Aurora Borealis is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. If you don’t already know about one of the most photographed natural instances in the world, you are missing out. Read on for our tips on The Northern Lights – everything you need to know — but be sure to bring your camera! Get ready to take your own quest to see this natural light display.
Northern Lights: Everything You Need To Know
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Once you’ve witnessed the magnificent sight of an aurora in person, you will understand how truly awe-inspiring is this natural light display in the Earth’s sky. But what exactly is the aurora borealis and where can you see these lights? Read on for a quick overview of the Northern Lights and everything you to need to know and where you can experience the aurora borealis first-hand.
What is the Aurora Borealis?
What is the aurora? Simply put it is the phenomenon where the sky turns shades of green and blue, filling the night sky with dazzling light. But what actually are they, and why do they occur?
Predominantly seen in the high latitude regions, the Aurora Borealis is also called polar lights, northern lights or southern lights. This spectacle gets its name from the Roman goddess of dawn (Aurora) and the Greek name for the north wind (Boreas).
The lights are caused by charged particles being dragged to the northern hemisphere by the earth’s magnetic field. Once the particles are dragged north, they collide with other particles in the Earth’s atmosphere, and the explosions they create give off the beautiful lights we see. The color of the light emitted depends on the particle, which is why we see a multitude of colors in the sky.
Where to See the Northern Lights
The best places to see the Northern Lights are remote areas in northernmost countries. This is why places like the Shetland Isles, Norway, and Iceland are popular viewing destinations. The good news is that you can actually book holidays which are specifically for viewing the light show. Hopefully (if Mother Nature cooperates), your chosen destination will give you a perfect viewpoint of this amazing spectacle.
The best time of the year to travel for the northern lights is the winter. Because the days are much shorter than in the summer, you have more hours to see the night sky.
Holiday Packages to See the Northern Lights
Discover Northern Lights and more in Sweden
Sweden is a popular holiday destination in the winter months. With the added excitement of seeing the northern lights, this country really is the perfect place to go.
Björkliden, in northern Sweden, is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights for yourself, and you will be able to book a wood cabin for your stay.
Iceland: Experience a Spectacular Display of Northern Lights
Perhaps the most famous place to visit the northern lights, Iceland is remote and shrouded in darkness for much of the winter. Book a Northern Lights Explorer Group Tour which guides you through the days you spend in Iceland, taking to a different location each night. Iceland’s long nights and clear skies maximize your chance of Northern Lights sightings.
Visit the blue lagoon during your stay and feel totally detached from the outside world. You’ll be able to enjoy your time in peace and serenity, and at the end of the day view one of the most beautiful spectacles the world has to offer. It’s a win-win.
Impressive Northern Lights in Norway
The home of Hygge and one of the darkest cities in the world, it’s no surprise that Norway is a prime place for viewing this light show. The perfect place for stargazing, Norway offers a perfect opportunity to see the northern lights at their best.
Hurtigruten offers voyages on a boat, as well as a stay on the Lofoten Islands, where you will be able to view the lights in all of their glory.
