Number #1 Northern Lights Blog: Aurora Insights and Best Locations

Number #1 Northern Lights Blog: Aurora Insights and Best Locations

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights dance across the night sky in a splash of vibrant green? Well, stop dreaming and start planning - your adventure awaits! In this blog, we've compiled everything you need to know to become an Aurora-viewing Pro in under two hours. Learn the science behind the magic and understand how to read the Aurora forecast so you know exactly when and where the lights will appear. We've also gathered over 60 of the best places across Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Finland to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. Whether you want to bundle up in an igloo, stay in a glass-roofed cabin, or camp under the stars, we have your perfect viewing spot. By the time you finish this series, you'll be packing your bags for an epic Aurora-chasing getaway. The Northern Lights are waiting - let the adventure begin!

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.

Online Course

Designed For Beginners

Mobile App

Designed For Beginners

How the Northern Lights Work: The Science Behind the Aurora Borealis

So how exactly do the Northern Lights happen? It all starts with the Sun. The Sun is constantly releasing particles and solar wind that travel out into space. (Sneak peak from our Aurora blog)

When these particles reach Earth, they interact with our magnetic field.

The magnetic field acts like a shield, protecting us from solar radiation and deflecting the particles towards the North and South poles. When the particles collide with gasses like oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere, they energize the gasses and cause them to emit the light we see as the Aurora Borealis.

The most common colors of the Northern Lights are green and red. The green lights are oxygen molecules colliding with electrons, while the red lights are nitrogen molecules doing the same. The colors can also appear as pink, blue, violet and white at times.

The intensity and frequency of Northern Lights activity depends on the level of solar wind and geomagnetic activity.
During intense solar storms and activity, the Northern Lights tend to be more vibrant and extend farther from the poles.
The lights are often most visible around midnight, when the sky is darkest. But they can appear almost any time between dusk and dawn.

To see the Northern Lights, you need to be located in an area with little light pollution and within what's known as the "Aurora Zone" - typically within a latitude of 60 to 70 degrees North or South. The farther north you travel, the more opportunities there are to witness the Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

Whether you travel to the Yukon, Iceland or Finnish Lapland, experiencing the wonder and beauty of the Northern Lights is a magical experience you'll never forget. Now you know the science behind what makes this spectacular show possible.

Understanding Aurora Forecasts and Predictions

Whether you travel to the Yukon, Iceland or Finnish Lapland, experiencing the wonder and beauty of the Northern Lights is a magical experience you'll never forget.

It's good to know when and where to be. As Aurora Hunter would say: "Location, location, location". But on the other hand, it increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights know the Aurora forecast and how the Kp-index works.

Local Aurora Alerts

Many areas that frequently see the Northern Lights offer local alert systems to notify you when activity is expected. These use data from ground-based magnetometers that measure changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. Some will even send alerts to your phone or email.

In North America, check alerts for areas like Yellowknife, Whitehorse, Fairbanks, etc. depending on where you plan to view from.
European countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland also have good alert systems to monitor.
Don’t forget to check official tourism board websites and social media for your destination. They want you to see the Lights, so will share the latest forecasts!

With the right alerts and predictions, you'll know the optimal nights to head out under the stars for your best chance at seeing the amazing Aurora Borealis. Then, find your perfect vantage point, stay warm, and enjoy the show! Find out more in the Northern Light blog. There is more to know. It's easy to miss those shimmering lights. Being at the right time at the right place, that's the most important skill of any Aurora Hunter.

Top Northern Lights Locations in Alaska, Canada, Iceland, Norway and Finland

The Northern Lights are one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the World but it can be tricky to see it as it's easy to miss it. You might get right the timing but it's only half of the success as the second half is the ideal location. The perfect location is the key to an amazing Aurora show. We have scouted over 60 places across 5 northern countries and prepared for you the Top Aurora locations lists from each country in Northern Light Blog.

To experience Aurora's dazzling beauty, here are some sneak peaks of the top locations to view the Aurora Borealis:

Alaska

Alaska is a premier destination for seeing the Northern Lights, especially in the Interior region. Fairbanks is a popular spot, located in a valley that offers panoramic views of the night sky. Denali National Park also provides a stunning setting, with little light pollution and the snow-capped peaks of North America’s highest mountain glowing under the Auroras. Find out more places where to see the Northern Lights in Alaska.

Yukon, Canada

The Yukon Territory in northern Canada has pristine wilderness ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. Whitehorse, the capital city, is located in a mountain valley that offers visibility in all directions. Kluane National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the darkest places in North America - perfect for watching the Auroras dance across the sky. But, there are more spectacular places where to see Aurora in Canada...

Iceland

Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic Ocean makes it a fantastic place to see the northern lights. Near Reykjavik, there are secluded spots away from city lights along the coastline. The Golden Circle route takes you to Þingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall - all amazing places to view the Auroras in Iceland. Lake Mývatn in the north and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon are other scenic locations to spot the lights, and it's just the beginning. The list of top places where to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is much longer and contains many hidden gems you could just dream of, well, until now.

