You’ve seen the photos and heard the stories of the magical Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. Now it’s your turn to experience the wonder of the Aurora Borealis in person. But where do you begin your quest to witness this natural phenomenon? There’s a lot to uncover about the science, spirituality, and chasing of the Northern Lights. This guide will reveal the mysteries and answers to your top 10 questions about the Aurora Borealis so you can become an expert Aurora hunter. From the colors of the lights to the best places around the world to spot them, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure under the glow of 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.
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)
Iceland is hands down the best country on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis. Its isolated location far from city lights, clear night skies, and long winter nights provide the perfect conditions for frequent, vibrant displays.
In Iceland, you have a chance to spot the Northern Lights almost every night between September and March. The farther north you travel, the better your odds. Some of the prime viewing spots are Lake Mývatn, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Husavík, Hofn, Vík, Gullfoss waterfall and the Westfjords.
Around Reykjavík, head to places like Þingvellir National Park, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, or take a Northern Lights tour to escape the city glow. Many tours provide transport to the countryside, cold weather gear, and hot drinks. With an experienced guide, you'll know the best spots and techniques to capture these celestial wonders on camera.
How to hunt Northern Lights in Iceland? Arora Borealis is often most active around midnight in Iceland, so prepare for some late nights. Check the Kp index forecast to see the likelihood of activity, and once the sky is dark, look for a faint glow in the north. The lights may start as a pale Aurora green smudge, rapidly intensifying into shimmering, multi-colored ribbons dancing across the sky.
An epic display of Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mix of anticipation, chilly night air, and explosive colors makes for an utterly magical show. For the best chances of a jaw-dropping performance, Iceland should be at the top of every Aurora hunter’s list. The memories you make under the Northern Lights will stay with you for life.
When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights in Oxfordshire or anywhere else, location and knowing when to head out is everything.
Check our article on how to easily find the best place for Oxford Northern Lights viewing or at any other location in 4 easy steps: Where Can I See the Northern Lights
An easy way to find the darkest place ideal for Aurora viewing is to use the light pollution map: Light Pollution Maps for Aurora Hunters
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 and Aurora activity in real-time here: Boreal Webcams
Before going out on your hunt for Northern Lights take 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.
So you want to see the Northern Lights in person? Join the club. Aurora hunting has become hugely popular, and for good reason. Witnessing the dazzling display of colors dancing across the night sky in the Arctic and subarctic is a bucket list experience like no other.
The Best Places and Times to Go
The Northern Lights are often visible in Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Iceland and Northern Norway are especially prized for their pitch-black night skies and frequent Auroral shows. The lights are most active during the months of September and March.
Get Away from Light Pollution
For the best views, venture far from the city lights. Head to secluded spots in Lapland, the Icelandic highlands, or Denali National Park. Some lodges and tour companies specialize in Aurora hunting excursions to prime viewing locations.
Check the Forecast and Be Flexible
The Northern Lights are notoriously unpredictable, so keep an eye on the Aurora forecast for your location. Be ready to head out at a moment's notice between 10 pm and 3 am when the forecast looks promising. Sometimes the lights come out for just a few minutes, so be patient and don't give up easily!
Bundle Up and Bring a Camera
Dress for seriously cold weather - thermal layers, insulated pants, parka, hat, gloves, boots. You'll be standing outside for long periods, often on snow and ice. And don't forget your camera! Use a tripod, high ISO setting, and wide lens to capture the bright colors and dancing forms of the Auroras.
With the right place and timing, proper preparation, and a sense of adventure, you'll experience the thrill of the chase and be rewarded with nature's most spectacular light show. The Northern Lights will illuminate your soul in a way that simply can't be described. All that's left to do is witness their wonders for yourself!
The Northern Lights have captivated people for centuries with their ethereal beauty and mysterious movements across the night sky. Many ancient cultures attributed spiritual meaning to the Aurora Borealis.
A Divine Display
The Cree people of northern Canada believed the lights were the spirits of the dead playing football with a walrus skull. The Inuit saw them as celestial beings dancing and playing string figures in the sky. Scandinavian cultures thought they were reflections of Viking shields as spirits of past warriors marched across the sky.
Messages from Beyond
Some believed the lights were a medium through which spirits communicated with the living. The Menominee tribe interpreted different Auroral colors and patterns as omens or signs. Yellow-green meant prosperity and good fortune, while red Auroras symbolized bloodshed and war. The Sami people of Scandinavia thought the lights were a kind of celestial fire in the upper world that could be interpreted as messages to humankind.
