Learn about the best times, locations and tips for experiencing the magical Northern Lights in the beautiful Lapland winter landscape. If the Northern Lights are present, we make sure you won’t miss it with these handy tips.
Did you know that Southern Lights does exist as well? It is the same as Northern Lights but on the South pole.
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What are the Northern Lights?
The sun continuously emits electrically charged particles in all directions, consisting mainly of components and protons. These particles form the solar wind and have a variable speed
Earth’s magnetic field protects our planet from the harmful effects of the solar wind by blocking out most charged particles.
Some charged particles from the solar wind can enter Earth’s magnetic field and be guided toward the poles. When these particles collide with oxygen atoms and nitrogen molecules in the upper atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light.
The energy is released during this collision and is emitted as light particles, mainly in the form of glows or streaks in the sky. The colors vary depending on the type of gas particle affected and the altitude causing the nuisance. For example, oxygen atoms can emit green and red light, while nitrogen molecules can emit blue and purple light.
The best time to spot the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are always there, but not always visible with the eye. This we call background data a faint green glow. Sometimes the sun throws more energy towards us trough a CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) or a Coronal Hole (CH). Which can increase the Aurora activity because it sends more energy towards us. This can give us a great show with movement in the aurora visible with the eye. The Northern Lights can be seen between mid-August and early April, when nights are dark and cloudless. The best time to see it is between 9 PM and 2 AM.
The best location to spot the Northern Lights
Look for a place with as less as possible light pollution. Go to an open place like a mountain, hill, lake, swamp,… Somewhere you have a far sight or/ and a high altitude. We are located close to the Arctic circle which give us more change of visibility of the Northern Lights.
How to dress for hunting the Northern Lights
Hunting the Northern Lights asks for being comfortable and not having cold. Since you will be outside for a long time it is important to wear enough layers. If you bring your camera gear with you make sure to have an extra pair of thin gloves with you to be able to adjust your camera settings. Make sure you are dressed in layers, start with a warm underlay of merino wool or bamboo to keep warm and control moisture, wear a layer of comfortable clothing above and protect yourself against the snow with a good waterproof and warm outer layer. Complete your outfit with a warm hat and gloves.
Still having cold, warm yourself up in the aurora sled and enjoy the show through the panoramic windows of it.
