In Greek, the term for the north wind is Boreas. The Northern Lights is named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora.
One of nature’s most spectacular wondrous light shows (a result of particles expelled by the sun) can be seen when there is a strong solar activity. It is best visible when the night sky is dark.
There is no guarantee you will see Aurora dancing. But, there are tools on the internet to increase your chances of viewing the incredible Aurora Borealis. For instance, Service Aurora provides an aurora forecast using several data inputs to make Kp-index predictions.
A beautiful and impressive country, but also one of the most expensive countries in the euro area. That said, Finland is a relatively easy country to explore by public transport if you don’t have your own car.
“According to Finnish folklore, a mystical arctic fox is running in the north and touching the mountains with its fur causing sparks to fly off into the sky.”
In Finnish Lapland, you can see the Northern Lights almost every other clear night, which is around 200 nights a year.
The further North the better. For instance, Kakslauttanen and Rovaniemi.
The Northern Lights can be viewed in a range of purpose-built spaces from glass igloos to luxury suites.
Temperatures vary between 37.2 °C and –51.5 °C (99.0 °F and –60.7 °F).
Nature's most spectacular light show is best viewed in late September, October, February, and March.
Norway makes for some pretty viewing in the daytime too.
Tromsø is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
Known as 'the capital of the Arctic', Tromsø is effortlessly charming.
Another option is Kirkenes. Sometimes the lights are in plain sight. Sometimes you'll have to hunt them.
Temperatures vary between 35.6 °C and –51.4 °C (96.1 °F and –60.5 °F).
The collisions of the sun’s electrically charged particles entering the earth’s atmosphere never cease to amaze, energize, and astounds.
The best time is from late September to late March. Usually, Iceland is dark after 6 pm, which should increase your chances of seeing the dancing lights.
Temperatures vary between 30.5 °C and –39.7 °C (86.9 °F and –39.5 °F).
Known as “aurora borealis’ in the north and “aurora australis” in the south, the bright dancing lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Your best chances to see Aurora in Michigan is on a clear, crisp, cold night in April, October, or November.
Similar to most countries, the farther north you are, the better chance you have to view the phenomenon.
When it comes to viewing the Northern Lights, there are two important considerations. Namely, latitude and relatively low light pollution. Northern Michigan has a favorable latitude. Blessed with a rather lengthy shoreline along the south shore of Lake Superior, The Upper Peninsula is relatively low in light pollution.
Michigan's average winter high temperatures are around -4.4°C (24°F) to 2.8°C (37°F). The average low temperatures are around -12.8°C (9°F) to -3.9°C (25°F).
Known as Mirrie Dancers, the Northern Lights also provide entertainment in Scotland.
The greener the color, the closer Aurora is to you. The deeper red means the further it is away from you.
Best viewing is generally during the darkest months of the year. In Scotland, that occurs between December and February.
The most northerly parts of the country are the best locations to experience the ethereal light show.
Temperatures vary from an average low of around 0 °C (32 °F) in winter, to an average high in summer of around 15–17 °C (59–63 °F).
No two light shows are the same in color and patterns. Different types of gas particles produce different colors.
The most visible color is a pale yellow-green followed by pink and a mix of red and green.
You’re very lucky to view a pure blue, or red, light as it is very rare. This scarcity is the result of high-altitude oxygen at heights of up to almost 322 km (200 miles) above planet earth.
Aurora dances in the skies on cold, clear evenings from October through March. Occasionally, you may view the Northern Lights during other months.
Aurora dances up to 240 nights a year in the Northwest Territories.
Temperatures vary between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) to mid-upper 30s (90s) in summer. Winter (January and February) sees averages from -5 to -15°C (23 to 5°F) to as low as -30 to -40°C (-22 to -40°F).
No matter which country you choose to view the colorful light show, you will need a decent camera. To our naked eye, the auroras are relatively dim. However, you may have a better sighting when watching it through a long-exposure camera.
Russian winters are from December to February. The best viewing is during January and February when the nights are generally frosty and clear.
Temperatures in Moscow vary between –11 °C to 24 °C (12°F to 76 °F).
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