What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena, captivating us especially on dark winter nights. Many have surely heard of this incredible celestial display, but what exactly lies behind the Northern Lights? What makes these colorful lights dance in the sky? Can intense solar activity really cause the aurora, or is it just a coincidence?

Aurora Borealis is a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating stunning visual patterns in the sky. In this article, we will take a closer look at what truly creates the Northern Lights and whether solar storms are part of this magical phenomenon.

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Do solar storms cause Aurora Borealis?

Solar storms can cause the Northern Lights. Aurora borealis solar storms is a powerful particle eruption occurring on the Sun, creating a cloud of particles that reaches Earth. When the magnetic fields of sunspots merge, a burst of million-degree, highly magnetized plasma is released from the Sun’s atmosphere. These charged particles collide with Earth’s magnetic field and interact with the gases in the atmosphere, creating the Northern Lights, especially at high latitudes.

We are often asked what causes the aurora borealis northern lights. We answer this question well in our previous article.

“The aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, is a natural light phenomenon that occurs when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere.”

When is the Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights are best seen in northern regions, such as Lapland, but sometimes they can also be visible further south if solar activity is particularly strong. In a previous article, we explain in more detail when you are most likely to see the Northern Lights.

“As in other parts of the Nordic region, the best time for Aurora hunting in Finland is between September and March, after 10:00 PM. At this time, it is guaranteed to be dark in Lapland, and geomagnetic radiation is also stronger.”

It’s worth following the aurora borealis/northenr lights forecasts, which provide information about solar activity and tell you when the best chance to see the Northern Lights is, and when the next Aurora Borealis will occur.

Can Aurora Borealis happen anywhere?

The Northern Lights can only be seen in certain areas located around the northern and southern polar circles. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Northern Lights are particularly visible at latitudes between 60–75 degrees, such as in the Laplands of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Russia, and southern Greenland. In Finland, the Northern Lights can be seen up to 200 nights a year, especially in Northern Lapland near Kilpisjärvi. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Northern Lights can also be seen on the opposite side of the Earth, such as in Australia.

The Northern Lights occur when solar wind interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, and the phenomenon is most intense near the poles. Therefore, the Northern Lights cannot be seen everywhere in the world, as they are primarily limited to these specific regions.

How to see Aurora Borealis?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is in the fall and winter, particularly from November to February, when the nights are long and the sky is dark. It’s important to choose a location with minimal light pollution, as the lights from cities, towns, and traffic routes can block the view of the aurora. The website of the online cabin explains the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights:

“There are two key conditions for seeing the Northern Lights: darkness and a cloudless sky. On a cold, frosty day, the sky is usually very clear, which in turn increases the chances of seeing the aurora’s glow. During milder weather, a cloud cover may, in the worst case, completely block the visibility of the aurora.”

Statistically, the Northern Lights are most visible around midnight, so it’s best to plan your aurora hunting for the evening and night hours.

Where is the aurora borealis mainly seen?

Many people surely wonder where to see aurora borealis.

Auroras are primarily visible in the northern hemisphere, especially in areas located around the Arctic Circle and north of it. This region is known as the auroral oval. In Finland, the best places to see auroras are in Lapland, particularly north of Rovaniemi and in areas above 65° north latitude. We are often asked, which country does have aurora borealis. Auroras can also be seen in other northern regions, such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, and Alaska. The Finnish Meteorological Institute provides information on where exactly is the aurora borealis visible:

“In Finland, auroras are most commonly seen in Northern Lapland, near the latitude of Kilpisjärvi. When the sky is clear during the dark hours, auroras are observed there on average three nights out of four (75% of nights).”

Auroras can also occur further south, particularly during strong solar flares, but these are rarer in southern areas.

Where is the most beautiful real Aurora Borealis in the world?

The world’s most beautiful auroras can be seen especially in Northern Finland, such as in Rovaniemi, Inari, and Utsjoki, as well as in Tromsø, Norway, Iceland, the Yukon and Alberta regions of Canada, and Fairbanks, Alaska. These areas are considered some of the best places to see aurora borealis, and auroras can be admired particularly during the winter months, when clear skies and dark nights offer the best opportunities to witness stunning northern lights.

Best time to see the Northern Lights 2025

What is the best time to see Aurora Borealis?

The best time to see the aurora borealis is usually around midnight when the sky is darkest. Late winter and early autumn are statistically the best periods for aurora sightings. In spring, especially in March, the sky is often clearer and less cloudy, making it an excellent time for aurora watching. As we mentioned in the previous article The Nothern Lights-Aurora Borealis:

“The best time to admire the Northern Lights is late at night, typically between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM. This is when the auroras are usually at their brightest and most intense.”

Can you see the Aurora Borealis tonight?

If you want to see the aurora borealis, the most reliable way to catch a glimpse is by following local forecasts. In the previous article Finland Northern Lights – 10 Most Common Questions, we shared where you can follow aurora sightings:

“You can track the Northern Lights using various forecasts, such as the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory or the Aurora Forecast app, and the best views are usually seen when the Kp-index is 5 or higher. Cloudless nights are key, and the best time is from autumn to spring.”

At Book Lapland, we take aurora hunting to the next level. Our “No Limits Aurora Tours” offer the best possible chance to witness the Northern Lights in the skies of Lapland. We understand that seeing the auroras is on everyone’s bucket list, and we go above and beyond to ensure our guests experience this magical phenomenon. Book Guaranteed Aurora Tour here!

How rare is the Aurora Borealis?

The aurora borealis are relatively common in Northern Finland, especially during the winter months when the nights are long and the sky is dark. According to statistics from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, in the northernmost parts of Lapland, such as Kilpisjärvi and Utsjoki, the northern lights appear in the sky on three out of four nights.

Although auroras can be seen on most winter nights, their intensity varies depending on solar activity.