Have you always been fascinated by the dazzling displays of the Northern Lights and wondered what it's like to witness their beauty in person? Aurora hunting, chasing the Northern Lights, is an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. As an Aurora Hunter, you'll venture out under the night sky, far from the city lights, scanning the horizon for the telltale glow. When the lights ignite the sky with their dance, time stands still. Greens, reds, and purples swirl and shimmer before your eyes. Pictures don't do the Aurora Borealis justice. To fully experience their magnificence, you have to be there bundled up in the cold, surrounded by nature. If you've ever asked yourself any questions about how, when or where to see the Northern Lights, this guide will illuminate everything you need to know to become an Aurora Hunter. The lights are calling you north - are you ready to answer?
Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.
Designed For Beginners
Designed For Beginners
Update: Hey there, we've added 10 free videos from our Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course to this post. In the videos, we explain the mysteries of the Aurora Borealis in simple terms for beginners. You'll learn things like what the Northern Lights really look like and how long the show lasts. Also covered are common shapes, Aurora forecasting, tips for finding the best viewing spot, and more. We made the videos short and right to the point. Enjoy learning new things about one of nature's most incredible light shows.
How Aurora really looks like? (video from Northern Lights Online Course)
What Is Aurora Hunting?
Aurora hunting means going out at night to observe the spectacular Northern Lights display in the sky. The Aurora Borealis, as they're also called, are caused by solar particles entering the Earth's magnetic field and colliding with gasses such as oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere.
When the particles collide with the gasses, the energy released creates the stunning lights that dance across the sky. The shows can last anywhere from a few minutes to hours at a time. Some of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis are in northern areas of Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
To go Aurora hunting, you'll want to dress for very cold weather, often subzero temperatures. Thermal undergarments, insulated pants, warm coats, hats, gloves, and insulated boots are must-haves. You'll also want to bring snacks, hand warmers, a flashlight, spare batteries, a compass, and a camera to capture the dazzling sky.
The Aurora Borealis is most active during the equinoxes in March and September. The best time of night to view them is often between 10 pm and 3 am. While Auroras are sometimes visible to the naked eye, binoculars or a low-light capable camera may provide an even better view.
No need to worry about the Northern Lights affecting you physically or what would happen if you touched them - they are too far away in the atmosphere for that. You can safely enjoy the amazing light show! The Aurora Borealis is a wonder of the natural world that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket list item for many, but to have the best experience of Aurora hunting, you need to be prepared.
Proper Clothing
When watching the aurora borealis, you'll be outside at night, so dress for cold weather. Thermal undergarments, insulated pants, warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves and thick socks are must-haves. Waterproof outer layers are also a good idea in case it rains or snows. Comfort is key, so wear comfortable, loose-fitting layers you can move around in.
Essential Equipment
Bring a camera, tripod and extra batteries or a portable charger so you can capture the colorful lights dancing across the sky. A flashlight with a red light is best for night vision. Pack hand warmers, blankets, folding chairs and snacks to make your viewing experience cozy.
Don't forget to install the Aurora app (Lumyros or other) so you know where to look for the Aurora. The lights often appear in the northern part of the sky, near the horizon. But they can sometimes be seen overhead, so scan the entire sky.
Before going out for your first Aurora hunt it's a smart move to take Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course where you will learn all you need to know to successfully hunt for the Northern Lights. This course is designed for beginners so you don't need to worry about not knowing much yet.
The Aurora can last anywhere from a few minutes to hours, so prepare for a long night. But the opportunity to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows in person is worth bundling up for. The bright, shimmering lights of the Aurora borealis are a phenomenon you'll never forget.
To have the best chance of seeing the northern lights in all their glory, you need to put yourself in the right place at the right time. Some of the ideal conditions and locations for aurora hunting include:
Low Light Pollution
The Aurora Borealis is best viewed away from city lights and ambient light that can drown out the natural light show. Head to remote areas, national parks, or designated dark sky places. Some top spots include Yellowknife in Canada's Northwest Territories, Abisko National Park in Sweden, or several spots around Tromsø in northern Norway.
Check our article on how to easily find the best place for Northern Lights viewing in 4 easy steps: Where Can I See the Northern Lights
An easy way to find the darkest place near Vancouver ideal for Aurora viewing is to use the light pollution map: Light Pollution Maps for Aurora Hunters
High Latitude
The closer you are to the north magnetic pole, the better your viewing potential. Places inside the “Auroral Oval”, like northern parts of Canada, Alaska, Norway, Sweden and Finland offer prime Aurora hunting locations.
