What Are The Northern Lights?
Northern lights (aurora borealis) ( Northern Light called In Iceland Norðurljós, In Norway: Nordlys, In Sweden: norrsken, In Finland: revontulet, In Greenland and Denmark: Nordlys) are natural lights in the sky that are created when fast-flying charged particles (mainly electrons) from the sun collide with atoms and molecules in the earth’s atmosphere , usually at an altitude of about 100 km.
The most common colors of auroras are yellow-green, green and red produced by oxygen, but reddish and purple hues caused by nitrogen are also sometimes seen. When the Northern Lights are very dim, the eye does not distinguish any colors and then they appear grey-white. Northern lights are not connected to terrestrial weather and temperature has no effect on their visibility. See Northern Lights forecast .
Northern lights are most common at northern latitudes in the aurora borealis that surrounds the North Pole. This belt is about 2-3 thousand km away from the magnetic pole and runs over Iceland, among other things. The belt can expand during magnetic storms that occur as a result of powerful solar flares and coronal splashes . Northern lights can also be seen in southern countries, but this is rare.
At the South Pole, similar lights can be seen called the aurora australis, but the common term for the northern and southern lights is magnetic light . The lights are named after the Roman goddess Aurora, goddess of the dawn
How Northern Light Created?
- Formation of Northern Lights
The northern lights are formed when fast-moving charged particles from the sun, mainly electrons, collide with atoms and molecules at an altitude of about 100 km above the Earth. The particles do not come directly from the sun, but accumulate in the Earth’s magnetosphere, flow along the magnetic field lines, and get the acceleration and energy needed to produce the lights. During the formation of the aurora, the magnetic field vibrates and it shows up on magnetometers, such as in Leirvogi.
The northern lights are most often seen as veils moving across the sky. The veils can be a hundred and up to several thousand kilometers long, but much thinner, only a few hundred meters. It is most common for the northern lights to originate at an altitude of 90-130 km, but the red part of the northern lights can be measured all the way down to an altitude of 70 km and up to an altitude of 300 km.
When the magnetic field of the solar wind turns south, the magnetosphere is compressed on the day side of the Earth, i.e. the side of the Earth that faces the sun, together. The magnetic field lines in Earth’s nightside magnetotail stretch like rubber bands in a rubber band. When the magnetic field lines collide, the magnet tail recoils and begins to vibrate like a spring. When this happens, a bright aurora flares up.
When the magnetic tail recoils, the electrons in the solar wind gain high speeds and travel quickly to the Earth’s polar regions along the magnetic field lines. There, the electrons of the solar wind stimulate oxygen and nitrogen in the upper layers of the atmosphere, so that a dancing glory of light is created.
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Northern lights aurora borealis
Satellite measurements by NASA’s THEMIS satellites show that the aurora borealis travels along the vibrating magnetic field lines. The magnetic field lines oscillate over a period of several minutes and the auroras appear and fade at the same time.
The brightening and fading of the aurora borealis corresponds to the movement of the electrons and magnetic field lines. Electrons in the solar wind flow towards the Earth, rebound off the magnetosphere, and then inward again like waves on a beach. Auroras appear when the electrons collide with the upper atmosphere and fade as the electrons bounce back.
How Many Colors in Northern Light?
The colors of the aurora borealis can be attributed to atoms and molecules of nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere, which emit light of a specific color (wavelength) when stimulated by the particles of the solar wind. The most common is the yellow-green or green color from oxygen, while the purple color is caused by nitrogen.
The colors depend on the height of the lights above the ground. At an altitude of 100 km or so, the oxygen emits the familiar green color, but at or above 300 km, it emits a red color. The red color is often on the verge of being seen with the naked eye and is often better seen in photographs.
The colors are created as follows:
- Green : Oxygen atom at 90-200 km altitude (558 nm wavelength). Pale green or yellow green is the most common color of aurora borealis. The eye is most sensitive to the color green.
- Dark red : Oxygen atoms at more than 200 km altitude. A dark red color is seen at the top of the aurora borealis, when very energetic electrons have stimulated the oxygen atoms (630 and 636 nm wavelengths).
- Bright red : Nitrogen molecules at an altitude of less than 90 km. A common color during the largest solar storms, when highly energetic electrons excite the molecules.
- Purple and blue auroras are caused by stimulated nitrogen.
- Pink and yellow : Red and green mix together
When the colors all mix together, the northern lights are usually pale. When the northern lights are very dim, the eye does not distinguish any colors and then they appear grey-white.
How do you see the northern lights?
The Northern Lights: Where, when and how to see the aurora borealis
The Northern Lights are a magical phenomenon and nature’s most spectacular light show. Norway is one of the countries where it is best to be if you want to observe the northern lights, but where and when should you go? We give you the guide.
What exactly is the Aurora Borealis?
Aurora borealis is the Latin name for northern lights, and if we ignore the creative tales of northern lights, the scientific explanation is quite different.
Northern lights are caused by powerful solar explosions from the sun. The explosions cause large amounts of electrically charged particles to be sent out into space.
These particles penetrate into the Earth’s atmosphere, and are carried down towards the poles, where the Earth’s magnetic fields are strongest. Through this contact, energy is released and the aurora borealis occurs.
