Chasing the Northern Lights: A Guide to One of Nature’s Most Magical Spectacles

Chasing the Northern Lights: A Guide to One of Nature’s Greatest Spectacles

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are one of the most awe-inspiring natural displays on Earth. These shifting ribbons of colour appear when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating brilliant waves of green, pink, red and violet that shimmer across the night sky. For centuries, they’ve inspired myths, legends and scientific curiosity alike. Today, they’re considered a bucket-list experience by travellers across the world, and it’s easy to see why, witnessing them in person feels like stepping into another realm.

While they might not be officially listed among the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Northern Lights certainly earn a place in the conversation. Their unpredictable beauty, vivid colour and cosmic scale make them one of the most unforgettable sights our planet has to offer.

When and Where to See the Northern Lights

The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and April, when the nights are long and the skies dark in the northern hemisphere. Within this window, September and March are particularly popular months, thanks to more stable weather and statistically higher aurora activity around the equinoxes. For the best chance of seeing the lights, head outside between 9pm and 2am, with the most active period usually falling between 11pm and midnight.

Top destinations include Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Canada and Alaska, all of which sit within the “auroral zone” close to the magnetic North Pole. In Norway, places like Tromsø, Senja and the Lofoten Islands offer ideal conditions alongside stunning Arctic scenery. Abisko National Park in Sweden is known for its clear skies and minimal light pollution, while Yellowknife and Whitehorse in Canada provide reliable viewing spots during winter. Iceland, with its dramatic volcanic terrain and isolated viewpoints, is another favourite, especially for photographers.

How the Northern Lights Work

The science behind the Northern Lights is every bit as fascinating as the show itself. The lights form when the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the Sun, interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field. Some of these particles are guided towards the polar regions, where they collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, causing them to release energy as light. Oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues, depending on the altitude of the collision.

Solar storms and coronal mass ejections can amplify these displays, making them brighter and more widespread. Tracking the Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity, can help you determine when conditions are most favourable. As we approach the solar maximum in 2025, aurora activity is expected to become even more intense, making now an ideal time to plan your trip.

Planning Your Aurora Adventure

Seeing the Northern Lights requires more than just luck, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. You’ll need clear, dark skies and several nights in a good location to increase your chances. It’s best to plan for at least four or five nights to account for changes in the weather. Tools like the My Aurora Forecast app are useful for tracking cloud cover and aurora activity in real time.

Guided tours can take the stress out of planning, with local experts leading you to the best viewing spots while helping you avoid light pollution. Many tours also include warm shelters and hot drinks to keep you comfortable. If you prefer to explore independently, renting a car gives you the flexibility to chase clear skies, though winter driving requires care, especially in remote areas.

What to Pack and How to Prepare

Arctic nights can be brutally cold, so it’s important to dress in multiple layers. Start with thermal base layers, then add insulating mid-layers like fleece or wool, and finish with a waterproof, windproof outer shell. Don’t forget insulated boots, thick woollen socks, a warm hat, gloves or mittens and hand warmers. A head torch, thermos of hot tea or cocoa and a camera bag with extra batteries are also essentials for a long night outdoors.

Capturing the Moment: Photographing the Lights

To photograph the Northern Lights, you’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings, a tripod and a wide-angle lens with a low aperture (such as f/2.8). Try ISO settings between 800 and 3200 and adjust your shutter speed from 2 to 20 seconds, depending on how bright and active the aurora is. Focus manually on a distant light or star for sharper shots. Batteries drain faster in cold temperatures, so be sure to pack extras and a power bank if you’re using your phone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some travellers miss out on the aurora by choosing the wrong dates or locations. Avoid visiting during summer, when the nights are too bright in high-latitude regions. Steer clear of cities and towns with light pollution, and don’t rely solely on forecasts without checking the actual sky. Many people give up too early, but patience is key, you might need to wait hours for the lights to appear. Stay warm, stay alert and give yourself plenty of time to catch the show.

The Northern Lights and You

Every aurora display is unique, which is part of what makes them so magical. Some nights, you might see faint green ribbons drifting across the sky. On others, the heavens come alive with waves of colour that ripple and dance in silence overhead. Whether you witness a quiet flicker or a full-blown cosmic performance, the experience is something you’ll never forget.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable winter getaway, this could be the perfect time to go aurora hunting. With solar activity building toward its peak, the next couple of seasons are set to offer some of the brightest and most frequent Northern Lights in years. All you need is a sense of adventure, a little planning, and your warmest winter coat.