The Northern Lights

 The northern lights

 

During our Erasmus in Finland, we were lucky enough to see the northern lights. In Kuopio or Lapland, we were able to see these magnificent lights in the sky.

 

Sciences

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon characterized by colorful displays of light that illuminate the night sky, predominantly in polar regions. They occur when charged particles emitted by the sun, known as solar wind, interact with the Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere.

These collisions create vibrant curtains, arcs, or bands of light, with colors ranging from green and red to blue and purple. The Northern Lights are most commonly observed near the Earth's magnetic poles and are a mesmerizing natural spectacle sought after by travelers worldwide.

 

Find northern lights

Start by checking aurora forecasts and space weather reports to gauge the likelihood of activity in your region. Consider joining guided tours led by experienced experts who know prime viewing spots. Opt for accommodations in remote areas with minimal light pollution and stay overnight for multiple opportunities. 

Use aurora apps for real-time notifications and be patient and persistent, as sightings depend on unpredictable factors like weather and solar activity. Learning to read the sky can also help spot subtle signs of aurora activity. By combining these strategies, you increase your chances of witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of the Northern Lights.

Types of northern lights

Auroras, whether in the Northern Hemisphere (Aurora Borealis) or the Southern Hemisphere (Aurora Australis), are mesmerizing displays of light caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun with the Earth's magnetic field. These interactions produce various types of auroras, each with its own distinct characteristics.

Diffuse Auroras are the most common and basic type of auroras. They appear as a faint, evenly spread glow across the sky. Diffuse auroras are usually observed during periods of low solar activity and at lower latitudes. They lack distinct shapes or patterns and often serve as the background for more defined auroral displays.

Arc Auroras manifest as distinct bands or arcs of light stretching across the sky. These bands can vary in intensity and color, ranging from pale green to vibrant red or purple. Arc auroras are more structured than diffuse auroras and are frequently observed during moderate geomagnetic storms.

Curtain Auroras are characterized by vertical streaks or curtains of light that appear to hang down from the sky. These curtains often exhibit rapid motion and dynamic shapes, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Curtain auroras are typically seen during strong geomagnetic storms and are among the most captivating types of auroral displays.

 

Figure 1 : Northern lighs in Lapland

Sources

https://www.visitfinland.com/en/articles/the-best-times-to-see-northern-lights/

https://www.lapland.fi/visit/about-lapland/northern-lights/

 

Written by Elise Paris