Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Definition

If you have ever seen the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis, you understand the magical effect it brings. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the night sky in the polar regions such as Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Canada, and it’s considered one of the most beautiful wonders of the world.

In this article, we’ll discuss the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis definition, its causes and how it appears in the sky.

What is an Aurora Borealis?

An Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display in the sky that mostly occurs in the high latitude regions. You can usually spot the Northern Lights between 90 to 800 kilometers (56–500 miles) above the Earth’s surface. It appears as a colorful diffusion of light, often seen as a green hue in the sky.

What Causes the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights are caused by the Earth’s interaction with the solar wind – a stream of charged particles emanated by the sun. When the solar wind approaches the Earth, it creates a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field, leading to the acceleration and collision of charged particles in the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

When the charged particles from the solar wind collide with the atmospheric particles, they release energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. This energy then appears in the sky as different colors, depending on the atmospheric gases involved.

The most common Northern Lights colors are green and yellow, which come from oxygen. Red and purple hues are a result of nitrogen.

How does the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Look Like?

The Northern Lights appear in different shapes, including arcs, rays, curtains, and swirls, and they move and change colors constantly. At times it appears as a pale greenish-white color, while other times it looks like a bright fluorescent pink or red. The shape and color of the Aurora Borealis are determined by the type of particles colliding and the altitude in the Earth’s atmosphere.

The Aurora Borealis is a natural light show that changes up to every 30 seconds, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the exact same lights as in pictures or videos.

Where can You See the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights are visible in a band, referred to as the “auroral zone,” that is situated between 15 and 20 degrees from the geomagnetic pole. The best places to see the Aurora Borealis include Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Canada, Russia, and Alaska in the United States.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter, typically between September to April, when the nights are long, and the sky is clear. However, it’s essential to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and there are no guarantees that they will appear exactly when or where you plan to see them.

How to Photograph the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis?

Capturing a stunning photo of the Northern Lights requires specific equipment and techniques. First, you’ll need a good DSLR camera with a wide-angle lens and a tripod. You’ll also need to set your camera to manual mode, with a high ISO, a wide aperture, and a long exposure time.

It’s best to start your camera at an ISO of 800 or 1600, an aperture of f/2.8 or f/4, and a shutter speed of 10-30 seconds, depending on the brightness of the lights. Experiment with different settings until you achieve the desired result.

It’s also advisable to dress warmly and be patient, as the Northern Lights can fade in and out quickly. You wouldn’t want to miss capturing the perfect shot.

Conclusion

In summary, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a spectacular natural light show that occurs when charged particles from the solar wind collide with the Earth’s atmosphere. It appears in different colors, shapes, and sizes, and it is best to watch it during the winter season in high-latitude locations.

Although seeing the Aurora Borealis can seem like an otherworldly experience, understanding the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis definition and how it appears can make it even more magical.

An Insider’s Guide to Tromsø, Norway: Experiencing the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis

Tromsø is a city in the northern part of Norway with a population of around 80,000. It’s famous for being one of the best places on earth to witness the Northern Lights Aurora Borealis. But that’s not the only reason to visit this magical destination. Tromsø offers a unique blend of nature, history, culture, and food that is sure to leave you spellbound. Let’s dive into some of the hidden gems that only locals know about and discover all the things to do in Tromsø.

Local Attractions

Tromsø has several must-visit places that are known to tourists, but let’s take a look at some local gems. The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is a hidden treasure featuring rare plants that grow in the Arctic regions of the world. The garden has several routes for visitors to explore, ranging from challenging hikes to gentle walks. Take a tour of the Polaria Arctic Experience Center, where you can learn about the Arctic’s rampant glaciers, sharks, and fish. Furthermore, the Tromsø University Museum houses one of the largest ethnographic collections in Norway and highlights the city’s Sami, Kven, and Norwegian cultural heritage, which is worth a visit.

Dining Spots

The traditional cuisine of Tromsø features exotic flavors amidst simple preparations. Fiskekompaniet serves fresh fish, lobsters, and scallops directly from Norway’s icy waters. Aunegården is a Norwegian brasserie that serves hearty meals in a charming and rustic setting. To get an authentic taste of Tromsø, try reindeer meat at Fjellstua Lodge. For those looking for cheap eats grab some fish and chips at BlåRock Cafe & Pub.

Cultural Experiences

Tromsø has a rich cultural heritage of music, art, and literature. For music enthusiasts, the city features the world-renowned Tromsø International Film Festival, the Insomnia Festival, and the Northern Lights Festival. If literature interests you, then drop by the Tromsø Library to see its unique architecture and check out its fascinating collection of books. Visual arts are celebrated in Tromsø’s many galleries, featuring modern and traditional Norwegian art.

Local History

Tromsø’s history dates back to the Viking era, and there’s plenty to explore for history buffs. The Polstjerna and MS Polstjerna are both accessible and fascinating historic vessels in Tromsø’s harbor that offer a glimpse into the city’s seafaring past. Visit the Tromsø Cathedral, which is Norway’s northernmost Protestant cathedral and has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 13th Century. One of the city’s most exciting stories is how the people of Tromsø helped the British navy during their great losses in WWII. It is an incredible story of solidarity worth looking into.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

To experience Tromsø’s frozen beaches and mesmerizing panoramic views, take a trip to the nearby beaches of Hatteng and Oldervik, far from the city’s hustle and bustle. Take a tour of the Lyngenfjord area, which highlights the incredible countryside, the landmark Sydspissen, the unique flora, and a glimpse of the region’s hidden wildlife.

In conclusion, Tromsø offers an experience that is unparalleled and unique. Whether you’re a lover of nature, music, art, or food and history, Tromsø has something for everyone. Pack your bags, buckle up, and hop on a plane to Tromsø, Norway, to experience the awe-inspiring Northern Lights Aurora Borealis in this beautiful city like never before.