Chasing Magic: The Ultimate Guide on How to see the Northern Lights
Imagine standing under a velvet night sky, wrapped in layers of winter clothing, breath frosting in the air, as waves of green, purple, and pink dance across the heavens. That’s the magic of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, a natural spectacle that feels straight out of a dream.
Growing up, seeing the Northern Lights was a bucket list dream of mine. When I moved to Edmonton, Canada, I knew I was finally close enough to chase it. But it wasn’t easy, it meant cold nights, long drives, and countless hours staring at dark skies. I researched the best spots, asked locals, and made countless late-night trips, especially to Elk Island National Park, about 65 km from Edmonton. Some nights were disappointing, with only faint glows, and some nights… the entire sky exploded with color, greens, pinks, purples, swirling like a living painting. Even after seeing them many times, the excitement never fades. I still dream of seeing them in even more spectacular places across the world.
I met a fellow Northern light explorer at Elk island during one of my exploratory visits to Elk island and here is what she said,
“I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Northern Lights. After years of waiting and traveling to dark places near Edmonton, I finally witnessed them in full glory at Elk Island National Park. The sky lit up with green, pink, and purple, it was better than any photo could ever capture!” — Kairah, Canada
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the magic: what the Northern Lights are, how they form, the best places and times to see them, travel tips, photography advice, and fascinating legends that surround this incredible phenomenon. Let’s go!
What is the Aurora Borealis?
The Aurora Borealis, often called the Northern Lights, is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring shows, a cosmic dance of lights across the polar skies. But what exactly causes this breathtaking spectacle?
It all starts with the Sun. The Sun constantly emits a flow of charged particles known as the solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, they interact with our planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere, particularly near the magnetic poles. This collision releases energy in the form of light, creating the shimmering curtains, arcs, and spirals we call the Aurora Borealis.
The colors vary depending on the type of gas and altitude:
- Green: The most common color, caused by oxygen about 60 miles up.
- Pink and Red: Caused by nitrogen and high-altitude oxygen.
- Purple and Blue: Created by nitrogen at lower altitudes.
And if you happen to be in the Southern Hemisphere? You’ll witness the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, which mirror the Northern Lights’ stunning beauty across places like Antarctica, Tasmania, and southern New Zealand.
The Science Behind the Lights
Let’s break down the magical science (in a way that doesn’t require a physics degree!):
The Sun sometimes releases massive bursts of energy known as solar flares or coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These intense storms of solar particles travel across space, and when they reach Earth, they interact with our magnetosphere, the protective magnetic bubble surrounding our planet.
The magnetosphere channels these particles toward the polar regions, where they collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. This collision creates the dazzling lights we see as auroras.
Solar Maximum, periods of high solar activity that happen roughly every 11 years, make the auroras more intense and widespread. We’re currently moving closer to a Solar Maximum expected around 2025, meaning more frequent and vibrant auroras over the next few years!
In short: solar storms + Earth’s magnetic field + atmospheric gases = magical light shows.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights
🌌 Norway – Tromsø and Svalbard
- Why it’s great: Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is famous for its clear, dark skies and beautiful fjord landscapes.
- Best months: Late September to early April.
- Fun extras: Dog sledding, Sami cultural experiences, whale watching.
❄️ Iceland – Reykjavik Outskirts and Thingvellir National Park
- Why it’s great: Easy access from the city, plus incredible landscapes like waterfalls and lava fields under the auroras.
- Best months: September to March.
- Fun extras: Hot springs (like Blue Lagoon), ice caves, Golden Circle tours.
🌲 Sweden – Abisko National Park
- Why it’s great: Home to the “Blue Hole” an area that tends to have clear skies even when surrounding areas are cloudy.
- Best months: November to March.
- Fun extras: Icehotel visits, snowshoeing, and photography workshops.
🐾 Finland – Lapland and Rovaniemi
- Why it’s great: Home of Santa Claus Village! Lapland offers frequent sightings, glass igloos, and cozy stays.
- Best months: December to March.
- Fun extras: Reindeer safaris, Arctic saunas.
🍁 Canada – Yukon and Yellowknife
- Why it’s great: Northern Canada boasts vast, dark skies ideal for aurora hunting.
- Best months: November to April.
- Fun extras: Northern wildlife spotting, frozen lakes, indigenous culture tours.
(And of course, places like Edmonton and Elk Island National Park are fantastic too, I can personally vouch for them!)
🏔️ Alaska (USA) – Fairbanks and Denali National Park
- Why it’s great: Consistently ranked among the best places in North America for aurora viewing.
- Best months: August to April.
- Fun extras: Hot springs, glacier trekking, ice museums.
🌊 Scotland – Shetland Islands and Isle of Skye
- Why it’s great: Rare but magical sightings of the “Mirrie Dancers” (Scottish term for the Northern Lights).
- Best months: September to March.
- Fun extras: Coastal hikes, whisky distillery tours.
Bonus:
During particularly strong solar storms, the Northern Lights can even be seen farther south — sometimes as low as New York, northern Germany, or Japan!
Best Time to See the Northern Lights
Timing is everything when it comes to catching the aurora. Here’s what you need to know:
- Best months: September to March (dark autumn and winter nights).
- Best time of night: Between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, though lights can sometimes appear earlier or later.
- Sky conditions: You need clear, dark skies, no clouds, no full moon, and far from city lights.
- Solar Cycle: High aurora activity aligns with Solar Maximum periods (next peak around 2025!).
Pro Tip: New Moon nights are ideal, and using aurora forecast apps can help you time your adventure better!
