The Aurora Borealis
The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights is one of nature's most mesmerizing displays. This phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating a dazzling light show that can illuminate the night sky with vivid hues of green, red, pink, violet, and even blue.
This interaction occurs where the magnetic field is the weakest which means the North (Aurora Borealis) and South (Aurora Australis) Poles. To be witness to this celestial light show is truly awe inspiring and people spend thousands for the chance to see them. If you're dreaming of witnessing this phenomenon firsthand, you may be in luck.
2024 has been a fantastic year so far for the Aurora to be seen. Why is that? We are currently in, or fast approaching, the solar maximum and this maximum translates into much higher chances of Aurora. The exact timing of the solar maximum is still being debated and probably won't be known until some months after it has done but the general consensus is that it will occur in 2024 through to 2025.
On May 10th of this year there was a large solar storm that sent such intense solar winds hurtling towards our planet that it created Aurora that were visible as far south as Florida! The images above were taken by me in Pennsylvania that night. As we approach the fall season these incidents will once again become more visible as the nights get longer. There may not be a repeat of the large storm we saw in May, but the chances of getting close to that again are pretty high during the solar maximum.
So What is the Solar Maximum?
The Sun undergoes a regular cycle of activity that spans approximately 11 years (it typically ranges anywhere from 9 to 13). This cycle is marked by periods of low activity, known as solar minimum, and high activity, known as solar maximum.
The Sun's magnetic field is constantly changing, twisting, and interacting in complex ways.
Over the course of the solar cycle, these magnetic fields build up and eventually reorganize themselves, leading to increased solar activity. As the magnetic fields become more twisted and concentrated, the number of sunspots and solar eruptions increases, signaling the approach of solar maximum.
During the solar maximum, the Sun exhibits the highest number of sunspots—dark patches on the Sun's surface caused by intense magnetic activity. These sunspots are often associated with solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are powerful bursts of solar energy and plasma. These events can have a profound impact on space weather, influencing everything from satellite communications to, you guessed it, the Northern Lights.
What Makes the Colors of the Aurora Different?
The colors of the aurora are determined by the type of gas in Earth's atmosphere that interacts with the charged particles from the solar wind and the altitude at which these interactions occur. More intense solar winds can penetrate deeper into the atmosphere resulting in amazing color variety. Here's a breakdown of the aurora colors and their associated gases:
Green
Associated Gas: Oxygen
Altitude: About 60 to 150 miles (100 to 240 kilometers) above Earth
Details: Green is the most common color seen in auroras. It occurs when charged particles collide with oxygen molecules at altitudes between 60 and 150 miles. This is because oxygen is abundant at these altitudes, and when it is excited by the energy of the solar wind, it emits green light.
Red
Associated Gas: Oxygen
Altitude: Above 150 miles (240 kilometers)
Details: Red auroras occur at higher altitudes, typically above 150 miles, where the density of oxygen is lower. When oxygen at these high altitudes gets excited, it emits a red color. This red light is rarer and often appears on the fringes of green auroras or as faint, separate displays.
Pink and Violet
Associated Gas: Nitrogen
Altitude: Below 60 miles (100 kilometers)
Details: Pink or violet colors are produced when solar particles collide with nitrogen molecules at lower altitudes, typically below 60 miles. Nitrogen can also produce blue hues, but these are often mixed with other colors, resulting in purple or violet tones.
Blue
Associated Gas: Nitrogen
Altitude: Below 60 miles (100 kilometers)
Details: Blue auroras are less common and occur when nitrogen molecules are ionized at lower altitudes. These are often faint and can be challenging to distinguish from other colors.
How Do You See The Northern Lights?
Basically, you need four ingredients:
clear and dark skies
increased solar activity
favorable location
luck (and maybe a little technical help)
The combination of longer, darker nights, clearer skies, and favorable geomagnetic conditions during the months of September and March makes these seasons the best time to observe the Northern Lights.
The primary reason these two months are the best are due to the fall and spring equinox is that the Earth is aligned in such a way as to increase the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic field making for those more favorable geomagnetic conditions (a.k.a. geomagnetic storms) as noted above.
While the auroras can occur at any time of year, the chances of seeing them are significantly higher when the nights are long and the skies are clear so the winter months are also a pretty safe bet. This is one experience that is on a lot of bucket lists.
So, while we have no control over the weather or the chance that there will be enough solar activity to spark up the Aurora, we can control two factors: where and when. Many places around the world experience the Aurora up to 240 nights a year and those locations are pretty much all near or within the Arctic circle. This is simply due to the fact that the bulk of the Aurora occur at the poles and they may not be strong enough to be seen in lower latitudes.
