It’s Time to See the Fascinating Northern Lights!
We can say that the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the most fascinating natural events that occur on this planet that you can experience throughout your life. Contrary to popular belief, the Aurora is not just a natural phenomenon that can be seen every day in Northern Countries. It can also be seen as “Southern Lights” in a limited area of the Southern Hemisphere.
If you’re in the right place at the right time, you won’t believe how enchanting the dance of light in the night sky is!
In this article, we have compiled for you what you need to know about the northern lights, a natural phenomenon that everyone knows and few people witness, even by looking at their photos. I hope you will have a pleasant journey towards the Northern Lights while reading our article.
Before where and how we can see the Northern Lights, let’s briefly define what these lights are.
What are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)?
The Aurora Borealis, or Aurorax, is formed about 60-250 kilometers away from the earth, when parts of the sun break off into the earth’s magnetic field and get stuck. Particles coming from the sun come into contact with gas molecules in the atmosphere and spread to the sky by being colored. The colors of the Aurora are determined by the type of atoms colliding and the energy gained by the impact.
When do the Northern Lights appear?
The Northern Lights usually look better during the equinoxes in March and September, around September 23 or near March 21. These dates stand out because more solar particles interact with the atmosphere in the earth’s magnetic field. However, in different countries, the periods when it can be seen best according to climatic conditions may differ.
There are South lights too!
These Auroras are also found in the South Pole, they are also called Aurora Australis. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this natural wonder Southern Lights can also be seen in countries such as Tasmania and New Zealand.
Best places to see the Southern Lights in New Zealand: Stewart Island, Lake Tekapo, Mount Aoraki National Park, Dunedin, Catlins. In Tanzania, places like Hobart and Cradle Mountain are the best places to see the Southern Lights.
However, since there are more transportation alternatives to the Aurora Borealis seen in the North Pole and the number of countries where the Lights can be seen, compared to the Southern Hemisphere, countries within the Arctic Circle are mostly preferred to see the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights can be seen in many shapes and colors. The formation of each color is different. They can be seen more clearly in places where there is less light pollution. So, in which countries are the Northern Lights seen? Let’s go through the details together…
Where do the Northern lights appear?
The map above shows which countries in the North Pole can see the Northern lights.
In addition to countries marked on the continent of Europe and America, we remind you that in Russia, you can see the amazing dance of this amazing lights. Let’s take a look at the countries where the Northern lights are visible…
1.Finland
Finland is the top country in which you can see the Northern Lights best. Finland is attracted to one of the attractions, as alternatives that tourists can enjoy more than other countries in which the Northern Lights are seen also offer activities. Finland is a highly preferred destination, from August to early April, where you can easily see the Northern Lights during 200 days.
You can choose the igloos, which are made entirely of glass, to protect the -25 degree cold weather and to enjoy watching the Northern Lights from where you lie down in Iglo cabin. It promises an atmosphere that you can’t get enough of watching the Northern Lights with the magnificent nature of Finland.
Best times to see the Northern Lights in Finland:
September – October: Although your chance to see the Northern Lights in these months is lower than in other months, since it is not a snowy period, the sky can leave you with an astonishing view with the Northern Lights, which it brings to the show in a dark environment as much as possible.
January – March: The probability of seeing the Northern Lights is quite high during these two months with long and dark nights.
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland:
Rovaniemi, Kakslauttanen, Saariselkä, Luosto, Nellim, Nuorgam, Utsjoki, Inari, Ivalo. If you prefer to go to Rovaniemi, there are many great activities you can do besides watching the Northern Lights.
2.Norway
Another important destination in the North Pole where you will experience seeing the magnificent Northern Lights is Norway. In certain parts of the country, especially between October and March, it is a special time period where you can enjoy the Northern Lights.
Best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway:
September – October, March – April: Especially, the equinox times create a suitable environment for the Northern Lights in Norway as well as everywhere else.
November – December, January – February: The darkest times of the year are usually in these months. It is highly likely that you will see the Northern Lights in Norway during this period.
Best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway:
Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Senja, Alta, Svalbard, North Cape, Hammerfest.
3.Iceland
Warm water sources, volcanic mountains, glaciers and their natural beauty, Iceland is one of the most special countries to mention their name, as the Northern Lights are one of the places they can be seen. The best time to watch Northern Lights in Iceland is from the end of August to the middle of April.
Best places to see Northern lights in Iceland:
Reykjavik, Hvolsvollur, Skógafoss, DC Plane Wreck, Jokulsárlón, Stokksnes, Kirkjufell, Hvitserkur.
4.Sweden
Sweden is another popular destination that everyone flocking to see the Northern Lights every year. It is possible to monitor Northern Lights in many parts of the country between September and March.
Best places to see Northern lights in Sweden:
Kiruna, Jokkmokk, Porjus, Tarendo, Abisko, From Björkliden, Jukkasjärvi, Lulea, Tornedalen.
