What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis (northern lights) is created when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. Our Sun constantly releases a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, most are deflected by our planet’s magnetic field, but some get funneled toward the poles. There, they interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere, creating the glowing effect we see as auroras.
Earth’s Auroral Oval
Auroras aren’t random; they appear in specific areas near the North and South Poles in an oval-shaped region called the auroral oval. This happens because Earth’s magnetic field guides charged particles from the Sun toward the poles, where they interact with the atmosphere and create those breathtaking lights.
Colors of the Aurora
The colors of the aurora depend on the type of gas particles being hit and how high up they are in the atmosphere:
- Green: The most common color, caused by oxygen about 100 km above Earth.
- Red: A rarer color, also from oxygen, but at much higher altitudes.
- Blue & Purple: Caused by nitrogen, appearing when solar activity is particularly strong.
Where Can You See the Aurora?
Auroras are best seen in high-latitude regions close to the Arctic and Antarctic Circles. Some of the best places to witness them include:
- Abisko, Sweden (one of the best places in the world due to its clear skies)
- Norway
- Iceland
- Canada
- Alaska
- Finland
If you’re looking for the ultimate aurora-viewing experience, Lights Over Lapland in Abisko offers guided tours that increase your chances of seeing the lights!
Aurora Beyond Earth
Earth isn’t the only planet with auroras. Other planets, like Jupiter and Saturn, also have their own versions of these lights, thanks to their strong magnetic fields. However, their auroras are different in color and shape due to variations in atmospheric composition.
Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms
The intensity of an aurora depends on solar activity. When the Sun releases bursts of energy called solar flares, they can cause geomagnetic storms on Earth, making auroras even brighter and visible at lower latitudes. These storms can also disrupt satellites, power grids, and radio communications.
Photographing the Aurora
Want to capture the aurora’s beauty? Here are a few tips:
- Use a camera with manual settings
- Set a long exposure (5–15 seconds)
- Use a tripod to keep the camera steady
- Find a dark location away from city lights
If you’d rather have expert guidance, Lights Over Lapland offers aurora photography tours where you’ll learn how to capture the northern lights like a pro.
FAQ About How Auroras Are Formed
How are aurora borealis formed?
The aurora borealis is formed when energetic particles from the Sun, carried by solar wind, interact with Earth’s magnetic field. These particles are funneled toward the polar regions, where they collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, producing colorful light displays.
What does the Northern Lights look like?
The aurora often appears as glowing arcs, rays, or curtains in the sky. The lights can stretch across the horizon and change shapes or colors, ranging from green to red and even blue on rare occasions.
When is the best time to see the aurora borealis?
The best time to see the northern lights is between September and March, when nights are longest and the skies are darkest. Ideal conditions include dark skies and clear weather, with minimal light pollution. Locations like Abisko, Sweden, is one of the most reliable places in the world to see the northern lights, thanks to its unique microclimate known as the Blue Hole of Abisko.
Want to maximize your chances of seeing the aurora? Join a guided aurora tour with Lights Over Lapland and let our experts find the best locations for you!
FAQ About Lights Over Lapland
Where is the best place to see the northern lights in Sweden?
Abisko, Sweden, is one of the best places in the world for viewing the aurora due to its clear skies and ideal location under the auroral oval. Read more about this phenomenon called the Blue Hole here. Lights Over Lapland offers tours that maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
What kind of aurora tours does Lights Over Lapland offer?
Lights Over Lapland provides guided aurora tours, photography tours, and customizable holiday packages for those wanting a unique Arctic experience.
Do I need special equipment to see the aurora?
No special equipment is needed—just your eyes! However, a camera can capture more light than the human eye, and our guides can help you take stunning aurora photos.
What should I wear on an aurora tour?
Dress warmly in layers! Temperatures can be very cold, so insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and thermal clothing are essential. You can read a full list of everything you need here on our blog: How To Stay Warm In The Arctic
Auroras are one of nature’s most stunning phenomena, and now you know how they’re formed! If you want to see them for yourself, book a trip with Lights Over Lapland and experience the magic firsthand.