Top Best Places To See The Northern
Lights Also, note a good time while visiting these gorgeous northern lights. You’ll definitely look for inspiration simply by grabbing a view of this soul-breathing light show only if the timing is right. Yes, the timing has to be perfect. This is also a tip for all travelers who yearn for this heavenly wonder. Enjoy reading!
1. Norway Northern Lights
the Northern Lights will be magical in Norway. There are also special safaris for northern lights hunters during the peak winter months, which fall from November to February. Svalbard is another popular place in Norway where the sky is bright and nights are dark. You are sure to witness the mesmerizing view of the polychromatic Northern Lights Show.
Location: Svalbard, Tromso, Kirkenes, The Lofoten Islands, North Cape
Best time to see the northern lights in Norway: November to February
2. Alaska Northern Lights
Besides its native heritage, gold mining, dog sledding, and other adrenaline-pumping activities, the land of the midnight sun – Alaska is also famous for its spectacular northern lights. visible on average four out of the nights. The Northern Lights season here falls from the end of August to April when you can expect to see the magnificent spectacle of the sparkling Northern Lights.
Location: Fairbanks, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, Wiseman, Utqiagvik, Nome
Besti tíminn til að sjá norðurljós í Alaska: Seint í ágúst til apríl
3. Finland Northern Lights
Northern lights fishing is best in Finland, where the Northern Lights can be seen all year round in Lapland. This undisturbed, pollution[1]free area offers incredible views of the Northern Lights. Another amazing experience here is that there are special specially built spaces like glass roof villas, Igloo cabins and luxury suites from which you can enjoy nature’s most spectacular indoor light shows. For adventure junkies, you can enhance your Northern Lights experience by adding the view to skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc. Interesting, isn’t it?
Location: Kakslauttanen, Lapland, Rovaniemi, Utsjoki, Nellim, Kemi, Saariselka
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Finland: September to March
4. Canada Northern Lights
villages and charming places. There are several charming places in Canada that offer the mesmerising experience of exploring the Aurora Borealis aka the Northern Lights. The glowing light show visible in the night sky paints a vivid scenario of nature’s wonderfulness, which includes a dramatic and brilliant colour show. This is probably why Canada has gained popularity among Aurora chases. Certainly, this is one of the best Northern Lights destinations in the world where you can see a glimpse of a unique celestial exhibition.
Location: Yellowknife, Battle Harbour, Fort McMurray, Whitehorse, Churchill, Iqaluit
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Canada: October to March
5 Iceland Northern Lights
Iceland creates endless opportunities to explore the Northern Lights and is a dream place for Northern lights fishermen. It is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights simply for good reason that the country enjoys longer nights and clear skies due to its high altitude.
There are many northern lights tours organized during the winter months for northern lights fisherman because the night are longer which make it easier to spot the northern lights. It’s the winter wonderland where nature’s light show change lives.
Go for it if you really want to experience something unique.
Iceland: September and April
6. Greenland Northern Light
The riot of colors appearing across the sky is definitely worth watching. So head straight to Greenland for the best possible views of the starry skies and breathtaking northern lights. It is the dream place for people who love to watch the magic of this nature. There are special guided night tours where professional Aurora chasers help you spot this magical celestial object that sits engraved in your heart.
Location: Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, Ilulissat
Best time to see the Northern Lights in Greenland: September to April
7. Sweden Northern Light
magical northern lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, there are massive chases happening here as the weather and geographical proximity to the Arctic Circle support the chance to catch the most fascinating light show. Go on Northern Lights expeditions with professional chasers that will ensure the most promising Northern Lights experience.
Location: Jukkasjarvi, Abisko National Park, Jokkmokk, Lulea, Porjus, Tarendo
Best Time to See Northern Lights in Sweden: September to April
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
- What are the best places to see the Northern Lights?
- Tromso, Norway. Based in the heart of the aurora zone in the Norwegian Arctic, the city is widely regarded as one of the world’s best places to see the Northern Lights. …
- Swedish Lapland.
- Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.
- Ilulissat, Greenland.
- Svalbard, Norway.
Where is the best place to see the northern lights In Norway?
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Northern Lights Norway
The Northern Lights stretch along the coast of Northern Norway from Lofoten towards the North Cape. This means that northern Norway is perfectly situated to observe this phenomenon, and here there are the most northern lights in the whole world.
Svalbard is further away from this northern lights belt, but here you can observe the daytime northern lights in winter. The further away from big cities you are, the better. However, it is Tromsø that is most popular and well-known among tourists.
Northern Lights Iceland
When do we see the northern lights?
We associate winter with the northern lights, but actually you can see them all year round. It’s just that the sky must be dark, and bright nights make it impossible to see when the aurora borealis shoots in all directions and across the whole sky.
When you first see the northern lights, it is far above the cloud cover, so the weather must be completely clear to see nature at its best. According to Hurtigruten, the best opportunity to see the northern lights is therefore from September to March between 17-02.
Which month is best for Northern Lights?
To narrow it down, the Lights are ‘on’ through the year, but it is difficult to spot them from about April till August because of the summer sun. September to March is usually the ‘best time’ to see the Northern Lights
When can I see Northern Lights?
- How can you see the northern lights?
The aurora borealis are potentially visible under dark skies from late August to mid-April preferably under a clear, cloudless sky. While they occur year round they are weaker than sunlight and therefore sightings aren’t possible from May to July and for most of August.
