The Northern Lights (or Aurora Borealis) are a natural light show, which takes place in the far northern hemisphere (i.e., north of the Arctic Circle). They are one of the most magical sights in nature, and it’s fun to imagine the mystical phenomenon that is occult in real life. This may not be the case, though, since the northern lights are caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in blue-green colours that are most often seen in the Aurora Borealis.
In the winter months, this can happen in different locations all over the world. These locations are the best places to see the Northern Lights.
The northern lights are a sight to behold, but did you know they’re visible in a lot of different places? However, they are most visible above the Arctic Circle-northern Norway, northern Sweden, north of Finland, and above the Russian coast. Only a small fraction of the Northern Lights gets this far south, so don’t expect to see them every night-and if you see a green glow or light show, don’t assume that they are the northern lights.
The Northern Lights are visible above the northernmost latitudes of the Earth and are caused by a collision of charged particles from the sun, hitting particles in the earth’s atmosphere. The charged particles from the sun are known as the solar wind and collide with air molecules (mainly nitrogen and oxygen). These collisions create artificial particles, which burst out of the atmosphere in a bright burst of light. They are a popular winter destination. While most people think of Iceland as the place to go to see the Aurora Borealis, there are several cities in the U.S. that also offer an excellent view of the phenomenon.
During an aurora, the night sky will glow an eerie green above the north and south poles, and it’s an otherworldly experience that many people want to experience once in their lifetime. If you’re lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, you’re lucky enough.
What are the best places on the earth to see these lights?
Tromsø, Norway
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are a spectacular natural phenomenon for lucky travellers to witness. If you’re lucky enough to be in one of the best places to see them, like Tromsø, Norway, you’re in for a treat. Each winter, the sky lights up above Norway’s northernmost point, Tromsø, where temps drop below freezing, and locals, tourists, and researchers flock to the northernmost part of the country for a chance to see the Northern Lights. In fact, the region is one of the most popular places for those seeking to spot the lights.
Yellowknife, Canada
The Northern Lights is the (usually) awe-inspiring aurora borealis, colourful light shows in the sky that are emitted from the gaseous displays in the northernmost parts of the planet, and it’s visible about 23 times per year. It’s rare to see the Northern Lights during the winter, but you’re likely to see them if you happen to be in Yellowknife, Canada, between November and March. These northern light sightings are best timed with the 21-day-long new moon when the sky is clear and dark. You can observe them at Yellowknife’s Aurora Zone, where you can learn about the Northern Lights, watch an aurora video, or even take an aurora tour out of the city.
Fairbanks, Alaska
This city is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights, so visit Fairbanks, Alaska, during February, March, or April to catch a glimpse of this ethereal phenomenon. Fairbanks is above the Arctic Circle, and the aurora borealis (or Northern Lights) occur when the Earth’s magnetic field lines collide with solar wind particles in outer space. These collisions release energy in the form of the aurora, which delighted locals recently when it lit up the night sky over Fairbanks.
Abisko National Park, Sweden
This national park boasts a number of locations wherein you can reach anyone to see the Northern Lights. From a skiing spot to a hiking spot to an observation deck in a sky station, there are multiple places that you can visit to see the lights. In addition, the park also offers tourist attractions in the form of natural beauty like mountains, lake, flora and fauna. There is also a natural phenomenon that it offers, which many may not have heard of – a unique spectacle called the midnight sun. In essence, Abisko National Park is one of the prime spots to watch the northern lights and as well as to catch a glimpse of what nature has to offer.
In North America, the Northern Lights are visible from September to April, 99 per cent of the time. But in March and April, the Aurora Borealis tends to show itself more often where it’s darkest, away from city lights, and where it’s coldest. In fact, Fairbanks, Alaska, is one of those places. Lucky for you, the city and its surrounding area are home to multiple great hotels, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
Yukon, Canada
If you’re peeking to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, consider travelling to Yukon, Canada. According to The New York Times, Yukon is one of the best places to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis form when charged particles from the sun hit the earth’s magnetic field, causing it to release energy in the form of colourful lights. Yukon has plenty of places to see the northern lights and seeing them from there could be even more spectacular than seeing them from other places.