5. Scotland
Another country that hosts the Northern Lights is Scotland. Scotland, which houses the Dunnet Head, Isle of Skye and Northern Highlands, is one of the most interesting geographical countries. If you want to watch the Northern Lights in such an interesting atmosphere, we advise you to plan your trip between December and February.
In Scotland, you can see the Northern lights best:
Shetland, Orkney, Lewis & Harris Island, Lochinver, the Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, Galloway Forest Park, Edinburgh.
6.Greenland
Greenland will be a great choice for those who want to experience North Lights apart from tourists and groups of crowds. Greenland is a country where they see the Northern Lights of the land and develop the belief that” they are playing in the sky”, where you can face the brightest and most powerful forms of the Northern Lights. In particular, settlements such as Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut and Ilulissat are the best locations for you to see the Northern Lights frequently.
7. Canada
After the wilderness landscapes, the sparkling sky calls you to Canada. In particular, there are many places in the Northern Canadian Region where you can enjoy the Northern Lights, accompanied by the country’s untouched nature. If you’re one of those who prefer to see the Northern Lights from Canada, the ideal period is October-March.
The best places to see the Northern Lights in Canada:
Yukon, Manitoba, Alberta, Calgary, Nunavut, Tuktoyaktuk, Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Iqaluit, Kuujjuaq, Banff, Jasper.
8.Russia
Russia is reasonably priced compared to other alternatives observed by the Northern Lights, but Siberia is very cold, according to other options. If you include the ski experience on your Northern Lights trip, you can make your holiday more enjoyable.
Russia’s Kola Peninsula is the center of Aurora. In particular, the city of Murmansk is a perfect location for you to watch the Northern Lights. Kirovsk, Arkhangelsk, Petrozavodsk, Naryan-Mar, Novaya Zemlya (only allowed by special permission), Vorkuta, Yakutski, Salekhard are among the key centers where you can see the Northern Lights.
The Murmansk region on the Kola Peninsula is also a ski area, which is widely preferred by Russian tourists. Murmansk is the most crowded cosmopolitan city in the entire North Pole with its population of 300,000.
The best time to see the Northern Lights in Russia is from September to March. However, it should be noted that the most ideal months in this process are December and January. Because in these months, there is no daylight for 6 months in some regions. This increases your chances of seeing the lights.
9-Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks is the best place to see the Northern Lights in the United States of Alaska, which doesn’t mean you can’t see the Northern Lights in other US states or in areas in Alaska. However, Fairbanks is the most accessible city in which Aurora is the best chance of seeing.
If you’re flexible about your travel dates, we recommend planning your trip to March as this is the best time to enjoy clear skies and great Northern Lights shows in Alaska.
It’s time to experience this amazing experience!
Do not be late to feel this extraordinary natural phenomenon that you can see around the world! With a travel plan specially designed for you, our team will be happy to help you for a pleasant holiday experience from the region you want by chartering a private plane without any time constraints. Call us for a special travel design for your Private Plane, Private Helicopter, Private Transfer, and all your Special Day concepts!
You can see the position of the Aurora Ring from space in the image below. How exciting isn’t it?
Ireland, United Kingdom and Scandinavia on a moonlit night under an amazing aurora.
10 Information about the Northern Lights:
- Aurora Borealis, named after the Dawn Goddess Aurora, is the natural radiation that emerges in the sky, with the interaction of the earth’s magnetic field and the charged particles from the Sun.
- In the sky there are images similar to various shapes, such as arc, cloud, line, circular.
- In the past, people have considered these names as signs from God in the Middle Ages.
- Galileo Galilei first described the lights that appeared using the name Aurora Borealis in 1619.
- In 1741, Anders Celcius explained his observations that there was a large magnetic current when these names occurred.
- Originally, the Northern Lights also occur in the southern hemisphere. But the northern arctic lights are called “Northern lights”, called “South lights”, for the arctic lights that take place in the south.
- The reason that different colors of light appear is because there are different ions. So if the lights come out of the oxygen atoms, they’re usually green, usually red if they come out of nitrogen atoms.
- Pictures of the Cro-Magnons, who lived 30,000 years ago, were drawn to the cave ceilings in southern France, describing the northern lights.
- The Cassini spaceship has proven and photographed that the Northern lights are not only seen on our world, but on other planets.
- The best observable place on earth is the Yellowknife in North America and the Tromso in Europe, near Norway.
Factors That Determine Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights
- Intensity of Activity Occurring in the Sun
- Open Sky
- Light pollution
- Phases of the Moon (Avoid the Full Moon)
- Turn North & Clear Your Horizons
- Take Enough Time to See the Lights
- Solar Cycle
While sipping your coffee, we hope you feel that this unique experience has lived for a short time…
If you want to experience this experience with Private Airplane travel, contact us for all the details!