light show, and you might get lucky with both a green and purple performance. The lower the light pollution in the place you’re viewing from, the better you can see these emerald waves, ghostly violet, and even pink and reddish arcs elegantly writhing in the sky. The scattered Lofoten Islands communities, perched on the rocky coastline, provide a range of accommodation befitting any type of traveler – including bespoke boutique lodges and cozy seaside cabins.
Norway is close to the Arctic Circle, and less than a two-hour drive from Tromsø, you’ll be entering the world of the Sami in Finnmark County. Their Sami Heritage Centre near the town of Alta is a UNESCO-protected site, and their knowledge of climate, weather, and light is included in some guided tours. The Northern Lights season tends to draw a lot of aurora chasers, but the summer months have festivals and 24 hours of midnight sun to enjoy while you trace the Arctic Circle. The key days of the season are from December 1 through the end of January, with a double guarantee from December 10 and again on January 26, of the sun beginning its appearance again at North Cape. Flights to Tromsø from Oslo, Copenhagen, and London run daily. Full holiday and bespoke activity packages can be arranged for you by the Northern Lights hunting specialists.
Canada
Canada has some of the darkest skies in the world, with wilderness stretching from the west to the far eastern shores of Newfoundland and Labrador. If you’re visiting Eastern Canada, you can witness the Northern Lights in the torrid zone. These regions of Canada are best suited for seeing the Northern Lights because they are so far away from artificial light, making it easy for you to see the night sky in all its glory. Some of the best places in Canada for catching the Aurora are the towns of Whitehorse in the Yukon.
Breathtaking in shades of green and white, the Aurora is one of those must-see natural phenomena, no matter who you think you are and what you think you know. Accordingly, some of the best trips you’ll find anywhere are in the areas of North America offering a great chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Tours are offered for photographers, professional astronomers, or those who simply love to go out and see – and try to photograph – the Northern Lights as often as possible. A two or three-night trip is ideal for a long weekend escape: it’s the perfect balance of relaxation at the lodge with amateur astronomy and aurora watching. With indoor and outdoor seating, plus a heated viewing dome, you will be comfortable and have the best opportunities to explore and photograph new Canadian landscapes. Be sure to check out the unusual, small-scale Ice Villages featured in many areas. While visiting the lodge, you can also take advantage of a local food and cooking class, a guided snowshoeing excursion in the forest, or perhaps an ice fishing experience to complete your introduction to Northern Ontario. Towns in Canada where you can see the Northern Lights on a year-round basis are (from west to east): various parts of the Yukon (including Whitehorse), various parts of Northern British Columbia (including the Alaska Highway), Jasper National Park in Alberta, Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, various parts of Northern Saskatchewan, and parts of Northern Labrador.
Finland
A world away from bustling cities lies an entrancing destination to immerse in the long-awaited light shows. It’s called Lapland and promises frequent Northern Lights appearances. The magical Northern Lights paint Lapland in luminous blues, greens, and pinks, creating an unbelievably pretty scene of snow-laden forests, tranquil lakes, and reindeer. Conditions are almost ideal at some of the Lapland area locales from the end of August to mid-April, with the peak being in autumn and late winter.
Lapland is not only nature-infused, but also has a wealth of stories, traditions, and folklore surrounding the phenomenon. Operating over an extensive time period means that several adventure activities are available in order to see the elusive Northern Lights. Those thrill-seekers who are not satisfied with merely gazing from indoor accommodation have a plethora of choices with hotels, resorts, holiday villages, and log cabins. For an extended thrilling stay, however, the glass igloos could even give you the option of sauna access! In all cases, ensure you have the appropriate cold-weather gear and are aware of safety procedures. Discovering the benefits of a Northern Lights tour or holiday is the reasonable approach here, providing a blend of adventure and knowledge about Finnish culture and landscapes, making it a rewarding experience.
Best Times of Year to See the Northern Lights
When people start their research into seeing the Northern Lights, one of the first bits of information they need to digest is timing. Simply put, it is only possible to see the Northern Lights during the hours of darkness, but even at those times, there are good opportunities to see the Northern Lights and times when the chances are much lower. The reason daylight hours and enhanced dawn and dusk light can sometimes make it difficult to see the Northern Lights links into the reverse of when you can see them. If the skies do not get dark enough, then the lights will not be visible. If the skies are clear, people should usually be able to see the Northern Lights if they are in the best locations. The two seasons of equal length days and nights usually have the most hours of darkness; these are autumn and spring. In the summer, the further north you go, the longer the evenings will remain light, making the hours of darkness relatively restricted.
There are some other factors that also influence when the Northern Lights can be seen. During the summer, a key factor is the time of the month when there is the darkest part of the night sky, and with it, the best time to see the Northern Lights. This is when there is a New Moon, and the skies are darkest; typically, those moon-free nights are around four days either side of the New Moon. After that date, increasingly more moonlight will interfere with seeing the Northern Lights, helping to make this specific time of the month at the height of the season the best time to experience the Northern Lights. Any Aurora chaser wanting to experience the Northern Lights at their best intensity should also aim to visit when the nights are longest, from around the September Equinox to the March Equinox, especially when it is darkest at night, at New Moon.
