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What Are the Northern Lights?

The Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions. It occurs when charged particles from the sun (solar wind) enter Earth's magnetic field and collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere.

These collisions release photons, creating dazzling waves of green, pink, purple, and even red light that dance across the night sky.

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Gas in Atmosphere

Color produced

Altitude

Oxygen

Nitrogen

Green, red

Green, purple

100 -300km

80-150km

🌍 Where to See the Aurora Borealis:

 

The best regions fall within the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone around the magnetic poles:

 

Top Locations:

 

🇫🇮 Lapland, Finland – Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, Kilpisjärvi

 

🇳🇴 Tromsø, Norway

 

🇸🇪 Abisko National Park, Sweden

 

🇮🇸 Thingvellir & Reykjavik, Iceland

 

🇨🇦 Yukon & Northwest Territories, Canada

 

🇺🇸 Fairbanks, Alaska

Key Viewing Conditions:

  • Dark skies (September–April)

  • Clear weather (low clouds)

  • Low light pollution

  • KP index ≥ 4 (auroral activity)

  • Look north (best visibility direction)

🕓 Best Time to See the Northern Lights:

Month   Visibility Notes

Sep–Oct:  Good Equinox effect boosts activity

Nov–Feb: Excellent Long, dark nights

March:     Very Good High geomagnetic activity

Apr–Aug: Poor Too much daylight in the Arctic

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Peak Hours: 21:00 – 02:00 local time
Moon Phase: Avoid full moon; new moon preferred

📲 Real-Time Aurora Alerts & Forecasts

Stay informed with these trusted forecast and alert tools:

🔧 Forecast Tools:

📱 Mobile Apps:

  • My Aurora Forecast & Alerts (iOS/Android)
    🔗 Download

  • Aurora Alerts (custom notifications)
    🔗 Available in App Stores

🇬🇧 UK-specific:

📷 How to Photograph the Aurora

Camera Settings:

  • Manual mode (M)

  • Shutter speed: 5–20 sec

  • ISO: 800–3200

  • Aperture: f/2.8–f/4

  • Focus: Manual (infinity)

Tips:

  • Use a tripod

  • Bring extra batteries (cold drains them)

  • Dress warmly

  • Scout location during the day

🧭 Plan Your Northern Lights Adventure

Want a guided experience in the Arctic wilderness?

 

✅ Northern Lights hunts
✅ Husky safaris

✅ Reindeer safaris
✅ Ice fishing

✅ Snowmobile
 

🧠 Fun Facts

  • The northern lights have southern siblings: Aurora Australis

  • Ancient Norse myths linked them to Valkyries and gods

  • In Finland, auroras are called Revontulet – “fox fires,” from a legend about a magical fox sweeping sparks into the sky with its tail

⚠️ Safety & Travel Notes

  • Avoid driving during snowstorms or low visibility nights

  • Respect indigenous Sámi culture and lands

  • Always check local weather and road conditions

❓ FAQ Section

When is the best time to see the aurora?  

Do I need special equipment? 

Are auroras dangerous? 

Can I see auroras with the naked eye? 

Between September and April, on clear, dark nights.

No, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera is best for photography.

Not at all – they’re 100% safe and silent.

Yes! Colors may appear greenish or white depending on strength.

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