Norway

Norway’s fjords and mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the northern lights. Tromsø, located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle, is considered one of the world’s best places to view the Auroras. Take a boat tour in the fjords or go dog sledding under the lights. The Lofoten Islands, with jagged peaks and secluded beaches, offer pristine night skies. Head to the border with Sweden in the north for minimal light pollution. You can explore more places with the best conditions to see the Northern Lights in Norway.

Lapland, Finland

Finnish Lapland is a winter wonderland that attracts visitors seeking the northern lights. Inari and Ivalo are remote towns on the edge of wilderness, with little ambient light to spoil the show. Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of Europe’s largest, provides a vast area to view the Auroras. Take a husky safari or go snowshoeing at night - you may even spot reindeer under the colorful lights! Find out more breathtaking spots to see Aurora Borealis in Finland.

Northern Lights Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora

To capture stunning photos of the Northern Lights, you’ll want to be prepared. The Aurora Borealis moves quickly, so having the right gear and settings dialed in ahead of time is key. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

Use a DSLR camera

A basic point-and-shoot won’t cut it for the Northern Lights. You’ll need a camera that allows manual control of settings like aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. A wide-angle lens, like 24mm or less, will allow you to capture more of the sky. Bring extra batteries - the cold drains them quickly!

Use a high ISO

Don’t be afraid to bump that ISO up to at least 1600 to 3200. The higher the ISO, the more sensitive your camera becomes to light. This allows you to capture the Aurora even when it’s not as bright to the naked eye. You may get some noise in your photos, but you can reduce this in post-processing.

Use a wide aperture

Open up your aperture to f/2.8 or lower. A wide aperture allows more light into your lens, which is critical for night and low-light photography. This will properly expose the Aurora in your shot.

Use a fast shutter speed

To avoid blurry photos from the movement of the Aurora or your hands, use a shutter speed of 5 to 20 seconds. This provides enough time to capture the light from the Aurora, without too much motion blur. Use a tripod to keep your camera stable for long exposure.

Manual focus

Autofocus struggles in low light and won’t properly focus on the Aurora. Switch to manual focus and focus on the horizon where the Aurora is appearing. This ensures your camera is focused and ready when the show begins.

Extra tips

• Shoot in RAW image format for the best quality and most editing flexibility.

• Bring extra warm clothes, gloves, hat, boots, blankets, hand warmers - you’ll be outside for hours!

• Try capturing the Aurora with landscape features like mountains, trees or buildings. This gives a sense of scale and place.

• Be patient - the Aurora can be active for just a few minutes at a time. But when it turns on, be ready!

With the right equipment and technique, you'll be capturing stunning photos of the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. So bundle up, grab your gear and get ready for an amazing display of nature's wonder!

Northern Lights for Beginners: Aurora Courses and Learning Resources

To become an Aurora expert, the best place to start is by taking an online course. Aurora Academy Online Courses are designed for Beginners with video lessons and quizzes that will teach you the basics in less than 2 hours.

Aurora Academy: The Ultimate Northern Lights Online Course

This popular Northern Lights Online course at Aurora Academy provides all the information you need to see the Northern Lights from Basics to Advance knowledge in under 2 hours. It covers topics like:

How the Northern Lights form and the science behind the Aurora Borealis.
The best times of the year, day and how long the show lasts.
How to plan an Aurora hunting trip and what equipment you'll need.
Photography tips for capturing the Northern Lights with just a smartphone.
How the Northern Lights look in reality and the different visible shapes.
How to understand Aurora forecast and more.

The course is taught through short video lessons with stunning easy to follow engaging videos. Quizzes help reinforce what you've learned. Plus, you will earn a certificate.

Are you Curious about Northern Lights Myths & Legends?

What if someone would turn Aurora Legends into exciting stories full of adventure? What happened that night that people started to believe in the particular myth and pass it from generation to generation?

Dive into the hidden World of the Northern Lights and let stories tell the tale... The Northern Lights blog is ready to reveal all Aurora's secrets, are You ready?

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

So there you have it, everything you need to know to start your journey of becoming an Aurora Borealis Pro in no time. You now understand the basic science behind the Northern Lights and how to spot the best displays. You have a list of the top locations across North America and Northern Europe to experience the show for yourself. What are you waiting for? Visit the Northern Lights Blog, pack your bags, grab your camera, and start planning an adventure under the dancing lights. The Aurora is calling your name. Answer the call and get ready for a life-changing experience you’ll never forget. The magic of the Northern Lights awaits—go chase your dreams!

Northern Lights Online Courses

All our courses are designed for beginners and people who never saw the Northern Lights. You can learn about the Northern Lights in an easy way. Check our Online Courses Now.

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Ultimate Northern Lights Course

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Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.

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Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

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Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

Course
21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.

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