Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, is a natural phenomenon that has fascinated humans for centuries. It is a spectacular display of colorful lights that dance across the sky in the northern hemisphere, and is caused by the interaction between the Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the sun.

In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into what causes the northern lights, the best places to see them, and some tips for capturing this breathtaking display on camera.

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The northern lights are caused by solar activity. When the sun emits a large amount of charged particles, also known as a coronal mass ejection (CME), these particles can reach the Earth’s atmosphere and interact with its magnetic field. This interaction causes the charged particles to collide with gas molecules in the atmosphere, which in turn creates the beautiful display of colors we see in the sky.

The colors of the northern lights are determined by the type of gas that the charged particles collide with. Oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen produces blue and purple lights.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The northern lights can be seen in several places in the world, but the best places to see them are those located close to the Earth’s magnetic poles. Some of the top destinations for northern lights viewing include:

  1. Iceland – Iceland is one of the best places to see the northern lights, thanks to its location close to the Arctic Circle and low light pollution.
  2. Norway – Norway is another popular destination for northern lights viewing, especially in the city of Tromsø, which is known as the «Gateway to the Arctic».
  3. Sweden – Sweden is another great destination for northern lights viewing, with the town of Abisko being a popular spot thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution.
  4. Canada – The northern parts of Canada are also great places to see the northern lights, with destinations such as Yellowknife and Whitehorse being popular spots.

Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights on Camera

Capturing the northern lights on camera can be a challenging task, but with the right equipment and techniques, it’s definitely possible. Here are some tips for getting the best shots of the northern lights:

  1. Use a tripod – When taking photos of the northern lights, it’s important to keep the camera steady, as even the slightest movement can result in blurry images. Using a tripod will help you keep the camera steady.
  2. Use a wide-angle lens – A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the sky and increase the chances of capturing the northern lights.
  3. Use a high ISO setting – The northern lights are usually visible in low light conditions, so it’s important to use a high ISO setting on your camera to capture the colors of the aurora.
  4. Experiment with different shutter speeds – Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the movement of the northern lights. A slow shutter speed can create a beautiful, flowing effect.

Conclusion

The northern lights are a breathtaking natural phenomenon that has captivated humans for centuries. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a budding photographer, witnessing the northern lights is an experience you won’t forget. By choosing the right location and equipment, and following some simple tips, you can capture this magical display on camera and share it with the world.