The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that occurs closer to the Northern Pole. The phenomenon emits flashes of light in the night sky, making for the most picturesque viewing experience. In case you cannot visit the destination to experience the same, we have some images here for you.
Aurora refers to the beautiful lights that can be witnessed on a clear night sky closer to the Earth’s poles. When they occur closer to the North Pole, these lights are called Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights), and when they occur closer to the South Pole, these lights are called Aurora Australis (or Southern Lights).
Why do Aurora Borealis and Australis occur
The Aurora lights are flashes of luminescent lights that pierce through the sky. These lights, usually green, can also come in a host of other hues such as shades of purple and pink. These lights are mesmerising to look at, especially on a cold, dark evening. What’s more, several nations across the world, such as Finland, Canada, Denmark and Iceland, to name a few, host special viewings for these lights and allow travellers to stay in glass-roofed hotels if they want, to see these lights.
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These lights occur because of the sun’s activity and Earth’s gravitational pull. The sun not just emits light, but also has its own atmosphere, which is filled with charged particles and magnetic fields. As the sun’s activity increases and these winds blow over Earth, the magnetic fields of both the planet and the star deflect each other. However, this deflection is at its weakest at the Earth’s poles, creating luminescent light.
This is not all – the Aurora Borealis are only set to get stronger over the next couple of years, resulting in some of the most picturesque sightings of these lights. So, in case you’re planning, now or until 2024 may be the best time to visit!
All Images: Courtesy of Shutterstock
Related: 12 Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World
Written By
Anushka Goel
Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.
