With so many beautiful places to visit, you may often forget to look up to appreciate the beauty the rest of the galaxy has to offer. There’s a lot more happening above us than we realize. The Northern Lights are a prime example of the magic that takes place in the skies, and why seeing them should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
The Northern Lights Explained
The Aurora Borealis, or simply Aurora, are also commonly known as the Northern Lights. They are formed when charged particles from outer space are pulled into Earth’s athletic field and collide with molecules in Earth’s upper atmosphere (ionosphere). When these collisions occur, the molecules receive some of that excess kinetic energy and speed across the sky. As they slow down, they release light and form colorful swirls across the horizon.
With the help of solar wind, particles created from the ionosphere travel at extreme speeds, crashing into atoms as they make contact with the atmosphere. Every atom the particles collide with receives additional energy that must be released for it to return to equilibrium. They continue decelerating and eventually release the light we see in the sky.
When and Where to See the Northern Lights
If you are planning your holiday around the Northern Lights, there are a few things to consider. Location and the time of year are important if you want to witness this spectacle at its best. The best places to view the Aurora Borealis include Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Where you go will depend on the time of year and the days with the highest solar activity. Generally, remote places with the least amount of man-made light or clouds will always offer the best Northern Lights viewing experience. However, there are some places where they are visible pretty much any time.
Canadian Northern Lights
Canada is one of the destinations where the Northern Lights are visible from almost anywhere. To view the lights where they are most active, heading North is your best bet. Yukon has been known to offer perfect views of the lights during the winter months, from December to March. They’ve even been known to make an appearance as early as late August.
Finnish Northern Lights
The city of Rovaniemi in Finland is the ideal place to view the Northern Lights. The city is located north of the Arctic Circle, which leads to a flawless display of the Northern Lights between September and April. It’s also known as the official home of Santa Claus.
Greenlandic Northern Lights
Like Finland, Greenland offers clear views of the Northern Lights between September and April. With low levels of rain and wind and roughly 5,000 residents, the coastal town of Ilulissat in western Greenland is the place to be. In addition to its pleasant weather conditions, Ilulissat is at the heart of Greenland’s Aurora belt, making it an unfailing destination to view the lights.
Icelandic Northern Lights
The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, is favored by many travelers seeking the experience of the Northern Lights. The more isolated town of Hofdabrekka in the south of Iceland offers another Icelandic location to view the Aurora. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, traveling from September through April is best.
Norwegian Northern Lights
Tromsø, Norway, is at the epicenter of the northern Aurora zone. Like most of the popular cities for viewing the Northern Lights, it’s best to visit between September and April. Its proximity to the UK also makes it easy to include in any world travel itinerary.
Swedish Northern Lights
For anyone looking for a somewhat private Northern Lights show, the Arctic wilderness of Kiruna, Sweden, is the place to be between October and March. If you’re lucky, you may also see a light display in September or April. Camping or staying at the Icehotel are suggested as the easiest ways to enjoy Aurora.
Other Destinations and More
The Aurora Borealis has also been known to make an appearance in the American states of Alaska, Michigan, and Minnesota as well as countries like Estonia, Russia, Scotland, and some locations in northern Europe. Many of the places listed above offer tours that help give you the best opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Keep in mind that the lights can be unpredictable, and the best time of year for viewing them can vary greatly. Being flexible with your travel plans is always a good idea.
Most people will agree that the Northern Lights are one of the most breathtaking phenomena in the world. They’ve been talked about in legends, movies, and books. Whether you’re a photographer or an individual craving something iconic, nothing will make you feel as intensely as the Northern Lights.