First Time Northern Lights Experience: What You Need To Know
Experiencing the northern lights for the first time is an unforgettable adventure. This celestial phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, illuminates the night sky with an ethereal display of colors. With a first-time northern lights experience, what you need to know includes some rules of behavior you may not have considered.
What Causes the Northern Lights To Appear?
When charged particles emitted by the sun collide with oxygen or nitrogen atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere, the northern lights can appear. The collision excites the atoms, and when they revert to their normal state, they release a photon, or a particle of light.
The display of colors ranges from green (the most common color), pink, purple, and red to blue. The intensity and color of the lights depend on the type of gas particles involved and their altitude.
Best Place and Time To See the Northern Lights
The Sub-arctic auroral oval is the prime zone for seeing the Northern Lights, a ring-shaped zone that extends from the 58th parallel northward to 100 miles North of the Arctic Circle. This region includes parts of Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, and Alaska. It is not as large as many people assume so picking the right destination is critical. Many areas near large sea bodies such as Iceland, Norway and Alaska have mostly overcast skies in warmer months which is why they are dependent on the bitterly cold months which feature drier weather.
Contrary to popular belief, there are locations where you do not have to endure freezing temperatures to witness this spectacle. August and September, for instance, are great months for Manitoba northern lights tours. The inland locations offer clear skies and longer nights providing more comfortable and optimal viewing conditions during these months.
Dressing Right
Though you won’t have to brave the coldest months, it is still essential to dress appropriately for your northern lights viewing experience. Layering your clothing is advisable as it allows you to adjust to changing temperatures. Invest in a good quality warm fleece or down jacket, lightweight toque, good socks and boots to keep your feet warm and dry.
Northern Lights Viewing Tips and Etiquette
For the best viewing experience, remember to keep the environment dark. This is especially important when taking photographs which often are on a timer. Use minimal light and preferably red light to preserve the natural ambiance and avoid disturbing others and negatively affecting their photographs.
Enjoy the glorious spectacle, regardless of the color or duration you see. Each aurora display is unique and beautiful in its own way. Some last a half hour, some last 1-2 hours as they strengthen. It is also common for the Auroras to disappear and suddenly reappear a couple of hours later. And if your schedule allows and you are fortunate, try to observe the northern lights for as many nights as possible. This approach increases your chances of seeing the northern lights in a variety of colors and displays.
Your first-time northern lights experience will be truly magical with the right preparation and knowledge. Remember these tips as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure few get to experience.
