Chasing Aurora!

The Northern Lights:
Nature’s Spectacular Light Show

Photo taken from Heidi's house in Alberta, Canada

by John Fisher, assisted by chatGPT

The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are one of nature’s most stunning spectacles. These mesmerizing displays of light occur in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and can transform the night sky into a canvas of glowing colors. But what exactly causes this phenomenon?

The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen at different altitudes, they release energy in the form of light. The type of gas and altitude of the collision determine the colors you see. For example:

• Green: The most common color, created by oxygen molecules about 60 miles above the Earth.
• Red: Produced by high-altitude oxygen, over 150 miles above the Earth.
• Purple and Blue: Result from nitrogen interactions at lower altitudes.

The result is a vibrant display that can range from shimmering green waves to flickering red and purple streaks, making each appearance unique.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights

If you’re eager to witness the northern lights firsthand, there are several destinations around the world known for their stunning aurora displays:

1. Norway: The city of Tromsø, located in the heart of the auroral zone, is a top destination for northern lights enthusiasts.
2. Iceland: With its minimal light pollution and clear skies, Iceland is a prime spot to see the aurora borealis.
3. Alaska, USA: Fairbanks offers numerous viewing opportunities and even aurora-specific tours.
4. Canada: Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories and Whitehorse in Yukon are popular northern lights destinations. And even as far south as Edmonton, Alberta.
5. Finland: The Lapland region offers scenic landscapes and excellent aurora viewing, especially from cozy glass igloos.
6. Sweden: Head to the town of Kiruna for prime viewing spots and guided tours.
7. Scotland: While not as frequent, you can still catch glimpses of the northern lights in the northern parts of Scotland on clear winter nights.

When to Plan Your Trip

The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months, from late September to early April. During this period, the nights are long and dark, providing the perfect backdrop for the aurora’s colorful dance. For the highest chances of viewing, aim for a location with minimal light pollution and clear skies.

Why Do the Colors Vary?

The different colors of the aurora borealis are caused by various gases and the altitude at which the particles collide. Green is the most common, produced by oxygen molecules. Red is rarer and results from high-altitude oxygen, while purple and blue hues come from nitrogen molecules interacting at lower altitudes.

Southern Lights: Aurora Australis

The southern hemisphere has its own version of the aurora borealis called the aurora australis. It is visible around the Antarctic region and southern parts of New Zealand, Tasmania, and Australia. Like its northern counterpart, the aurora australis offers an equally captivating light show for those willing to venture south.

Planning a Northern Lights Adventure?

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, consider joining a guided tour in one of the prime locations mentioned. Many tour companies offer tailored experiences, including overnight stays in glass igloos, snowmobile rides, or even cruises designed to maximize your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural wonder.

Have you experienced the magic of the northern lights, or are you planning a trip to see them? Let us know your favorite locations or tips for chasing the aurora!

Taken outside Onaway, Alberta

Source: 

Waldek, S., & Dobrijevic, D. (2024, July 23). Northern lights (aurora borealis): what they are and how to see them. Space.com. https://www.space.com/15139-northern-lights-auroras-earth-facts-sdcmp.html

Hashtags: #NorthernLights #AuroraBorealis #TravelBucketList #NatureLovers #NightSky