The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most majestic spectacles. Every year, people from around the world flock to the Arctic regions to view and photograph this breathtaking event. But what are the Northern Lights and when and where are the best places to see them? Keep reading for all the answers.
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen in the night sky as spectacular colors and patterns of light caused by charged particles from the sun entering into the Earth’s atmosphere. The colors formed in the sky range from green to yellow, pink, blue and occasionally violet.
The colors of the Northern Lights depend on the type of gas particles they’re interacting with; green is caused by oxygen and reds are caused by nitrogen.
When and Where Can You See the Northern Lights?
In order to see the Northern Lights, you need to find yourself in a place with dark, clear skies. Although they can sometimes be seen in other places, the best places to observe the Northern Lights are in the Northern Hemisphere, between 65 and 72 degrees latitude.
The best times to see the lights are during the winter months, when it is more likely to be cold and clear. The exact time and season can vary, so it’s a good idea to check up-to-date information before you plan your trip.
Where to Find the Best Viewing Opportunities
There are some excellent places to see the Aurora Borealis. Here are five of the top places to see the Northern Lights:
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Alaska – Alaska is one of the most popular spots for watching the Northern Lights because of its clear skies and stunning landscapes.
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Iceland – Iceland not only has amazing landscapes and night skies, but the further north you travel, the better the chances of spotting the lights. Mid-March to mid-April is the ideal time to try your luck in Iceland.
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Norway – Norway is one of the main viewing spots of the Aurora Borealis. The best times to visit Norway, especially if you want to see the lights, are October and November.
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Northern Canada – Canada boasts some of the most beautiful scenery and is a great place to spot the Northern Lights. The best time to come to Canada is February and March, when it’s the coldest and darkest.
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Greenland – Greenland is the perfect place to view the Aurora Borealis because it is so close to the Arctic Circle. During the time between February and March, the area can have some of the best opportunities to see the lights.
How to Prepare for Your Northern Lights Trip
Once you know where and when you can view the Northern Lights, it’s time to plan your trip. Here are some essential tips to prepare for your Northern Lights experience:
• Choose the right gear – Make sure to bring warm clothing, especially hats and gloves.
• Plan your route – Have a plan for how you will travel to the destination and how you will stay warm.
• Go during the peak seasons – As mentioned, the Northern Lights are best seen during the winter months between October and March.
• Have a camera – Bring the right gear to capture the experience.
• Get off the beaten track – Light pollution from cities and towns can reduce the visibility of the Aurora Borealis. Try to venture away from populated areas to give yourself the best chance to view the lights.
• Have patience – Lastly, it takes patience to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis as it is a natural phenomenon that rarely follows a schedule.
The Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, is a phenomenon few get to witness and even fewer truly appreciate. It can be hard to travel to the right spot at the right time and endure the necessary weather conditions. But if you can prepare yourself and be patient, the experience can be incredibly rewarding. With the right timing, weather, and gear, you’ll be able to witness one of nature’s most beautiful sights.
