31 JAN 2023

Northern Lights Season Is Here

AYAAN PAUL CHOWDHURY

the auroras

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, are stunning dancing waves of light that have mesmerised humanity for millennia.

Photo: Getty Images

violent origins

Despite its beauty, this amazing light show is actually a rather violent spectacle.

Video: Twitter/Astromackem

solar particles

The magnetic field of our planet shields us from energetic solar particles, which travel up to 72 million kmph in our atmosphere.

Video: Twitter/Vincent_Ledvina

cinematic lighting

As Earth's magnetic field leads the particles toward the poles, the dramatic process develops into a cinematic atmospheric phenomena.

Photo: Getty Images

where?

Most auroras occur in a band known as the "auroral zone" that includes areas such Alaska, the Canadian Territories, Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia.

Photo: Getty Images

when?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between November and March, during the long, dark polar nights.

Photo: Getty Images

visibilty

The lights are visible on clear nights with low levels of city light pollution and cloud cover.

Photo: Getty Images

tourism

There are various accommodation options available for Northern Lights viewing, including glass igloos, traditional cabins, and lodges with the best viewing spots.

Photo: Kakslauttanen Hotels

photography

To capture the Northern Lights, a tripod and a camera with manual settings are recommended. A fast lens with a wide aperture is also useful.

Photo: Getty Images