Simply put: Getting further north increases your overall chances of seeing them.
With that in mind, I have created a list of the top ten places to go to improve your luck factor in becoming a witness to his celestial dance. I've also added a estimated cost to get there based on flights out of New York but this is, of course, subject to wild fluctuations as the airline industry tends to be. I picked New York due to both its large number of flight routes and because it is kind of central to the locations I have selected.
My Top Ten Aurora Destinations
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Tromsø is often called the "Gateway to the Arctic" and is one of the most popular spots to view the Northern Lights. Located above the Arctic Circle, this city offers stunning views of the Aurora, particularly during the Polar Night, when the sun doesn't rise for weeks. Beyond the lights, Tromsø boasts a vibrant cultural scene and plenty of outdoor activities like dog sledding and whale watching.
Getting There: The most efficient way to reach Tromsø is by flying. You can take an international flight to Oslo (OSL) from New York and then connect to a domestic flight to Tromsø Airport (TOS). Several airlines offer this connection with a short layover in Oslo.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-November to early April
Yellowknife is renowned for its clear skies and frequent aurora sightings. Located on the shores of Great Slave Lake, this remote Canadian city offers stunning views and a variety of winter activities. The area’s indigenous culture also provides a rich context for understanding the aurora’s significance.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Yellowknife Airport (YZF), typically with a connection in either Calgary (YYC) or Edmonton (YEG). Yellowknife is a small city, so transportation to your accommodation or viewing spots is straightforward.
If you do go through Calgary, consider making it a stopover and check out some of the wonderful family activities there. Maybe you'll get lucky and the city will be experiencing a Chinook!
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, offers easy access to some of the country's most scenic spots to view the Northern Lights. The nearby Þingvellir National Park and Grotta Lighthouse are popular viewing locations. While in Iceland, visitors can also explore glaciers, geysers, and hot springs (if they aren't closed due to lava flows!), making it a well-rounded travel experience.
Getting There: Direct flights are available from New York (JFK or EWR) to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) near Reykjavik. From the airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive or bus ride to the city center.
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Fairbanks is one of the best places in the United States to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its position under the auroral oval. The University of Alaska Fairbanks even operates a dedicated aurora forecast service to help visitors catch the lights. In addition to the Aurora, you can enjoy the Alaskan wilderness, hot springs, and unique cultural experiences.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), often with a layover in Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC). From the airport, it’s a short drive to downtown Fairbanks and nearby aurora viewing spots.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Abisko, located in Swedish Lapland, is home to the Aurora Sky Station, one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. The surrounding mountains and lack of light pollution make for perfect viewing conditions. Visitors can also experience the Sami culture, stay in an ice hotel, or embark on a snowshoeing adventure.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), then take a domestic flight to Kiruna Airport (KRN). From Kiruna, you can take a train or bus to Abisko, which is about an hour away.
Best Time to Visit: August to April
Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is not only known as the official hometown of Santa Claus but also as a prime destination for aurora viewing. The nearby Ounasvaara fell offers a great spot for watching the Northern Lights. Rovaniemi is also an excellent base for exploring Finnish culture, reindeer safaris, and staying in glass igloos designed for aurora viewing.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Helsinki Airport (HEL), then take a domestic flight to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN). Rovaniemi is a small town, so local transportation to hotels and aurora viewing spots is convenient.
Alternatively you could take the Santa express which is an overnight train that goes from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It is an absolutely delightful experience. I had the pleasure of going to Rovaniemi this way for Christmas a couple years ago to visit the sprawling Santa's Village complex as well as to go Aurora hunting. It was an amazing trip and I would recommend it to everyone: families with young kids, older kids, or even no kids! The experience is magical.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth, offering a truly unique setting for aurora viewing. During the Polar Night, when the sun doesn't rise for several months, the Northern Lights can be visible throughout the day. Svalbard’s rugged, remote environment adds an element of adventure to your aurora hunt.
Getting There: Take a flight from New York to Oslo (OSL), then connect to a domestic flight to Longyearbyen Airport (LYR) in Svalbard. Svalbard’s remote location makes flying the most practical option.
Best Time to Visit: September to April
Kangerlussuaq, a small town in Greenland, offers some of the most reliable aurora sightings due to its stable weather patterns. The town’s remote location, combined with the vast Greenlandic wilderness, provides a pristine backdrop for the Northern Lights. Visitors can also explore the massive ice sheet and engage in dog sledding and glacier hiking.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Copenhagen (CPH), then take an Air Greenland flight to Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ). There are limited flights to Greenland, so planning well ahead is crucial.
