The Northern Lights

One of the most astonishing natural phenomena offered by our planet is the Polar Aurora, which appears at the two magnetic poles of the Earth: the North Pole and the South Pole. The lights and colors of this luminous display are called "Auroras," and depending on where they appear, they are known as the "Aurora Borealis" or "Northern Lights" at the North Pole and "Aurora Australis" or "Southern Lights" at the South Pole.

The name "Aurora Borealis" was coined by the astronomer Galileo Galilei, who combined "Aurora" (the name of the Roman goddess of dawn) with "Borea" (the name of the North Wind god in Greek mythology).

The Northern Lights are a breathtaking display of vibrant lights in the nighttime sky. These lights are created by the collision of charged particles from the Sun with the Earth's atmosphere, resulting in a mesmerizing dance of colors.

The Polar Aurora can take on various colors and forms. The main factors that influence the colors of the auroras are three: the gases in the atmosphere, the altitude at which they develop, and the energy of the solar wind particles.

 

The most common color is green, emitted by oxygen hit by high-energy incident electrons (in the lower layers of the atmosphere), while oxygen emits red light when hit by low-energy incident electrons. Nitrogen usually produces blue light. The blending of green, red, and blue can lead to the appearance of other color variations such as purple, pink, yellow, and white. Regarding the shape, the auroral glow can appear in small patches of striped light, arches, undulating bands, or rays.

Undoubtedly, this celestial phenomenon has fascinated and inspired humanity for centuries, with many aspiring to witness it to fulfill a dream, planning trips in search of this extraordinary event of light in the sky. While its manifestation is not guaranteed, you can travel to special destinations where you can observe the Northern Lights.

Witnessing the Northern Lights is undoubtedly a magical and astounding experience. Planning a trip to contemplate this natural wonder creates unique and indelible memories.

 

For an unforgettable Northern Lights sighting, it's essential that the sky is clear with good visibility, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast continually and get away from city light pollution to get the best view. Patience is necessary while waiting for the magical moment, knowing you'll have to spend a night outdoors, even in the coldest months. It's often a good idea to rely on an expert guide by choosing a guided Aurora Borealis tour, as they can select the best location among the various Aurora Basecamps, combining the experience with stories about the history, folklore, and science of this celestial phenomenon. It's essential to bring a camera to capture the moment of these magnificent lights and embark on an extraordinary adventure in the deep darkness of the night, filled with the bright and colorful cosmic dance. 

 

 Text by Alisè Vitri, Avion Tourism Magazine

Photos: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Photo: Copyright © Visit Finland

The best destinations to see the Northern Lights include countries near the Arctic Circle, around the North Pole. The best observation period is during the winter when the nights are longer and, generally speaking, the months from September to March, depending on the observation locations. However, in some areas, it is possible to see it from the end of August until the beginning of April.