alex knight 5 GNa303REg unsplash 1

The Northern Lights Forecast in Ruka, Finland: A Guide for Aurora Hunters

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!

The Northern Lights Forecast in Ruka, Finland: A Guide for Aurora Hunters

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs in countries located in the Arctic Circle including Finland. Seeing the Northern Lights is on the bucket list of many travellers and Ruka, Finland is a popular destination to experience this spectacular event. However, many visitors are not aware of how to plan for it or how to read the Northern Lights forecast. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the Northern Lights forecast in Ruka, Finland.

Understanding the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland

Firstly, it is essential to understand what the Northern Lights are and how they appear in Ruka, Finland. Aurora Borealis is caused by the collision of electrons and protons from the solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field. The interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field deflects the solar wind particles towards the polar regions. The collision of these charged particles with the gases present in the Earth’s atmosphere creates the colourful lights known as Aurora Borealis.

In Ruka, Finland, the Northern Lights can occur from late August to April, with the peak season being between December and January. It is essential to note that the best time to see the Northern Lights is when there is little to no light pollution, which is why Ruka, Finland is a popular destination for Aurora hunters.

How to Read the Northern Lights Forecast in Ruka, Finland

Before planning your Northern Lights spotting trip, it is essential to understand how to read the Northern Lights forecast in Ruka, Finland. The Finnish Meteorological Institute provides an Aurora Alert Service that offers a forecast for the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland.

The Aurora Alert Service includes two indexes to guide Aurora hunters – The Aurora Oval and The Geomagnetic Activity. The Aurora Oval shows the areas where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are highest. The Geomagnetic Activity index shows the strength of the magnetic storms that cause the Northern Lights.

The Aurora Oval index is essential as it helps visitors decide where to look for the Northern Lights. The Aurora Oval forecasts help predict areas with the highest probability of sighting the Aurora Borealis. The Geomagnetic Activity index rates the magnetic storms that cause the Northern Lights. For instance, the index ranges from 0 to 9, 0 being the lowest, and 9 being the highest activity.

To sum up, if you are looking at the Aurora Alert Service and it indicates a high Geomagnetic Activity index and Aurora Oval forecasts, you can expect to catch the Northern Lights if you go to the Aurora Oval area highlighted.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland

Now that you understand how to read the Northern Lights forecast, the next step would be to choose the best location to see the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland. The best places to view the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland include:

Ruka Ski Resort

Ruka Ski Resort is the most popular place to see the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland. The resort’s isolated location provides a clear view of the Northern Lights without any light pollution. Visitors can also opt for a guided Northern Lights tour where they can learn about the Aurora Borealis and capture the Northern Lights phenomenon.

Aulanko Nature Reserve

The Aulanko Nature Reserve located 135 km south of Ruka is an excellent location to experience the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland. The Reserve’s altitude and location provide a clear view of the Aurora Borealis without light pollution.

Lake Kitka

Lake Kitka located 40km from Ruka Ski Resort is an excellent location to see the Northern Lights. Due to its proximity to the ski resort, visitors can easily drive to Lake Kitka for a great view of the Northern Lights.

Tips for Seeing the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland

While planning for a trip to see the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland, it is essential to note the following tips:

Stay for More Than One Night

While the Northern Lights forecast may appear accurate, it is on a probabilistic scale. This means that the Aurora Borealis could appear at any moment, and if you are lucky, you could spot it on your first night. However, it may not appear, and you may have to stay for more than one night to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon.

Choose a Clear Night

The Northern Lights can only be seen on clear nights with little to no light pollution. Plan your trip around the New Moon or Full Moon as light pollution is minimal during these periods. You can also use a light pollution map or an aurora service to find the best dates to see the Northern Lights.

Dress Warmly

Temperatures can drop significantly during the Northern Lights season, so it is essential to dress warmly in multiple layers. This way, you can stay comfortable while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear.

Be Patient

Patience is key while waiting for the Northern Lights to appear. It is essential to remain calm and wait as the Aurora Borealis can appear at any moment.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to see the Northern Lights in Ruka, Finland, takes careful planning and research. Understanding how the Northern Lights forecast works, identifying the best locations for spotting the Aurora Borealis, and following the tips above can help you maximise your chances of catching a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon.

alex knight 5 GNa303REg unsplash 1

The Northern Lights Forecast in Ruka, Finland: A Guide for Aurora Hunters

Experience Adventure Like Never Before: Book Your Tour Today!