The northern lights , popularly known as Aurora Borealis , is a phenomenon taken Straight out of a science fiction, but when you know the logic behind the occurrence of the northern lights then the magical lights makes perfect sense. The northern lights are fast moving charged particles emitted by the sun during a solar storm. These particles are attracted towards the polar regions due to their magnetic field and the colors of these lights are due to the collission of these charged particles with the atmospheric gases. Let’s take a closer look at 10 places around the world where you stand a chance of catching these beautiful lights :
Abisko, Sweden
The micro climate of Abisko gives the village clear nights greatly increasing the possibility of appearance of the northern lights. The unique Tornetrask lake creates an area that is devoid of clouds in all weather conditions. This area is popularly known as Blue hole of Abisko and is an ideal place for spotting the Northern lights. Aurora Borealis takes the form of curtains, coronas and spirals in Abisko.
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Fairbanks, Alaska
The best place to spot the northern lights in Alaska is Fairbanks . While in Alaska you can also seek the help of the University of Alaska that is known to forecast the appearance of the northern lights in this region. According to the Fairbanks Visitors Bureau, September to March presents the highest probability of spotting the northern lights in Alaska. If you visit Fairbanks for 3 days during this period then your chances of spotting the Aurora Borealis would increase dramatically.
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Siberia, Russia
If you are not put off by the bone chilling temperatures of Siberia then you might just be among the lucky few who spot the northern lights phenomenon in Siberia. The fact that the auroral belt where the Solar gas collides with the magnetic field of Earth passes over this area, makes it a great place to spot the northern lights. Furthermore the long dark nights and low levels of light pollution in Siberia make it a perfect location to try your luck.
Lousto, Finland
Despite its small size Luosto is a great place for skiing and snowmobiles and sighting the northern lights . The Grand Arora arch moves from one side of the Horizon to another and there is high probability of witnessing the northern lights in the sky near Lake Inari on a clear night.
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Alberta, Canada
Alberta is well known for Two of the largest dark sky preserves in the world : the Wood Buffalo and the Jasper National Park. So you can expect no artificial light to hinder your view of the Aurora Borealis in Alberta. The best time to spot the northern lights over here is between September to May.
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Iceland
Although you can get great pics of the Aurora Borealis anywhere in Iceland but Pingvellir National Park prides itself on the darkest nights that will allow you to witness and capture pics of this mystical phenomenon. You can also try spotting the northern lights near the beautiful beaches of Iceland.
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The Faroe Islands, Denmark
Owing to its weather conditions similar to the British Isles, the 18 Islands of Denmark offer a chance witness the Aurora Borealis. The Faroe Islands of Denmark provide a perfect setting to witness the breathtaking northern lights.
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Tromso, Norway
Situated just above the Arctic Circle, Norway provides for a great setting to witness the northern lights. Due its mild coastal climate and location in the Northern Lights oval , Tromso is the most preferred destination in Norway to spot the northern lights regardless of the sun’s cycles.
PC: visittromso.no
Kulusuk, Greenland
If you want to witness the Aurora Borealis before anyone else in the world then Kulusuk in Greenland is the place to be at. You can capture great photos of the magical northern lights as soon as it gets dark in Greenland.
PC: guidetogreenland.com
Aberdeen, Scotland
Despite the cloudy and stormy weather of Scotland , Aberdeen is a popular destination to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. The sightings happen during the winter season when the cloud disappears and the sky is clear. If you intend to witness the Aurora Borealis on a budget then Aberdeen is the ideal place.
PC: thescottishsun.co.uk