A Guiding Light
Legends tell of the Aurora Borealis leading lost wanderers or warriors to safety. The Cree told of a warrior who was guided home by the lights after becoming lost in the tundra. The Inuit believed the lights were spirits of the dead who could help lead shamans on spiritual journeys to the afterlife. For some, the lights remain a source of guidance, wonder and connection with forces beyond our physical world.
Though science has revealed the true causes of the Aurora Borealis, its beauty and mystery endure. For Aurora hunters and admirers around the world, the Northern Lights continue to inspire a sense of magic, spirituality and wonder.
To capture the Northern Lights in all their glory, you’ll need the right camera equipment. While any camera can take a basic shot, more advanced gear will allow you to capture the lights in amazing detail and color.
A DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
A DSLR (digital single lens reflex) or mirrorless camera gives you the control and image quality needed for stunning Aurora photos. Look for a camera with a full frame sensor, like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or the Sony a7 III. These provide superior low-light performance so you can capture the lights even in very dark conditions. If that’s out of your budget, an APS-C sensor, like in the Nikon D7500 or Fujifilm X-T3, will also work great.
A Wide Angle, Fast Lens
A wide-angle lens, around 24mm or less, will allow you to capture the grand scale and vivid colors of the auroras. You'll also want a lens with an aperture of f/2.8 or lower, like the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM. A “fast” lens like this takes in more light, allowing for shorter exposure times so you can capture the dancing lights without blur.
A Sturdy Tripod
Since you’ll be shooting in low light, a tripod is essential for stabilizing your camera during the long exposure times needed. Look for a tripod specifically designed for astrophotography or night sky shooting. A regular photo tripod may not hold your gear steadily enough.
Other Useful Accessories
A remote shutter release or timer will prevent the camera from shaking by pressing the shutter button.
Extra camera batteries - the cold can drain batteries quickly.
A headlamp so you can see camera settings in the dark.
Hand warmers to keep your fingers toasty while shooting.
Spare memory cards to ensure you have enough space for all your shots.
With some patience and the right equipment, you'll be capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Happy hunting!
So you want to see the Northern Lights, do you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people are fascinated by the Aurora Borealis and flock north each year hoping to glimpse the colorful lights dancing across the night sky. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about planning an epic Northern Lights adventure.
What’s the best country to see the Northern Lights?
Some of the top destinations for Aurora viewing include Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Canada. These places offer optimal locations away from city light pollution and clear, dark skies. Iceland and Norway, in particular, are considered Aurora hunting hotspots.
What exactly is Aurora hunting?
Aurora hunting refers to traveling to destinations where the Northern Lights are often visible, then venturing out at night to try and spot a spectacular display. It requires patience, warm clothes, and sometimes a bit of luck. The rewards of witnessing the Aurora Borealis in person make it worth the effort.
Where is the best place in Iceland to see the Northern Lights?
Head to the countryside away from the capital city. Some of the best spots include the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, and Lake Mývatn in the north. Go on a guided Northern Lights tour to locations carefully selected by experts.
What are the chances of seeing Northern Lights in Lapland?
Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, is one of the premier destinations for Aurora viewing with a high chance of success. The sparse population and pristine wilderness make for pitch-black night skies and almost nightly appearances of the Northern Lights from late August through April.
Can you see the Aurora Boreale in Canada?
Yes, Aurora Boreale can be seen in parts of Canada. The best places to view this spectacle are located in the northern latitudes where the Northern Lights frequently appear. Head to the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern parts of provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Some top spots include Yellowknife, Whitehorse and Wood Buffalo National Park.
So there you have it, a glimpse into the mysteries behind the dazzling Northern Lights and how you can experience their wonder firsthand. While there's no guarantee of an Aurora sighting, following the tips for the best locations and optimal conditions will increase your chances. Don't forget to pack warmly, bring a camera to capture the magic, and allow your senses to be awed by the spectacle of lights dancing across the sky. The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that connects us to something greater than ourselves, a humbling reminder of the planet we call home. If you keep your eyes open and stay curious about the world around you, who knows what other mysteries you might uncover. The night sky holds endless secrets waiting to be discovered by those willing to look up and dream.
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