Experiencing the aurora borealis, often known as the northern lights, in all their splendor is unmatched. But when and where are they visible to you?
Fortunately for us, as we reach "solar maximum" in the present solar cycle, the following few years will be the optimum for witnessing the northern lights due to increased solar activity.
Thus, if you've been wanting to view the northern lights, now is the perfect time to go. Uncertain about where to go? Here is a list of some of the world's top locations to see auroras.
Although our planet's magnetic field shields us from energetic attack, the northern lights are produced when energized particles from the sun smash into Earth's upper atmosphere at up to 45 million mph (72 million kph).
The dramatic process turns into a cinematic atmospheric phenomena that astonishes and intrigues both scientists and skywatchers when Earth's magnetic field reroutes the particles toward the poles. In the same manner, the aurora australis, or southern lights, are formed.
We found out what three pieces of advise astronomer, author, and specialist on the northern lights Tom Kerss would provide to someone who wanted to view the lights.
What are the best strategies you know to observe the northern lights?
1. Seeing auroras depends on being in the correct spot at the right time, unless you're fortunate enough to have the lights come to you. Fortunately, you may improve your chances by knowing where and when they are most likely to become apparent. You will have the best chance if you go and be in Norway during the darkest, moonless nights, which fall between late September and mid-March.
2. It's critical to keep going! Even though the northern evenings may be very cold, you'll need to work hard and stay up late to fully experience the auroral zone. When the weather is favorable, you may see the Lights far into the night, but you should aim to remain up beyond midnight.
Which Aurora fact is your favorite?
The fact that auroras may be seen on several planets than Earth is one of my favorite things about them. Auroras may be seen on every planet in the solar system, with the exception of Mercury, as well as on a few moons and a comet! Furthermore, auroras may inform us about the interiors and ecosystems of these far-off worlds since we have measured them on other stars and potentially even exoplanets.
The simplest thing to do if you reside in Europe is to go to the far northern regions of Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. In such areas, a large number of locals are fluent in English, and there are several tour options.
Regardless of where you want to travel, keep in mind that seeing auroras on any given night may be challenging due to hazy sky. If at all possible, give yourself more time to account for bad weather.
Gianna Eleanor
Experiencing the aurora borealis, often known as the northern lights, in all their splendor is unmatched. But when and where are they visible to you?
Fortunately for us, as we reach "solar maximum" in the present solar cycle, the following few years will be the optimum for witnessing the northern lights due to increased solar activity.
Thus, if you've been wanting to view the northern lights, now is the perfect time to go. Uncertain about where to go? Here is a list of some of the world's top locations to see auroras.
Although our planet's magnetic field shields us from energetic attack, the northern lights are produced when energized particles from the sun smash into Earth's upper atmosphere at up to 45 million mph (72 million kph).
The dramatic process turns into a cinematic atmospheric phenomena that astonishes and intrigues both scientists and skywatchers when Earth's magnetic field reroutes the particles toward the poles. In the same manner, the aurora australis, or southern lights, are formed.
We found out what three pieces of advise astronomer, author, and specialist on the northern lights Tom Kerss would provide to someone who wanted to view the lights.
What are the best strategies you know to observe the northern lights?
1. Seeing auroras depends on being in the correct spot at the right time, unless you're fortunate enough to have the lights come to you. Fortunately, you may improve your chances by knowing where and when they are most likely to become apparent. You will have the best chance if you go and be in Norway during the darkest, moonless nights, which fall between late September and mid-March.
2. It's critical to keep going! Even though the northern evenings may be very cold, you'll need to work hard and stay up late to fully experience the auroral zone. When the weather is favorable, you may see the Lights far into the night, but you should aim to remain up beyond midnight.
Which Aurora fact is your favorite?
The fact that auroras may be seen on several planets than Earth is one of my favorite things about them. Auroras may be seen on every planet in the solar system, with the exception of Mercury, as well as on a few moons and a comet! Furthermore, auroras may inform us about the interiors and ecosystems of these far-off worlds since we have measured them on other stars and potentially even exoplanets.
The simplest thing to do if you reside in Europe is to go to the far northern regions of Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway. In such areas, a large number of locals are fluent in English, and there are several tour options.
Regardless of where you want to travel, keep in mind that seeing auroras on any given night may be challenging due to hazy sky. If at all possible, give yourself more time to account for bad weather.