What Are Northern Lights & How Do They Work?

What Are Northern Lights & How Do They Work?

Have you ever seen photos of a gorgeous night sky filled with colorful, mysterious lights? Those lights show up in many places around the world, but they are best seen at higher northern latitudes. Have you ever wondered what creates that magical sight?

Well if you have and you're a curious type, then you've come to the right place. The beautiful phenomenon you’re seeing is called Aurora Borealis, often referred to as the Northern Lights. In this article, we'll take a look at what creates the Northern Lights and explore their magnificent beauty.

From understanding their scientific origins and unique effects on different parts of the world, to learning about the folklore behind them, there’s something for everyone to gain from learning about this beautiful natural phenomenon. So come along and let's take a look at the enchanting mystery of the Northern Lights.

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

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.

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What Is Aurora Borealis (The Northern Lights)?

So, you've heard of the Northern Lights—but what are they, exactly? Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in the night sky, usually seen above the Arctic and Antarctic regions. It's also known as the polar lights, northern lights and southern lights.

The name Aurora Borealis comes from the Roman goddess of dawn, whose tears turned into brilliant colors. That's why they're characterized by ribbons of colors like green, pink and violet—the result of gas particles in Earth's atmosphere interacting with solar winds.

The Northern Lights are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter Earth's atmosphere. These particles are then diverted by our planet's magnetic field into the upper atmosphere where they collide with gas particles such as oxygen and nitrogen. This interaction produces an amazing display of vibrant colors that dance across our skies!

Other Names for the Northern Lights

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights, more formally known as Aurora Borealis, has many names across many different cultures. Some call it the Northern Sun or Arctic Light. In Iceland, they refer to it as draumalandið, which means "the land of dreams".

In Norway, they use the term nordlys which means northern light. Similarly, in Finland they refer to them as revontulet which translates to "fox fires". The Northern Lights have been referenced by many Aboriginal and Inuit communities such as the Cree Nation of Canada who have named them Aesdaoweehsiwin or "the spirit that comes dancing".

No matter what language or culture these incredible lights are being referenced from — it's clear that observing them is an awe-inspiring experience.

Meaning of the Name "Aurora Borealis"

Did you know that the Northern Lights have an interesting name? It's called Aurora Borealis, and it has a pretty cool story about its origin.

The name "Aurora Borealis" is actually Latin for "Dawn of the North," and it dates all the way back to 1621. It was created by two French astronomers, Pierre Gassendi and Joseph Nicolas Delisle, who were trying to explain why the Aurora Borealis happened as nightfall approached in northern parts of the world.

Although they didn't realize it then, they hit upon an important discovery—the Aurora Borealis is caused by electrically-charged particles from the sun striking atoms in Earth's atmosphere. And despite centuries since then, learning more about exactly how it works and what causes its brilliant colors, Aurora borealis is still a fitting name today.

What Creates the Northern Lights?

You may already know the basics of what the Northern Lights are, but do you know what creates them?

It turns out that the most spectacular light show in nature, the aurora borealis or Northern Lights, is caused by a cosmic phenomenon involving charged particles, solar winds and Earth's magnetic field.

The Sun's Solar Winds:

The sun expels huge amounts of charged particles called "solar winds" — a stream of charged particles constantly shooting out of the sun in all directions. When these solar winds reach Earth, they interact with our planet's magnetic field to produce these remarkable patterns in the sky. This is why they’re sometimes called geomagnetic storms.

Earth's Magnetic Field:

Earth's magnetic field — which is really like an enormous set of invisible lines stretching outward from Earth — deflects many of these particles away; however, some particles make it through. The particles that make it through then travel along Earth’s magnetic field lines and collide with atoms high up in Earth’s atmosphere—usually at altitudes between 60 to 300 miles (100-500 km).

The collision between the speeding charged particles from space and atoms in our atmosphere causes atoms to become excited and give off light — creating amazing displays ranging from swirls and arches of light to curtain-like shapes that shimmer and dance for hours across the night sky!

Where to See the Northern Lights

Northern Lights sightings are becoming increasingly popular—but where can you find them? The short answer is: the higher latitude regions like Iceland, Norway and Canada.

To be even more specific, these dazzling lights primarily appear in the northern hemisphere—specifically, between latitudes of 65 degrees to 72 degrees measured from the magnetic poles. That means that you're more likely to find them at higher latitudes in countries like Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Canada—but if you’re lucky they’ve been spotted as far away as Arizona!

You can use dark sky maps to help figure out exactly where your best chances are for viewing the Northern Lights. Keep an eye out for clear skies since storms or too much light pollution can block out the view. And of course, don’t forget your camera and tripod!

Science Behind the Northern Lights

When it comes down to it, the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking visual phenomenon, but what's the science behind the spectacle?

Magnetic Interactions

The Northern Lights are mainly caused by interactions between solar winds and the Earth’s magnetic field. Solar winds are particles that get shot out from our sun during intense solar storms. When these particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, they form a light phenomenon.

Aurora Australis

The other end of this same phenomenon is called Aurora Australis and its found in the Southern Hemisphere. And while they both have different names in different regions, they’re essentially the same phenomenon—they just appear in opposite parts of the world.

Gas Particles

What creates these lights? Different gas particles like hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen emit light when they collide with charged particles. When the northern and southern lights come into contact with each other at their respective poles, a new kind of light can be seen—a multicolored light! Seeing this brilliant display is a rare and remarkable opportunity not many people can experience.

Northern Lights Online Tools: Chasing Aurora Like a Pro

The most useful Northern Lights online tools for a successful Aurora hunt. Are you about to hunt the Northern Lights on your own? Then you will find these resources helpful. If you are trying to see Aurora for the first time we recommend signing up for the Northern Lights Online Course where is explained step-by-step all you need to know to see the Northern Lights in an easy way.

Northern Lights essential online tools designed for beginners to help you see Aurora like the handy Aurora Mobile App and Northern Lights Online Course will help you to understand how Aurora works and to monitor real-time activity.
The Northern Lights Forecast 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 or in the Northern Lights App.
Find the best Aurora spots with the light pollution map and cloud cover prediction.
Northern Lights activity in real-time: Real-time Aurora activity (worldwide magnetometers), Solar Wind activity, Sun's activity, Aurora live Boreal webcams list or Aurora App.
Additional resources to know when it will be dark enough Darkness graph & Map and how much the moon will illuminate the sky Moon Phase + Moonrise & Moonset.
If you decide to go with professional Aurora hunters here you can find the top-rated Aurora Tours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are truly a sight to behold. The name comes from the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek word for north wind, Boreas. The phenomenon is created when charged particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a colorful and awe-inspiring light show in the night sky.

To see the Northern Lights in all their glory requires a visit to a dark sky area in the higher latitude regions of the world. However, if you’re patient and lucky, you may still be able to catch a glimpse from your own backyard, even if the location is much farther south.

Find out more about the Northern Lights

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Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

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