What Are the Aurora Borealis? The Northern Lights Explained
The ethereal phenomenon commonly known as the northern lights is one of the most breathtaking sights you can witness in the world. But why do they happen? What are the aurora borealis, exactly? Learn more about the science behind this spectacle and discover how you can experience it for yourself.
The Sun and Earth’s Magnetic Field
The celestial dance of the northern lights begins with the sun. Solar winds, which are streams of charged particles flowing from the sun, interact with Earth’s magnetic field. As these particles collide with gases in our planet’s atmosphere, they excite electrons in those gases’ molecules. When the molecules return to their usual state, they release energy in the form of light, thus giving birth to the awe-inspiring aurora borealis.
Why the Aurora Appears in Different Colors
Ever wondered why the aurora borealis appears in a mesmerizing array of colors, from green to blue to rosy pink or purple? The answer lies in the type of gas particles involved in the collisions. Oxygen produces green and red lights, the most common hues of the aurora. Nitrogen, on the other hand, creates blue or purplish-red lights. The varying altitudes at which these collisions occur also influence the colors we see.
The Auroral Oval
The “Auroral Oval” is the region around the earth’s poles where auroras are most frequently observed. It expands and contracts based on solar activity. Situated within the auroral oval, Gangler’s Sub-Arctic offers an unrivaled opportunity to witness this natural light show. Here, you will find yourself beneath the dancing lights, immersed in their radiant glow.
Traveling To See the Northern Lights
Experiencing the northern lights firsthand is an adventure like no other. Our luxury northern lights tours provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to view the northern lights. Because of our location in the pristine, unspoiled wilderness of northern Manitoba, an area devoid of light pollution, we have an exceptional record of affording our guests a glimpse of the aurora. Along with witnessing the mesmerizing northern lights, you will also encounter abundant wildlife and the rich cultural heritage of First Nations people who have dwelled in the region for millennia.
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, are one of many intricate and beautiful natural phenomena that occur in the sub-arctic region of Canada. Join us for a luxury northern lights safari in northern Manitoba and experience the magic of the northern lights and the untouched beauty of the sub-arctic.
