Everything You Need To Know About Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is one of the most beautiful natural marvels that can be witnessed in the world. This breathtaking phenomenon involves an incredible display of lights shimmering across the sky, which is enough to leave anyone in awe. The Northern Lights occur when electrically charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s magnetic field.

In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know about Northern Lights, including the best time and location to observe, what causes the Aurora borealis, and some tips on how to capture this incredible spectacle.

What is Northern Lights?

Northern Lights occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth’s magnetic field. These particles are known as solar wind, and they are primarily made up of electrons and protons. When they come into contact with our planet’s atmosphere, they collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, creating a stunning light show in the sky.

The different colors are created based on the type of gas being affected by the solar wind particles. Oxygen produces the classical green hue, while nitrogen can produce blue or red light. The position of the viewer also affects the colors observed, as the lights can appear differently based on where you’re standing.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction between our planet’s magnetic field and the solar wind particles. The resulting collision creates an array of charged particles moving at high speed towards the Earth’s poles.

As these particles travel through the atmosphere, they collide with different gases in the air, causing the release of photons. The photons create the visually stunning Aurora Borealis seen in the sky.

The sun’s activity affects when we can see the Northern Lights, as the number of solar wind particles fluctuates during solar cycles. These cycles last for approximately 11 years, and during the peak of the cycle, the number of charged particles entering the Earth’s atmosphere increases – this is the ideal time to view the Northern Lights.

When and Where to View the Northern Lights?

The best time to view the Aurora Borealis is between September and March when the nights are longer and darker. This is because Northern Lights are more visible against a dark sky.

The location is also crucial when it comes to observing the Northern Lights. The best places to view this incredible phenomenon are in the high latitude regions of the northern hemisphere, including Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

That being said, it’s not always guaranteed that you will see the Northern Lights even if you visit these locations during the ideal time of year. Viewing conditions, including cloud cover and light pollution, can play a role in whether or not you’ll witness the lights. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and choose your location wisely.

Tips for Observing Northern Lights

Observing the Northern Lights is a unique experience that requires a bit of planning and preparation. Below are some tips to help you make the most out of your Aurora Borealis hunting experience.

– Choose a location with clear skies: Since the Northern Lights are a natural occurrence, they cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a location with clear skies, away from light pollution, to increase your chances of seeing the lights.

– Check the weather: Weather conditions play a vital role in determining if you’ll have a good chance of viewing the Northern Lights. Check the weather forecast for your preferred viewing location to avoid booking your visit during conditions where visibility is low.

– Get away from the city: Light pollution from cities can make it harder to see the Northern Lights. Therefore, choose a location near the countryside, or in remote areas, to increase your chances of clear observations.

– Use a good camera: Capturing the Northern Lights can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Ensure you have a tripod for stability, and use a camera with high ISO and low aperture to capture the lights better.

Conclusion

Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural wonder that’s fascinating to observe. Its mesmerizing beauty can leave anyone in awe, and we hope this article has provided you with useful insights on what causes the Northern Lights and how, where, and when to observe them. Remember, patience and preparation are key when it comes to viewing and capturing the Aurora Borealis effectively.