How to See and Photograph the Northern Lights
How to See Them
- Get away from city lights: Light pollution can kill the view.
- Use aurora forecast apps: Try apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts.
- Be patient and persistent: Some nights may be a bust. Bundle up, stay positive, and enjoy the stars.
How to Photograph Them
- Use a tripod: To keep your camera steady during long exposures.
- Camera settings:
- Manual mode
- Wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower)
- Long exposure (5–30 seconds)
- High ISO (800–3200)
- Manual mode
- Focus manually: Set your lens to infinity.
- Use a wide-angle lens: To capture the full sweep of the sky.
(Trust me, you don’t want blurry shots after freezing for two hours outside!)
But if this sounds too overwhelming, simply use auto mode in a DSLR, or even an Iphone or a nice Android phone can click amazing pictures. Here is the secret: I use a phone camera to click pictures of Northern Lights, I have clicked all the pictures of this article by phone.
Fun Facts and Legends About the Northern Lights
Viking Mythology: The lights were thought to be reflections from the shining armor of the Valkyries, warrior maidens serving Odin.
Finnish Legend: In Finland, the aurora is called revontulet (“fox fires”), believed to be caused by a magical Arctic fox sweeping its tail across snowy mountains, sending sparks into the sky.
Indigenous Beliefs: Some Inuit groups believed the lights were spirits playing ball with a walrus skull, while others saw them as omens or ancestral messages.
Modern Theories: Some even speculate that auroras could be mistaken for UFO sightings, after all, what else would explain dancing green lights in the sky?
Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Lights
To make sure you’re all set to chase the magical Northern Lights, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions:
1. Can you see the Northern Lights with the naked eye?
Yes! In strong displays, the Northern Lights are easily visible to the naked eye — often appearing as glowing green, pink, or purple streaks across the sky. However, cameras can sometimes capture even more vivid colors and shapes than our eyes can perceive. So, if you want to truly capture the beauty of the aurora, it’s worth bringing a camera!
2. What is the best month to see the Northern Lights?
The best time to see the Aurora Borealis is typically between September and March, with the peak season falling around mid-September to late March. During these months, the nights are longest, and the skies are darkest, offering the best chance of spotting the lights. Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden are some of the prime spots during these months.
3. Where are the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights?
Some of the top destinations to see the Northern Lights include:
- Tromsø (Norway)
- Reykjavik outskirts (Iceland)
- Abisko National Park (Sweden)
- Lapland (Finland)
- Yellowknife (Canada)
- Fairbanks (Alaska, USA) These locations are near the Arctic Circle, which increases your chances of witnessing the auroras. For a unique experience, check out the Shetland Islands in Scotland, or venture down under to see the Southern Lights in places like Tasmania.
4. How long does a Northern Lights display last?
A Northern Lights display can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. The aurora’s activity ebbs and flows throughout the night, so it’s important to stay out in the cold for an extended period and keep checking the skies. Patience is key!
5. Do I need any special equipment to see or photograph the Northern Lights?
No special equipment is required to enjoy the Northern Lights with your eyes. However, for photography, it’s best to have:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera
- A tripod to avoid camera shake
- Long exposure settings to capture the full beauty of the lights A wide-angle lens helps capture the sweeping beauty of the aurora in its full glory.
6. Are the Northern Lights guaranteed every night in the right locations?
Unfortunately, no. Even in the best locations during the peak seasons, seeing the Northern Lights is not guaranteed. It depends on factors such as solar activity, clear weather, and low light pollution. Apps and aurora forecasts can help you predict the best nights for spotting them, but there’s always an element of luck involved.
7. What colors can the Northern Lights be?
The most common color of the Northern Lights is green, caused by oxygen molecules at lower altitudes. But depending on altitude and the type of gas involved, you can also see:
- Purple and pink (due to nitrogen)
- Red (due to oxygen at higher altitudes)
- Blue and yellow hues can also appear in rare instances. Each color represents a different type of gas particle and their interaction with solar winds.
8. Why do you see Northern Lights mostly near the poles?
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are concentrated around the poles because Earth’s magnetic field directs the charged particles from the sun toward the magnetic poles. This is where the aurora interacts most intensely with the atmosphere, creating the stunning light displays. The Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) is visible in the Southern Hemisphere, typically around Antarctica, Tasmania, and the South Island of New Zealand.
9. What is Solar Maximum, and why does it matter for Northern Lights?
Solar Maximum is the period when the sun’s activity is at its peak — about every 11 years. During this time, solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are more frequent and intense, which means aurora activity is much stronger. The next expected Solar Maximum is around 2025, which means aurora sightings will be at their most intense and frequent!
10. Are there Southern Lights too?
Yes! The Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, can be seen from the southern parts of the world, including Tasmania, New Zealand’s South Island, and Antarctica. Although harder to access for most travelers, the Southern Lights are just as beautiful as their northern counterpart — with fewer crowds to compete with!
Conclusion
Witnessing the Northern Lights is a reminder that even in the coldest, darkest nights, the universe still loves to put on a show. Whether it’s a faint whisper of green or a sky ablaze with color, every aurora sighting is a unique experience that fills you with wonder.
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? ✨
Which dream destination would you choose to witness them? Drop it in the comments below, I’d love to hear your stories!
And if you know someone dreaming of chasing the aurora, share this guide with them! You never know who might be inspired to plan their own cosmic adventure.
“Still have questions about chasing the Northern Lights? Drop them in the comments below, we’d love to help you plan your dream aurora adventure!”
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