There are many tips on how to see the northern lights. Here are some important factors to consider, including the best time to visit the Northern Lights region and the absence of moonlight. There are also specific phases of the Moon that you should aim to observe the northern lights during. For the best chance of catching a glimpse of the northern lights, plan your trip a week before the New Moon and three days after the New Moon.
Aurora borealis
When looking for a spot to watch the Aurora borealis, you should know what to expect. As with any other form of natural phenomenon, the aurora will appear when the sky is dark and the aurora will be much larger than it is on the map. Depending on how bright the Aurora is, it will be visible at angles other than 90 degrees, or even at the lower horizon. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Regardless of the location, the aurora is best observed during clear, dark nights. Use star charts or a stargazing app to find the best time of day to watch the aurora. For best viewing, the best time to view the aurora is between 9 pm and 2 am, when the aurora is most visible. If you are staying in a city, you should try to avoid the time between 4 am and 5 pm, because the sky will still be too bright.
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to see the aurora from space. Astronauts on the International Space Station can view both auroras from their station. However, it is important to understand that auroras are less variable from space than on Earth, so the best times to watch the northern lights are during clear nights. When you’re near the poles, the auroras will be stronger and will appear at lower latitudes.
Ideally, you should try to view the aurora borealis in the best possible conditions in the area around the Arctic Circle. At least 10 degrees north, the aurora will be most visible at 9 pm and 2 am. The Aurora Sky Station is about 900 meters above sea level, and there will be very few light disturbances. You can easily reach the site via shuttle from the STF Abisko Tourist Station. You can stay at a hostel or mountain lodge if you’re going to be there for an extended period of time.
Corona holes
If you’re lucky enough to be in a region where aurorae are common, you might just get a chance to witness a beautiful show. The aurorae are created when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth’s magnetic field. It all happens thanks to a magnetically open area in the sun’s atmosphere called a coronal hole, which allows high-speed solar wind to flood into space. Cloudless skies are best for seeing the aurora, but thin clouds can still make them appear.
The incoming solar storm is causing an unusual amount of geomagnetic activity. There are chances of a G1-class geomagnetic storm and bright auroras. On the morning of October 4 and five, a large coronal hole opened up in the sun’s atmosphere, allowing High-Speed Streams of solar wind to escape. Three days later, this increased solar wind buffeted the earth’s atmosphere, resulting in a large increase in geomagnetic activity. The images below were taken by astronomer Antti Pietikainen near the town of Harriniva, Finland.
While the Aurora Borealis will be most visible from southern latitudes this Monday, it will be visible as far north as Oklahoma City. It is expected to remain dramatic throughout the day, especially in northern latitudes. A large hole in the sun’s atmosphere is the main culprit behind the northern lights. The magnetic field lines inside the hole are open and particles can easily flow out of it. And because the aurora is caused by the solar wind, the holes are also responsible for most Auroras.
Coronal holes are dark regions on the Sun. They appear as dark patches in solar images. Although not literal holes, they’re characterized by lower temperatures and densities. These areas also appear dark in ultraviolet wavelengths. Coronal holes are a great way to observe the northern lights. These phenomena can be seen in a solar eclipse, so make sure to take the time to watch for them.
Best time to see them
During the autumn and spring months, it is easier to spot the aurora. These months are marked by fewer clouds and longer days. They are also the months when the Earth’s tilt is most evenly distributed. The autumnal and spring equinoxes fall on March 21 and September 21, respectively. Although these months offer the best chances to see the aurora, you aren’t guaranteed to see any.
When to see the Northern Lights? Typically, the best time to view the Aurora is between March 20 and March 22. The exact date will depend on the area where you live, but these are the most likely months. You can check the weather forecast from the Finnish Met. institute or check out their blog to get a daily forecast. But if you are planning a trip during this time, you should keep in mind the factors that can affect the visibility of the Aurora.
In order to view the northern lights, you must visit an area where the Sun does not rise. You should aim for a clear sky and a lack of moonlight. To ensure that you have the best chance of seeing the aurora, you should sync your trip with the phases of the Moon. Aim for a week before the New Moon and three days after the New Moon. And remember that you can see the lights in the daylight, too!
Iceland is one of the best places to view the northern lights. The country lies near the Arctic Circle, so it can see them over 100 nights each year. However, other locations are also popular, such as Norway, Sweden, and Russia, though these require multiple flights and long ground transport. So, be prepared to spend some time waiting for the best light show. You can also seek the assistance of locals who know where to find the best spots.
Best places to see them
For the best views of the northern lights, try visiting one of the best places to see them – Fairbanks, Alaska. The city is located under the Auroral Oval, a ring-shaped zone over the geomagnetic north pole, where aurora activity is most concentrated. This city is a popular destination for northern lights seekers, and there are many things to do in town. In addition to catching the lights on your own, you can go on a riverboat ride, go gold-panning, and visit the Santa Claus House.
There are many options for seeing the aurora in Greenland, which is one of the most remote places on Earth. Unlike other places, the city is so remote that it experiences no light pollution and has polar nights from late October to mid-February. The lack of infrastructure in Greenland makes it difficult to explore the region on your own, but there are many tours available to help you see the lights. To see the aurora, you can hire a guide to make your trip as comfortable as possible.
The northern lights can be spotted almost every clear evening in the Saariselka region, a vast area in the Arctic Circle. The polar night in this area lasts for longer, and the northern lights can be spotted from the town of Longyearbyen, which is the only large settlement on the island. There is no light pollution in this area, which makes it an ideal destination for tourists wanting to catch the aurora.
There are other spectacular places to see the northern lights in the U.K. Reykjavik is a popular stopover in the region, as it is close to the North Pole and is well-connected to many European and North American cities. If you’re in the mood for sightseeing, you can try the Hlemmur Food Hall for traditional Icelandic cuisine, and visit the Iceland Airwaves music festival each November. Another good spot to catch a glimpse of the northern lights is the Harpa Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Centre, where you can enjoy the sights from a rotating glass dome. During winter, you can also tour ice caves and snowmobiles.
Photographing them
There are a few tips to follow when photographing the northern lights. The first is to make sure you are properly focused. A high aurora count means a better light show. The second tip is to make sure your camera is level. A tripod is a great tool for leveling a camera. It’s also helpful to carry a thermos of hot drinks. In addition to a tripod, you should take a camera case with you to prevent your camera from becoming too cold.
Finally, be prepared for light trails. These streaks of light are often difficult to avoid, but they don’t show up to the naked eye. If you can’t resist the urge to move while taking the picture, then a remote-controlled camera might be a great idea. Try not to use a flash when photographing the northern lights. Make sure you keep still throughout the shutter speed. Moving your camera during this time will cause your photos to be blurry.
Lastly, carry a chargeable power bank so you don’t run out of battery power while out photographing the northern lights. The cold weather will drain your batteries faster than usual. Therefore, it’s best to bring at least two fully-charged batteries. These batteries will save you from the worry of running out of power mid-way. You should also consider purchasing a wireless remote to avoid touching the camera. A remote will also allow you to take pictures of yourself and not the lights.
First, shoot a long-exposure landscape shot. This will help you frame your composition before the Northern Lights appear. After that, you can switch to focusing on the aurora. The advantage of this approach is that you won’t miss any formations that may be in the foreground. By focusing on the landscape, you won’t miss any formations or details of the aurora. If the aurora shows up at the same time as the foreground, your camera won’t miss any formations.