Have you ever gazed up at the night sky and wished to see it come alive with color? The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are nature's breathtaking light show, captivating travelers and dreamers alike.
These dazzling displays of green, purple, and pink ribbons dance across the Arctic sky, creating a magical atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.
Many people yearn to witness this spectacle, as it represents a connection to the beauty of our planet. Let's understand what the Northern Lights are and why they hold such a special place in the hearts of those who seek them.
What are the Northern Lights?
Also known as Aurora Borealis, in the south, the Northern Lights are breathtaking natural light displays caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere.
When particles from the sun, known as solar wind, collide with the Earth's atmosphere, these particles are directed towards the north and south poles. Because of the magnetic field that surrounds the Earth, solar wind cannot harm us.
As these particles enter the atmosphere, they collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, which causes them to glow. This creates the beautiful, colourful lights in the sky that we call the Northern Lights.
Why do Auroras have different colours?
Different gases emit different colours when heated, and this phenomenon works with the northern lights as well. The Earth's atmosphere has different types of gases, but the primary two are oxygen and nitrogen.
Oxygen produces a greenish-yellow colour, while nitrogen creates a blue or purplish hue in the northern lights. The interaction between these gases and solar particles is what creates the stunning light show in the sky.
Must Read: Explained: Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis
Myths and Legends of the Northern Lights
The Northern Light has fascinated people for centuries. Many ancient civilisations sought to explain the lights in ways that reflected their beliefs, values, and worldviews.
Below are some of the most intriguing myths and legends associated with the Northern Lights from various regions worldwide.
| Culture/Region | Myth/Legend |
| Norse (Vikings) | The Northern Lights were believed to be reflections of the Valkyries’ armour as they led warriors to Valhalla. |
| Inuit (Alaska, Canada) | The lights were seen as the spirits of animals, like seals and salmon, playing in the sky. |
| Sami (Northern Europe) | Sami people thought the lights were the energies of departed souls and believed it was disrespectful to wave at them. |
| Finnish | In Finland, the lights were thought to be caused by a magical fox running through the snow, its tail sweeping up sparks into the sky. |
| Japanese | Some in Japan believe that a child conceived under the Northern Lights will be blessed with good fortune. |
| Scottish (Orkney Islands) | The Northern Lights were known as "Merry Dancers" and were thought to be warriors fighting in the sky. |
| Chinese | The ancient Chinese believed the lights were dragons fighting in the sky, representing the struggle between good and evil. |
| Aboriginal Australians | Some Indigenous Australian groups believed the lights were the spirits of their ancestors dancing in the sky. |
Where and When to Witness Aurora Magic?
- The aurora borealis can be seen under dark skies from late August to mid-April, especially on clear, cloudless nights. While the auroras occur all year, they are too faint to be seen from May through most of August due to the stronger sunlight.
- Spring and autumn offer more stable weather and milder temperatures, with increased aurora activity around the equinoxes.
- The period from November to February provides the darkest skies and longer nights, making it ideal for skygazing.
- The most intense displays usually occur between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., with the best sightings often happening between 11 p.m. and midnight.
- From 4 a.m. to 5 p.m., daylight generally makes it difficult to see the auroras, except during the darkest months or at higher latitudes like Svalbard, where it remains dark around the clock from mid-November to the end of January.
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