Chasing the Northern Lights, why not you!

Who hasn't dreamed of traveling to the far north to admire the northern lights?

Many people dream of seeing at least once in their life the incredible light spectacle that takes over the Arctic sky. To admire a northern light, you need to head towards the countries of the North Pole during the winter wonderland season, to witness this natural phenomenon that no photo or video can truly capture. You have to see it live during a polar night to truly appreciate this celestial beauty. For those who dream of witnessing this magnificent beauty, the northern lights are like a cherry on top of the cake.

What is a Northern Light?

A northern light is essentially a polar aurora observed in the northern hemisphere, which is actually a luminous phenomenon characterized by extremely colorful veils at a certain latitude in the night sky. Green is the predominant color, which can be complemented by other colors such as purple, pink, and blue depending on the intensity.

Northern lights are often caused by violent solar storms releasing a large quantity of electrons and protons that come from the sun and reach Earth's atmosphere, exciting oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which then suddenly become luminous and produce the magnificent veils (ribbons or curtains) of colored light.

The green color of northern lights is explained by the collision between charged particles with oxygen molecules at low altitudes (approximately 100 to 300 km).

Each aurora differs from another. The experience is unique and incomparable. Participating ten times will give you ten different shows, believe me.

Where to See the Northern Lights?

As we have noted, northern lights are more easily visible closer to the magnetic poles.
Thus, Alaska, Antarctica, Lapland, Iceland, Greenland, and northern Canada are the most suitable areas to observe them.

For Europeans, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland are the most accessible countries to see them.

However, they are not observed in the same way depending on the country.

In the case of Norway, it is recommended to be above the Arctic Circle to maximize your chances of observing them or in Tromso, which is one of the recognized cities for seeing northern lights.

Located north towards the Arctic Circle, Iceland is a prime destination for observing northern lights.

In Iceland, northern lights can be seen from late August to mid-April, so logically for 8 months. A trip to Iceland during this period in Iceland is then a great chance for you to see them if weather conditions are favorable.

Northern lights are visible to the naked eye, like stars, but only during dark nights with a clear sky. In Iceland, the sun does not set in summer, which is why it is impossible to see them. However, in summer you can admire the midnight sun.

In Sweden, you need to be in the north of the country, specifically in Lapland, to have a chance to see them. Your flight should therefore land at Kiruna airport. The most ideal period for seeing northern lights in Lapland is between late September and late March. But your chances will be more optimal during winter months such as November, December, January, and February. However, you can still observe them in September, October, and March if weather conditions are good.

Surprisingly, there is also another impressive natural phenomenon that you can see in Sweden: the midnight sun. In summer, around the summer solstice, the sun is visible 24 hours a day north of the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon lasts an average of 30 days: In Abisko from June 17 to July 19, in Jokkmokk from June 8 to July 3, and in Kiruna from May 31 to July 11.

But also in southern Sweden, another phenomenon occurs around the summer solstice: it is the white night, which is a night where although the sun has set, it does not descend far enough below the horizon for night to take on its black color.

In northern Canada and in most regions surrounding Earth's magnetic poles, it is not uncommon to see the phenomenon of northern lights once night falls. Fabulous and almost contemplative, northern lights always impress and many visitors consider them a must-see when traveling to the Great North.

Observing northern lights takes place in three main locations: high latitude regions, mid-latitude regions, and low-latitude regions.

High latitudes include northern Alaska and Nunavik in Quebec. In these locations situated between 64 degrees and 87 degrees north latitude, aurora borealis manifestations are almost daily.

Low latitudes like Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa require very good solar eruptions to witness auroral displays. Statistically speaking, you can observe northern lights 1 to 3 nights per month in these regions of the country. Very often, northern lights are active just before midnight. However, they can be observed on rare occasions between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM.

According to several observation statistics the months of September-October and February-March are most favorable for observing this fascinating phenomenon.

When to See Northern Lights?

In most cases, the ideal period for seeing northern lights is between September and March and between 6 PM and 1 AM. Yet one can never be sure of seeing them. It is important to consider activities forecasts like weather because things can change.