Best Time to Visit: November to March
The Yukon Territory in Canada is an excellent alternative to the NWT for viewing the Northern Lights. The town of Whitehorse offers accessible and reliable viewing spots, with clear skies and minimal light pollution. Beyond the aurora, visitors can explore the vast wilderness, take part in dog sledding, or soak in the Takhini Hot Springs while watching the lights dance above.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Whitehorse Airport (YXY), usually with a connection in Vancouver (YVR) or Calgary (YYC). Whitehorse is well-equipped for travelers, with easy access to aurora viewing sites.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
The Isle of Skye in Scotland offers a more accessible location for those in Europe to witness the Northern Lights. Although not as predictable as in other locations, the auroras here can be spectacular when they do occur. The island’s rugged landscapes, including the famous Old Man of Storr and Quiraing, add to the magical experience.
Getting There: Fly from New York to Glasgow Airport (GLA) or Edinburgh Airport (EDI), then rent a car and drive to the Isle of Skye. The drive offers stunning views of the Scottish Highlands and takes about 5-6 hours.
Estimated Travel Costs Overview
For a quick reference, here’s an overview of the estimated round-trip airfare from New York City to each destination:
Tromsø, Norway: $1,000–$1,500
Reykjavik, Iceland: $600–$1,000
Fairbanks, Alaska: $800–$1,200
Yellowknife, Canada: $700–$1,100
Abisko, Sweden: $900–$1,400
Rovaniemi, Finland: $900–$1,300
Svalbard, Norway: $1,200–$1,700
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland: $1,500–$2,000
Yukon, Canada: $600–$1,000
Isle of Skye, Scotland: $700–$1,200
Conclusion
Remember that technical help I mentioned as part of the luck factor? Well, there are several apps that you can download that will give you Aurora alerts. These can be very specific to a destination like one I used in Rovaniemi, or they can be more generic giving an approximate Aurora forecast for activity like the NOAA Space Weather App. Here are a few you can try out:
Hello-Aurora app
Aurora Alert Realtime website
NOAA 30 minute Aurora forecast website
Witnessing the Northern Lights is a bucket-list experience for many that combines the thrill of adventure with the stunning beauty of nature. From the Arctic Circle to remote islands, these ten destinations offer some of the best opportunities to see this breathtaking phenomenon. This is certainly looking to be a great year to take such a trip. While the cost of your Aurora hunting vacation can vary, the memories of seeing them dance in the sky will be priceless.
Seeing as all of these destinations are likely to be very cold, you should make sure to seek out hot springs and saunas to help ward off the chill. I've written a blog about the sauna culture around the world that might spark your interest in visiting one. You can also take advantage of our cold weather packing list too!
Happy Travels!
Il Digestivo
Some items you will want to have as you stand out on that frozen lake looking up at the skies. Stay toasty!
HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack
An essential and an absolute lifesaver for us when we were out in the cold nights in Rovaniemi watching the light show. Good for inside gloves or boots.
Specs & Details:
• Quantity: 20 Individual Hand Warmers (10 pairs).
• Duration OF Heat: Up to 10 hours of heat.
• Average Temperature: 135 degrees Fahrenheit (57 degrees Celsius).
• Country of Origin: Made in the USA using domestic and imported materials.
Sorel Men's and Women's Slippers
These faux fur slippers are designed for both indoor/outdoor use and will keep your toes toasty. They have a 1/2 inch heel and a rubber sole for improved non-slip navigation.
Ideal for a chilly hotel room or even a quick walk out to the mailbox in winter, they offer a range of colors and sizes. You're going to walk a bit so decent winter boots are a must too for standing outside for lengths of time.
Women's
Men's
UGG Women's Franca Travel Cardigan
Ugg is a very well known name associated with comfort. This loose fitting cardigan with oversize hood and welt pockets is sure to please. Ideal for lounging around the hotel room or for layering under a heavy jacket. Available in 3 different color options.
Aran Crafts Men's Irish Cable Knitted Cardigan Sweater
This Beautiful Aran Button Mens Sweater is made from 100% Irish Merino Wool ensuring you warmth and softness. Made by the renowned West End Knitwear, Irelands biggest knitwear manufacturer, and the Irish sure do know how to make clothes for a cold rainy day! Available in tan or charcoal.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comments