1.Chasing the Auroras: A Guide to Witness the Breathtaking Beauty of Northern Lights
The spectacular display of colorful lights dancing across the night sky are called the auroras. The mesmerizing and enchanting sight of auroras captivates humans for centuries, inspiring scientific investigation, artistic expression, and spiritual reverence.
What Causes Auroras?
Solar winds affects the Earth’s magnetic field, upsetting the particles resulting in the formation of light in the atmosphere called the auroras. When charged particles from the sun, mainly electrons and protons, collide with atoms and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light. The spectacle can take on various forms, including diffuse glows, streaks, and vibrant curtains of light. Specialized auroras colors depends on:
- Types of gases (Oxygen produces green or red. Nitrogen produces blue, pink, or purple)
- Energy level of collision (Higher energy photons produces blue and UV part and Lower energy level produces red and green part of the spectrum).
Also read on: “What’s behind the northern lights that dazzled the sky farther south than normal“
Shape and Movement of Auroras
The movement and shape of auroras are driven by interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field, the behavior of charged particles in the atmosphere, and factors like solar activity and upper atmospheric winds. The aurora often appears as arcs, waves, or curtains. The motion of charged particles in the magnetic field is responsible for the shape of auroras. The particles tend to follow these lines, creating bands or arcs of light in the sky.
Best Time to Watch Auroras
Auroras are typically visible on clear, dark nights between September and April. However the peak seasons for northern lights are from December to March and for the Southern lights are from June to September in winter season when the nights are darker with minimal light pollution. Best viewing times are from late evening to early morning necessarily around midnight to 3am.
On higher latitude areas, the aurora borealis are almost frequent but are not simple to watch as we need to be at the most suitable position at the most accurate time for experiencing the awesome view of the auroras that sparkle the eyes of the observer.
Best Places to See Aurora
The sights of the Northern Lights are located within the auroral oval, which encircles the earth’s magnetic poles in a ring pattern. Here are the best places to see the Northern Lights based on visibility conditions, accessibility, and experience:
Tromsø, Norway: Also known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” But has excellent aurora views. Located in the Arctic Circle, it has a variety of activities.
Travel Guide For Northern Lights
- Planning: The spots with the least light and increased auroral actions in the winter season when the nights are long and darkest for auroras to show up are the suitable place and time to visit. So plan the trip accordingly.
- Wheather Forecast: Check the weather forecast. Clear skies allow for better views of the scenery.
- Be Patient and Prepared: Don’t get too comfortable as auroras may be finicky. They can show up at any time. So be ready to sit for long hours.
- Stay flexible and mobile: Do not station yourself in one position. Stay alert so that there is never an opportunity to lose the sight of bright blue light in the sky.
- Clothing and Accessories: Viewing aurora goes hand in hand with going outside in colder conditions, snow is also involved in the process. These areas usually take the crown for being the coldest regions whenever the night embankments take place. Hence, appropriate warm clothing should be used.
- Consider a guided tour: It has been suggested that you should consider taking a guided tour simply because that could also take your aurora viewing experience to another level.
- Photographic Guide: The Auroras travel so quickly, so use a sturdy tripod and fast shutter speed will assist you grab them in all their distinction. Use a mirrorless camera with manual mode, wide-angle lens, and sturdy tripod. Focus manually on the sky to capture instantly the astonishing beauty of the heavenly lights.
Cost of Northern Light Trips
The cost of a trip to see the Northern Lights can vary widely depending on your destination, travel style, and the duration of your trip.
- Package Tours: These often include flights, accommodations, transportation, and guided activities. They can be convenient but may be more expensive.
- Independent Travel: This gives you more flexibility but requires more planning and research. It can be more affordable if you’re willing to do your own research and book accommodations and transportation independently.
In general, the price of a tour to watch the Auroras can span from a few hundred dollars to many thousand dollars.
To have a better approximation of what your trip will cost, I suggest you compare pricing for your flights as well as your accommodations by utilizing a travel planning website such as Kayak or Google flights. This will also enable you to read about budgeting and saving in travel blogs and forums
Final Thoughts
The nature photographers are attracted by the mesmerizing beauty of the Auroras. The colorful ribbons of the heavenly light dances in the sky gives the most astonishing and heart-wrenching sight to its viewers. But the photography of Auroras are more challenging as the it is difficult to capture the clear heavens light in dim light and such a cold temperature and the unpredictable nature of auroras.
To conclude, witnessing the Northern Lights is a truly magical experience that will stay with you forever. With careful planning, the right gear, and a bit of luck, you can capture stunning images of this natural wonder. Remember to prioritize safety, dress warmly, and enjoy the journey.
