Almost everyone has heard of or seen an aurora borealis in photos. Some others have been lucky enough to see them in person. But many do not know how they are formed and why. One of the most suitable places in the world to see an aurora borealis is Norway. Therefore, it becomes a high-quality tourist destination to observe this beautiful event of nature.
An aurora borealis begins with a fluorescent glow on the horizon. Then it diminishes and an illuminated arc emerges, sometimes closing in the shape of a very bright circle. But how is it formed and what is its activity related to? Do you want to know everything about Norway's Northern Lights?
Formation of the Northern Lights
The formation of the northern lights is related to the activity of the sun, the composition and characteristics of the earth's atmosphere.
The northern lights can be observed in a circular area above the poles of the Earth. They come from the Sun. There is a bombardment of subatomic particles from the Sun formed in solar storms, as explained in How are northern lights formedThese particles range in color from violet to red. The solar wind alters the particles, and when they encounter the Earth's magnetic field, they are deflected, and only part of them can be seen at the poles.
The electrons that make up solar radiation produce a spectral emission when they reach the gas molecules found in the magnetosphere (part of Earth's atmosphere that protects Earth of the solar wind and cause excitation at the atomic level, resulting in luminescence. This luminescence spreads across the entire sky, giving rise to a true natural spectacle.
There are studies that investigate the northern lights when solar wind occurs. This occurs because, although solar storms are known to have an approximate period of 11 years, it is not possible to forecast when an aurora borealis will occur. For all the people who want to see the Northern Lights, this is a bummer. Traveling to the poles is not cheap and not being able to see the aurora is very depressing.
Specifications:
If the natural phenomenon occurs in the regions near the north pole, it is called aurora borealis. On the other hand, if it takes place in areas close to the south pole, it is called southern aurora. Normally, they take place in the months of September and October and March and April. In these periods there is a greater activity of sunspots.
The places where they can be best seen are in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Alaska, Canada, Scotland and Russia. It can appear in several forms, such as bright spots, horizontal stripes, or circular shapes. It can also be of different colors, ranging from red to yellow, through blue and green. For those seeking to learn more about this phenomenon, there are Interesting facts about the Northern Lights that will surely interest you.
Effects of an aurora borealis
This phenomenon, being produced by sudden changes in the Sun's magnetic field, drops a large amount of energy that enters our planet. On the one hand, it offers us these beautiful magical and spectacular events, but on the other hand, it affects us negatively.
The solar winds that enter our planet produce interference in the media (affect television signals, telephony, satellites, radars and various electronic systems). This causes communication to be interrupted, but at no time is it a risk to humanity. If you are interested in the topic of climate and magnetic interactions, you can read more about space weather and its effects.
Northern lights in Norway
As mentioned before, Norway is one of the most suitable places in the world to see an aurora borealis. It is an area where you can see this mysterious and magical natural phenomenon with relative ease.
There are numerous legends as a result of this natural phenomenon, such as the Viking legend that relates the Northern Lights with the reflection of the shields of the Valkyrie warriors.
Although it can be observed from various points of the country, the best places are found above the Arctic Circle in Northern Norway. In particular you can see the auroras belt by the Lofoten Islands and continues along the coast to the North Cape. For more information on planning a trip, you can check out .
These areas are ideal to see the Northern Lights at their best. However, if we want to stay on land, we have a better chance that the weather is dry and cannot be visualized correctly. The coast has its advantages, however. And it is that the winds are more frequent and are able to leave the sky clear with greater visibility.
When can you see
Although Norway is the area where you can best see the Northern Lights, it does not mean that we can know the exact date, place and time where it will take place. The chances are greatest between the autumn and spring equinoxes, that is, between September 21 and March 21.
Every wait has its reward. The "northern lights" are usually most frequent in late autumn and winter. Therefore, the best months to observe them are October, February, and March, but it is also advisable to visit the northern lights. applications to predict auroral activityDuring these months, the polar nights are longer, and the days gradually become longer.
A determining factor when observing this spectacular phenomenon is the current weather condition. Before planning a trip to Norway, it is important to know the weather conditions that will take place in the coming days. If rain is forecast, you'll have made a wasted trip. To avoid this type of situation, there are some rain alarm apps that alert you of the rainfall that will take place in the area to which you are going to travel.
If in the end you manage to see the Northern Lights, it will all have been worth it. It is an incredible show in every way. The people of Northern Norway have the Northern Lights as part of their lives. Still, they serve as inspiration for artists, mythologies, and legends. Scientists say that the climax of the Northern Lights has come to an end and that we will see less and less. Therefore, it is necessary to take advantage of to see these phenomena before their frequency is less and less.
