On the hunt for the Northern Lights in Lapland

The Northern Lights are a light phenomenon that occurs in the night sky of the polar regions. It is caused by collisions between charged particles from the sun (the solar wind) and gas molecules in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

When these particles collide with the atoms and molecules in the atmosphere (mainly oxygen and nitrogen), energy is released in the form of light. We see this light as the Northern Lights, which create wavy patterns of color in the sky. Depending on the gases involved, the colors can vary from green to purple, sometimes with shades of red, pink, or blue.

Lapland, located north of the Arctic Circle, offers ideal conditions for observing the Northern Lights. Here’s why:

1. Proximity to the magnetic pole: The closer you get to the magnetic poles, the more frequently this phenomenon occurs.
2. Polar night: The polar night, which lasts for several months in winter, provides long, very dark nights that are perfect for witnessing this natural spectacle.
3. Little light pollution: Vast areas of pristine nature provide a dark sky, ideal for observation.

Here are some well-known places in Lapland to observe the northern lights:

1. Abisko, Sweden: Considered one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights, thanks to its unique microclimate that often offers a clear sky.
2. Levi, Finland: This popular ski resort in Finnish Lapland is also an excellent spot for viewing the northern lights. With its high latitude and minimal light pollution, Levi offers great opportunities to witness this celestial spectacle, especially during the winter months.
3. Äkaslompolo, Finland: This small town by the lake provides ideal conditions for observing the northern lights.
4. Tromsø, Norway: Nicknamed the "Capital of the Northern Lights," this city offers numerous excursion opportunities to witness the phenomenon.
5. Rovaniemi, Finland: The capital of Finnish Lapland offers many activities related to the northern lights.

• Different colors: While green is the most common color, the Northern Lights can also be pink, red, blue, or purple, depending on the gases in the atmosphere and the height of the collision.
• The sound of the Northern Lights: Some people claim to hear sounds from the Northern Lights, such as crackling or whistling. Although this was long considered a myth, this phenomenon has recently been scientifically confirmed.
• Aurora Borealis vs. Aurora Australis: The counterpart of the Northern Lights in the Southern Hemisphere is called the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).
• Solar activity: The intensity of the Northern Lights is related to solar activity, which follows a cycle of about 11 years.
• Visibility from space: The Northern Lights are visible from space, and astronauts on the International Space Station can observe them from their unique perspective.
• Myths and legends: In the past, the Northern Lights were seen as mystical omens. Some Sami cultures believed that the lights were the spirits of their ancestors.