The Northern Lights-Everything You Need to Know

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most stunning and mysterious phenomena. They paint the northern sky with shimmering colors, captivating both scientists and travelers alike. This mesmerizing light display has fascinated humanity for centuries and has inspired numerous myths and legends across different cultures.

But what exactly causes the Northern Lights? Where and when can they best be seen? And how can you experience this unforgettable natural spectacle yourself? In this article, we delve deep into the secrets of the Aurora Borealis and answer all the key questions about this breathtaking phenomenon.

The Northern Lights-Everything You Need to Know About Aurora Borealis

What do you need to know about the Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are some of nature’s most stunning light phenomena, created when solar particles collide with the atoms in Earth’s atmosphere. This phenomenon has fascinated people for centuries, and in many cultures, the Aurora Borealis are associated with strong beliefs and legends.

The varying visibility of the Aurora Borealis depends on solar activity and weather conditions. As stated in Kemia magazine, the colors of the aurora are determined by the elements present in the sky. The auroras can display various combinations of green, red, pink, and blue, with green being the most common.

What is the reason we see the Northern Lights?

We are often asked what causes the Northern Lights. Our previous article explains this well:

“Charged particles, such as electrons, are ejected from the Sun’s surface. When these particles reach Earth’s magnetic field and collide with atmospheric gas molecules like oxygen and nitrogen, energy is released in these collisions. This energy is emitted as light, forming the stunning colors and patterns of the Northern Lights in different layers of the atmosphere.”

It can therefore be concluded that the Aurora Borealis occur when solar wind particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field. The stronger the solar wind, the brighter and more spectacular the auroras can be.

Why do the Northern Lights happen at night?

Although the Aurora Borealis can occur at any time of day, they are best seen at night because the dark sky provides the ideal contrast for them to stand out. In daylight, auroras often remain invisible, even if they are present in the sky.

As stated in an article by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the most typical time for auroras is a couple of hours around midnight:

“However, they can appear sporadically throughout the night, and during major geomagnetic storms, they may blaze across the sky from sunset to sunrise.”

Why are Northern Lights so rare?

The Northern Lights are not rare during the winter months in certain regions, such as northern Scandinavia—specifically in Finland, Norway, and Sweden—as well as in Canada. However, they are a rarer sight in other parts of the world. As we have already learned from this article, the occurrence of auroras depends on solar activity and the strength of the magnetic field, and they also require a dark, clear, and cloudless sky to be fully visible. During quieter phases of the solar cycle, auroras are rare even in these regions.

How long will the Northern Lights last?

The Aurora Borealis can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. A single auroral display can be a brief flash or a long-lasting, dancing light show. Strong geomagnetic storms can produce auroras for several hours, while weaker events may only last for a short moment.

Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?

Do the Northern Lights make noise?

Although the Northern Lights are primarily a visual phenomenon, electrical charges in the atmosphere can produce sounds. However, most people do not hear these sounds because they are very faint.

In an article by Yle, it is mentioned that Professor Emeritus Unto K. Laine from Aalto University has studied the sounds of the Northern Lights.

“According to Laine’s theory, during auroral displays, a variety of sounds can be heard from the sky, originating from the inversion layer at about 70 meters above the ground—much lower than the light phenomenon itself.

The volume of these sounds, recorded using scientific methods, has astonished researchers.”

Why are auroras different colors?

The color of the Northern Lights varies depending on the type of gas atoms in the atmosphere that collide with the Sun’s particles and at what altitude the collision occurs.

When oxygen atoms are involved, green and red light is produced, while nitrogen can generate shades of blue and violet.

The colors can also vary based on the altitude of the collision—auroras that occur higher in the atmosphere are often red, while those occurring at lower altitudes are typically green.

Why are Northern Lights magical?

What is the secret behind the Aurora Borealis? The secret behind the Northern Lights lies in the interaction between the Sun and Earth. Although the phenomenon is now well understood scientifically, its beauty and unpredictability still make it a captivating natural display. They are rare and difficult to predict, which only adds to their mystique.

The constantly changing shapes and colors of the auroras also make them breathtaking. Those of us who have experienced them understand their astonishing and calming effect.

But is the Aurora Borealis good or bad for you? Despite their mystique, it is known that the Northern Lights bring beauty and positivity with them. Many cultures throughout history have connected the auroras with stories and beliefs, seeing them either as a dance of spirits or as messages from the gods.

Where are the Northern Lights found?

The Aurora Borealis are mainly visible in the north and polar regions, but during strong geomagnetic storms, they can extend further south. As stated in the article Where are the Northern Lights?: “In the northern hemisphere, the northern lights can be seen especially near the North Pole, in areas such as Finland, Sweden, Norway, Canada, and Alaska.”

However, Finnish Lapland, located in northern Scandinavia, stands out among these locations. The Finnish Lapland -article describes it well:

“We cannot help but highlight Finland, whose northern location and vast wilderness areas near the Arctic Circle provide excellent opportunities for aurora viewing, especially during the winter months when the nights are long and the sky is often clear.”

Finnish Lapland - Best place to see the northern lights

Can the Northern Lights affect your sleep?

There is no direct scientific evidence that the aurora borealis affect sleep, but their brightness and stunning display can keep people awake.

Of course, many travelers are willing to stay up late for the chance to go Aurora Hunting, which naturally impacts their amount of sleep. However, we can promise that the aurora experience is definitely worth it!

Is it safe to fly during aurora?

Flying is very safe nowadays, even during the time of the Northern Lights. Many of us likely dream of experiencing the auroras up close, from above the clouds.

In an article by Finnair, it is mentioned: “Especially during longer night flights in the wintertime, you may see the northern lights when the cabin lights are dimmed, and the flight path goes above the clouds.”