The Northern Lights, as they are also known, are a phenomenon that has fascinated humanity for centuries. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re considering embarking on one of the most magical and surreal adventures nature has to offer: a Northern Lights hunt.
If you want to truly enjoy an authentic aurora chase, it's important to consider certain aspects before starting your adventure to avoid potential disappointments.
WHAT ARE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS?
To better understand what to expect from your aurora chase, it’s important to know what you’ll be seeing and how it’s formed. This knowledge will help you choose the best location.
The Northern Lights are an optical phenomenon that occurs mainly in regions near the Earth's magnetic poles. They are produced when electrically charged particles, mainly electrons and protons, are released from the Sun in what is known as the solar wind. These particles travel through interplanetary space and, when they reach Earth's magnetosphere, are channeled toward the poles along the Earth's magnetic field lines, forming an oval around them.
Once in the upper atmosphere (about 100-400 km above Earth's surface), these particles collide with atoms and molecules of oxygen and nitrogen. During these collisions, the atoms and molecules are excited to higher energy levels. When they return to their original state, they emit photons of visible light, creating the Northern Lights.
The colors we see in the auroras, such as green, red, pink, and violet, depend on the type of atmospheric gas excited and the altitude at which the excitation occurs.
The intensity and shape of the auroras can vary greatly and are usually influenced by solar activity, which fluctuates in cycles of approximately 11 years. Understanding these technical aspects helps to better appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Northern Lights when observed in person, as well as to plan the best time and place to witness this unique natural phenomenon.
CHOOSE THE PERFECT PLACE:
First, choose your destination wisely. Popular places to observe the Northern Lights include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska. Each destination has its own charm and advantages, so research which one best suits your preferences and budget. Keep in mind that, as mentioned earlier, auroras typically occur near the poles along Earth's magnetic field lines, so it will be easier to see them in locations closer to this latitude.
As a curiosity: The Magnetic North Pole is more shifted towards America than Europe. For this reason, it's easier to see them in Canada or the US at lower latitudes than in Europe.
THERE IS NO BEST TIME:
Asking when is the best time to see the Northern Lights is like asking, "When should I play the lottery to win?".
Northern Lights occur due to many factors that can vary depending on the day, time, solar activity, etc. It doesn't depend on the month we're in but rather on whether the Sun is more or less active and sends more or fewer solar winds towards Earth—something that, moreover, cannot be predicted well in advance.
What we can avoid are some factors that can hinder our adventure, such as:
The Midnight Sun: In these high-latitude locations, we find the so-called "Midnight Sun" in summer, during which the night practically does not exist for a few months. For this reason, it becomes almost impossible to see them from roughly the end of April to the end of August unless they are so strong that they are visible at lower latitudes where there is still night.
Bad Weather: Another factor to consider is that, being a phenomenon that occurs in the atmosphere, if it snows/rains or is cloudy, the Northern Lights cannot be seen. Like solar activity, we cannot predict the exact weather far in advance, but we can note that November/December are the months when it tends to snow the most, though it can still snow throughout January or February.
EXPECTATION VS REALITY:
If you are preparing for a trip to see the Northern Lights and have searched for information about them, you will have read everywhere that what is seen in photos is not what is seen by the human eye. Unfortunately, this is true.
To effectively capture the Northern Lights on camera, prolonged exposures and specific settings (like a wide aperture and high sensor sensitivity) are often needed. These settings can highlight colors and details that may not be as visible to the human eye in dim light conditions.
In these two images, we can get an idea of what we would see with the naked eye:
Vs what the camera captures and we can see on the photos:
Another important thing to know is that, despite what many people believe, auroras are not seen every day and do not always look the same: It all depends on the density of the solar wind (which will make them appear stronger), the speed of the solar wind (which will make them move more or less), and solar activity, which will send more or fewer charged particles towards Earth's magnetic field. When the Sun is calm and doesn't send these solar winds towards Earth, it's likely that they won't be visible that day, or they will be so faint that they will only be visible with a camera.
DURATION OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS:
As we have mentioned, the Northern Lights are a fairly unpredictable phenomenon that we cannot control. However, by correctly reading the data on various aurora apps, we can approximately predict how long the auroras will last based on the density and strength with which they come. This duration can range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size and density of the solar wind that has impacted our magnetic field.
PATIENCE IS KEY:
Patience is key when it comes to seeing the Northern Lights, and when you go out in search of them, it's important to keep in mind that sometimes you may need to wait several hours in very cold and dark conditions, and they are not always guaranteed. It’s important to be prepared for possible schedule changes and plan adjustments when it comes to aurora chases.
APPS TO SEE THE AURORAS
It’s crucial to understand aurora apps well and know what you’re looking for before venturing out on your own. The Northern Lights are not always extremely bright nor do they cover the entire sky; this happens only a few times throughout the season. The correct interpretation of aurora apps, which monitor factors such as solar wind speed, density, and the Earth’s magnetic field charge, can make the difference between seeing them or not. Without this knowledge, you might miss the show, even if the auroras are present. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself and learn how to use these tools to maximize your chances of success.
One of the best websites we recommend checking is https://aurorawebcams.com/, which is created by aurora hunters. On this site, you can find real-time data and numerous webcam views of the auroras.
AN UNFORGETTABLE MEMORY
Seeing the Northern Lights is more than just a trip; it’s a deeply emotional and almost spiritual experience for many. The combination of the cold stillness of the Arctic, the stunning starry sky, and the brilliant dancing lights creates a memory that will stay with you forever.
So, if you’re considering going on an aurora tour, get ready for an adventure full of magic, patience, and wonder. There’s no guarantee of success, but the search itself is part of the thrill, and the reward could be one of the most spectacular sights you’ve ever witnessed.
Happy aurora hunting, and may the Northern Lights illuminate your path!
Happy aurora hunting, and may the Northern Lights illuminate your path!