What are Northern Lights?
Northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are bright lights that appear at night, especially at high altitudes (around the Arctic and Antarctica). The northern lights are caused by the interaction between sunlight and the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. When energy from the sun, also known as the solar wind, enters the Earth’s atmosphere, it encounters gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions release various colored radioactive gases, including:
- Green,
- Yellow,
- Red,
- Blue,
- Purple.
The Northern Lights can be seen from August to early April, depending on location and weather. The best places to see the Northern Lights are in countries such as:
- Norway,
- Sweden,
- Finland,
- Iceland,
- Canada,
- Alaska
Northern Lights is a popular tourist attraction, and many travels to see them. But they are also an important scientific phenomenon that can help scientists better understand space weather and its effects on Earth.
Northern Lights Combination and Patterns:
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a beautiful phenomenon that occurs in the upper reaches of the Earth’s atmosphere, usually between 60 and 70 degrees north and south of the centerline. These lights are produced by the collision of solar particles with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
The pattern and combination of northern lights can vary depending on many factors, such as the solar wind’s strength and direction, the northern lights’ height, and the observer’s location. Here are some common patterns and combinations of the northern lights:
- Arcs – A bright light stretching across the sky is the most common form of aurora borealis. These arcs can be large and appear as a single material or in groups.
- Curtains – Another structure is a series of curtains hanging vertically in the breeze. These curtains can be thick or very thick and appear to move and dance.
- Coronas – A corona is a circular or oval-shaped aurora emanating from a central point. It can be very impressive, especially when viewed directly from below.
- Rays – Sometimes, these lights appear as rays extending above the horizon. These strands can be long and appear to bend and twist in the wind.
- Pulsing – The northern lights, like breathing, may also appear to pulse or vibrate. It is caused by changes in the solar wind and can produce a very hypnotic effect.
- Color – North can be many colors like green, pink, red, yellow, and blue. The most common color is green, caused by releasing oxygen molecules from the Earth’s atmosphere.
In general, the patterns and combinations of the aurora borealis can be varied and amazing, making them a wonder to watch and photograph.
Northern Lights and Sounds:
Although these Lights do not produce sound, they are susceptible to other associated sounds. These sounds are often described as crackling or laughing and are caused by the interaction of charged particles with the Earth’s magnetic field.
The sound of the Northern Lights is usually very low and can be difficult to hear unless you are in a very quiet area. Many people who have seen these Lights say that the sound adds to the communal experience, creating a truly spectacular light and sound effect in the northern sky.
Northern Lights of Norway and Iceland:
The two best places to see these lights are Norway and Iceland.
Norway is located in northern Europe and is known for its dramatic landscapes, fjords, and mountains. These lights can be seen in many parts of Norway, but the best places to see them are in the northern part of the country, especially in the Tromsø region.
Tromsø is located above the Arctic Circle and has a relatively stable climate, making it a great place to see the Northern Lights. Other places in Norway where you can see these lights are e.g
- Svalbard,
- Alta,
- Lofoten Islands.
Iceland is known for its geothermal hot springs, glaciers, and lava. These lights can be seen in Iceland from late August to mid-April, with the best viewing between December and February.
The locations to see these Lights in Iceland are:
- Reykjavik
- Akureyri
- Thingvellir National Park.
To have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights, visiting these places in winter when the nights are longer and darker. Choosing a place with clear air and light pollution is also important.