Solar Activity
The Sun fuels the Aurora, so pay attention to the Kp index which measures disturbances in the magnetic field that can lead to visible Auroras. A Kp index of 5 or higher means a geomagnetic storm is possible and your chances of spotting the lights are good. Check Aurora forecasts and alerts so you know the best nights to head out.
The Northern Lights Forecast Vancouver for 3 days and long-term Aurora forecast for up to 27 days ahead can be found here: Geophysical Institute Forecast, NOAA Aurora Forecast, Spaceweatherlive Forecast and Aurora activity in real-time here: Boreal Webcams
Moonless, Clear Night
For the best display, hope for a clear, moonless night. The light from the Moon can wash out the colorful lights. Check the lunar calendar and watch the weather to pick a night with little or no moonlight and a clear forecast.
Midnight and Equinox
The hours around midnight, especially closer to the equinoxes in spring and fall, tend to be prime time for Auroras. Be prepared for late nights - some of the most spectacular shows don’t start until 1 or 2am. But when they do, it’s worth staying up for!
With the right conditions in one of the ideal locations, you’ll have a great shot at witnessing the amazing celestial spectacle of the northern lights. So bundle up, bring hot cocoa, your camera, a sense of adventure and enjoy one of nature’s greatest wonders. Happy hunting!
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. When the particles collide with gasses like oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere, they emit light of varying colors. The most common auroras are greenish in color, but you may also see red, pink, purple, and blue.
How often can I see the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are often active, but can only be seen when the sky is dark and clear. The frequency of visible Auroras depends on your location and the Solar Cycle. Near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, the lights are visible quite often. At mid-latitudes, sightings are less frequent but still possible. The Solar Cycle also affects visibility, with more Auroras seen around the peak of the 11-year cycle.
What is the best time to view the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are often most visible between 10 pm and 3 am. This is because the sky is darkest during these hours, allowing the lights to be seen clearly. For the best views, get away from city lights by traveling to a rural area, mountain, or nature preserve.
Do I need any special equipment?
To see the Northern Lights, all you really need is your own eyes. However, a camera can enhance the experience. A camera, especially one capable of long exposure photography, can capture the colors and movement of the Auroras. Some extra gear like warm clothes, a flashlight, camping chair, and thermos of hot drink will keep you comfortable while watching the show.
Can the Northern Lights harm humans?
The Northern Lights themselves are harmless to humans. They occur high up in the atmosphere and do not directly affect us on the ground. However, Auroras are often accompanied by geomagnetic storms, which can interfere with technology like communications satellites, power grids, and navigation systems. While geomagnetic storms pose little risk to humans, some people do report headaches or migraines during strong Auroral activity. But direct harm to humans from the Northern Lights is extremely unlikely.
To maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights in all their glory, here are some tips from experienced aurora hunters:
Get away from light pollution
The farther you can get from city lights, the better. Head to a secluded area away from major roads. State parks, campgrounds, and cabins in the wilderness are ideal. The darker your viewing location, the more visible the Auroras will be.
Check the Aurora forecast
Monitor the Aurora forecast to know the likelihood of an Aurora occurring and the intensity. When there is high solar activity, the chances increase. The Aurora often appears around midnight, so start looking a few hours before if possible.
Dress for cold weather
Aurora hunting often means spending hours outside at night, so make sure to bundle up in insulated layers, coats, hats, gloves and warm boots. Thermal undergarments can help regulate your body temperature. Hand and toe warmers are useful too.
Bring essential gear
In addition to warm clothes, bring a flashlight, snacks, a thermos with a hot drink, a camp chair or blanket to sit on, and a camera to capture the Aurora. A tripod will help keep your camera still for the best shots.
Get away from ambient light
Once at your viewing location, turn off all lights including flashlights, vehicle lights and electronics. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes. The Auroras will appear more vibrant without light pollution and ambient light around you.
Be patient
Don't expect to see the Auroras as soon as it gets dark. They are often most active between 10 pm and 3 am. Find a comfortable spot, sit back, relax and enjoy the night sky. The wait will be worth it! With the right conditions and patience, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular Aurora show.
So there you have it, all your burning questions about Aurora hunting answered. Now that you know the basics, it's time to experience this natural wonder for yourself. Bundle up, grab your camera, find a dark secluded spot away from the city lights and look up. You never know when the next spectacular display of dancing lights will appear, so get out there and start gazing north. Who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis putting on a show and lighting up the night sky with vibrant colors. A sight like that is sure to take your breath away and leave you in awe of the beauty of nature. Happy hunting!
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