The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon of colorful illuminations that dance across the sky. The Aurora borealis has been described as a natural light phenomenon caused by magnetic particles from the solar wind interacting with the Earth´s atmosphere. These lights give off such colors as pale fluorescent green and may be accompanied by clapping sounds.

But there are only a few places in the world where you can actually see them. According to Alaska.org, the most reliable spot to see the Northern Lights while you’re visiting The Last Frontier is in Fairbanks. Another spot, just west of Fairbanks, is Ester Dome where you can have an unobstructed viewing spot.

Then there’s Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland, where you can take a tour and experience “Aurora hunting.” In Scotland, you can see the lights in Aberdeen, Isle of Skye, Northern Highlands, and Dunnet Head. You can see the Northern Lights in Greenland’s Kulusuk and Ammassalik. In Finland, you can visit Tromsø, Alta, Svalbard, Finnmark, and in Sweden, you can visit Abisko in Swedish Lapland. If you visit Canada, Scandinavia, and even Russia you might be able to visit this fascinating light show.

Keep in mind that you can only see the Northern Lights at night – and especially when the weather is clear — so you want to be at your touring spot when there is the most darkness, which would be from September until the end of April. Unfortunately, no one can say exactly when or when the Northern Lights are going to show up, but by knowing the right time to go, and the city you need to be in to increase your chances to see them, you’ll have the best odds of seeing this splendor.

According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, being able to see the Aurora depends mainly on two factors, geomagnetic activity (the degree of disturbance of the earth’s magnetic field at the time) and your geographic location. Further considerations are the weather at your location, and light pollution from city lights, full moon and so forth.

Talk to your travel agent if you would like to put together a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see the Northern Lights. If you’re lucky enough to see it, you’ll never forget it. 

Jody’s Travel Inc