Seasonal Variations
During the equinox months, the most favorable time to view the northern lights is local midnight – that’s when the two hemispheres are most in alignment, creating the best conditions for a sighting. In practical terms, the winter months are by far the best time to view the auroras. In theory, any night between late September and early April offers the possibility of a sighting. A glance at cloud coverage statistics will confirm that one’s chances of enjoying a clear night tend to decrease with each month that passes following the equinox. Cloud coverage can be worse closer to the coast. Generally speaking, winter high-pressure weather systems give the most cloudless skies, meaning less precipitation and clearer sightings. Some of the best auroras are viewed in Scandinavia. The Norwegian coast benefits from warm oceanic currents, guaranteeing less ice and clearer skies. Scandinavia and the city of Tromsø are less influenced by the Gulf Stream. Locals often brag that it’s the most northerly city on the planet with an ice-free port. Warm weather brings higher cloud coverage and hence fewer sightings. There are, however, other factors to consider. Consecutive, cloudless nights can have a detrimental effect on sightings due to the auroral radiance that saturates the nighttime skies. Activity comes in cycles too. The auroras tend to be most intense during the run-up to a solar maximum, with clusters of auroras occasionally seen several times a week. Provided you are in the best location and are able to stay for a period of time, the best chances of seeing the lights from Scandinavia are just after the equinoxes. Staying for three nights or longer, perhaps joining an aurora guided trip, vastly improves your chance. Shoestring travelers must have good knowledge and fortitude to be able to travel anywhere across the best viewing sites. There is no protecting an adventure against bad weather during the magnetospheric column.
Tips for Maximizing Your Northern Lights Experience
While planning your aurora-hunting adventures, remember that where you choose to watch can make an enormous difference to what you’ll see. Some of the best Northern Lights can be seen from places where people live and travelers are attracted to explore other wonders in the area. But you’ll see the very best auroras if you’re in a location of exceptional darkness and clear horizons. Happy searching! No one can guarantee you’ll see the lights on any one night, but the good news is that you shouldn’t have to go home disappointed. In each location where you want the best Northern Lights experience, why not choose the best time of year for that location as well? On a still, cool, crystalline night, the best way to see the stunning green auroras is to get well clear of city lights so you can see the “curtains” and “draperies” that are often part of a truly memorable “auroral experience.” People in such places generally go to bed early, so if you want local advice before choosing where to head out, call ahead. Ask about forecasts, road conditions, and, if possible, for aurora “alerts.” Most “locals” like to help! In places that see a lot of Northern Lights, businesses often take pride in helping their visitors have the best time possible. Here you’ll find guides who are eager to help you take a memorable Northern Lights photo as well as other tricks for making your experience more rewarding. Leave word with someone about where you’re going and what time you’ll be back. Dress warmly with an eye to the worst weather you can imagine. Don’t lay in the snow while looking up, and don’t step back without checking where you’re putting your feet or you might have company in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere!
Choosing the Right Time and Place
When thinking about the possibility of observing the Northern Lights, not only is the destination significant, but the chosen time and day are also essential. The auroral displays occur approximately every 11 years. High activity in relation to the solar cycle should be expected after 2013.
In the given time slot, in order to increase the chances of catching the correct moment of solar activity, the visit to the country should be scheduled between October and April, which, in turn, will also increase the probability of seeing the Northern Lights. Finding out in advance when there is a full moon, and thus precluding a dark background necessary to observe the Northern Lights, would also be a good idea. Moreover, in order to avoid excessive disappointment, it would be good to find out before departure if one of the chosen viewing places is suitable at destinations between October and April. However, to enhance the chance of seeing the Northern Lights, it is helpful to get as far north as possible. Geographically, the so-called magnetic latitude will thus make Norway, Iceland, Alaska, Canada, and Lapland favorites. On the other hand, being situated in this geographical area near the North Pole can be a logistical problem, since there are very few towns or other inhabited areas.
It is best to look for the Northern Lights in locations seen on the marked map. It would be wiser to look for less inhabited places that are less light-polluted. Watching the aurora in Iceland can, therefore, be combined with a short cruise. There is also a place off the coast of Tromsø, Norway, on the trip from which you can watch the Northern Lights and do whale watching at the same time. If the forecast looks good at all three places, the aurora-engrossed place near Tromsø is certainly nice to visit. In general, before choosing a viewing place, it is advisable to check for a good weather forecast. We recommend planning a viewing trip in the evening. While terrestrial phenomena are quite unpredictable and no one knows exactly when and where they will appear, it is possible to watch short operational films or ask local guides about the best time and maybe interesting facts. Due to the increasing likelihood of a meeting with others at the exceptional view of tourist attractions, you need to remember to make a reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment! At tourist fairness, already in the reservation and payment in advance, it is possible to incur costs in segments, even up to 100%!
Photography Tips
If you’re interested in taking stunning photographs of the phenomenon, keep these tips in mind. Bring your DSLR, a wide-angle lens, and a sturdy tripod to keep the camera stable for long-exposure captures. Increase the sensor’s sensitivity to light (ISO) between 800 and 3200 and set the lens to fully open. This allows as much light into the camera as possible for a faint aurora. Most digital single-lens reflex cameras have a B setting or an extended time exposure of between 15 and 30 seconds. Set your camera to manual mode and engage the extended time exposure to start taking pictures.
For the sharpest captures possible, set the lens to manual focus and manually adjust the focus to infinity. To compose the perfect photograph, first identify the direction that the auroras are climbing into the sky. Use the “rule of thirds” as a basic composition guideline, but avoid underexposed foregrounds or overexposed stars in the background. Instead, expose for the auroras or overexpose slightly, and add additional flash or LED light to the foreground to add depth to the photograph. Bring extra charged batteries and store them close to your body to keep them warm in the cold. Cold weather can drain a battery in minutes. When it comes to photography, the key to getting the best shot is patience. Take advantage of the situation and wait. When you spot a special moment, take a hundred captures! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the moment. That’s what traveling to the Northern Lights is all about.