The Ultimate Guide to the Northern Lights & Aurora Borealis

Science, Stories, and How to See Them

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Magic of the Aurora Borealis
2. What Are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)?
3. Aurora Borealis vs. Aurora Australis
4. Why and Where Do the Northern Lights Appear?
5. The Auroral Zone
6. Understanding the Colours of the Aurora
7. The Eye vs. the Camera
8. Myths and Stories from Around the World
9. Can We Forecast the Northern Lights?
10. Best Places and Times to See the Aurora Borealis
11. Hotel vs. Dedicated Resort: Why It Matters
12. How to Photograph the Northern Lights
13. What to Expect: Reality vs. Expectations
14. Northern Lights and Local Wildlife
15. Common Questions About the Northern Lights
16. Final Thoughts: The Aurora Is a Gift, Not a Guarantee

Introduction: The Magic of the Aurora Borealis

Few natural phenomena stir the human imagination like the Northern Lights. Dancing silently across the sky in shades of green, red, and violet, these celestial lights have inspired myths, guided scientists, and drawn travelers to the Earth’s polar regions for centuries.

Scientifically known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are not just a beautiful spectacle — they’re a living connection between the Sun and Earth, the cosmos and our atmosphere. But while they may look like magic, there is real science behind their glow.

Whether you’re planning a journey to see them, trying to understand how they work, or simply curious about what makes the sky light up, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from solar storms and magnetic fields to Indigenous stories and photography tips. And if you’re ever lucky enough to view them from a remote resort far from city lights, like those found in the Yukon wilderness, the experience is unforgettable.

What Are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)?

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that occurs in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. These lights are caused by collisions between charged particles from the Sun and gases in our planet’s atmosphere. But to truly understand how they form, we have to take a step into space.

The Sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. When these particles reach Earth, most are deflected by the planet’s magnetic field. However, near the magnetic poles — where the field is weaker — some particles funnel down into the upper atmosphere.

As they collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules high above Earth, energy is released in the form of light. The result? Curtains, arcs, and spirals of glowing light that shimmer and move with surprising speed and complexity.

Aurora Borealis vs. Aurora Australis

While we often associate the aurora with the north, these light shows are not unique to the Arctic. The same process occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is called the Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights. Both forms of aurora mirror each other and occur simultaneously, though fewer people see the southern aurora because it’s primarily visible from Antarctica, the southern tip of New Zealand, and parts of Tasmania.

Together, these auroras are part of the same global phenomenon — visual evidence of the interaction between solar activity and Earth’s magnetic shield.

Understanding the Colours of the Aurora

One of the most mesmerizing aspects of the aurora is its colour. While green is the most common, displays can also include shades of red, violet, blue, and even pink or white. These colours depend on two main factors: the type of gas involved in the collision and the altitude at which the interaction takes place.

The Science of Aurora Colours

• Green: The most common colour, produced when solar particles collide with oxygen molecules at altitudes between 100 and 300 kilometers.
• Red: Caused by high-altitude oxygen (above 300 km). Rare and usually faint.
• Purple and Violet: Caused by nitrogen at lower altitudes. Seen on the edges of displays.
• Blue and Pink: Occur during high-energy solar storms involving ionized nitrogen.

The Eye vs. the Camera

It’s important to understand that the human eye, especially in darkness, does not detect colour the same way a camera does. While cameras with long exposures can capture deep reds and purples, your naked eye will usually see auroras in shades of green, grey-green, or pale white — especially if the aurora is faint.

This leads to a common misconception: that the lights are less vibrant in real life. They’re not less beautiful — just different from the highly enhanced images often shared online.

Myths and Stories from Around the World

Before the science was known, cultures around the world developed myths to explain the aurora. These stories often reflect the spiritual and emotional impact the lights had on people — a mixture of reverence, fear, and wonder. Before the science was known, cultures around the world developed myths to explain the aurora.

Indigenous Peoples of the North

• Inuit (Canada & Greenland): The lights were believed to be spirits of the dead playing games in the sky.
• Dene (Yukon & Northwest Territories): Whistling at the aurora could draw it closer — or anger it.
• Cree: Called the aurora the “Dance of the Spirits.”
• Sámi (Scandinavia): The lights were sacred and should not be pointed at, sung to, or mocked.

Norse Mythology

In Scandinavia, some believed the Northern Lights were the glow of Valkyries riding across the sky. Others thought they were the Bifröst, a glowing bridge to the gods.

Other Indigenous and Global Traditions

• Aboriginal Australians: While the aurora is rarely visible this far south, Indigenous groups in Tasmania described them as bushfires in the spirit world.
• Northern Scotland and Orkney Islands: In Celtic and Pictish folklore, the lights were seen as omens or battles between celestial beings.
• Ainu People (Japan): Considered the lights to be spiritual, often connected to the gods’ messages.
• Siberian Tribes: Many believed the lights to be the spirits of animals — especially deer and fish — ascending to the heavens.
• Japan: A modern legend says children conceived under the aurora will be lucky and beautiful.
• Finland: The term revontulet means “fox fires,” from a story about a magical fox sweeping its tail across the snow, creating sparks in the sky.

Can We Forecast the Northern Lights?

Forecasting the aurora is possible — to a point. We can’t predict it like the weather, but space agencies monitor solar conditions that help us estimate when and where the aurora may appear.

How Forecasting Works

• KP Index: A global scale (0–9) that estimates geomagnetic activity. A KP of 4+ often means visibility in northern Canada or Alaska.
• Solar Wind Speed: Faster solar wind = more likelihood of auroras.
• Bz Component: If this magnetic field is directed southward, auroras are more likely.
• Real-Time Satellites: Satellites like NOAA’s DSCOVR provide live solar data.

You can check forecasts at auroraforecast.com or in our companion article: “Northern Lights Forecast: How to predict the Aurora Borealis”

Best Places and Times to See the Aurora Borealis

The aurora is most reliable in the Auroral Zone, but timing is just as important as location.

Best Travel Times

• Late August to mid-April is the general season across the Northern Hemisphere.
• September to October and February to March offer statistically higher chances of solar activity.
• Many sources advise avoiding the full moon due to brighter skies, but this is mostly a matter of photographic aesthetics. In fact, our experience at Northern Lights Resort & Spa shows no disadvantage to full moon nights — quite the opposite. Over the past two seasons and 17 full moons, we’ve had 14 spectacular aurora shows exactly on full moon nights.
• Full moon light can actually enhance your experience by illuminating the foreground landscape, creating more vibrant and detailed aurora photos.
• In places like the Yukon or Lapland, peak viewing often occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM, though auroras can appear anytime during dark hours. While the aurora can appear anywhere during intense solar storms, it is most reliable in the Auroral Zone.

Top locations FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS include:

1. Yukon, Canada — Ideal conditions, little light pollution, and plenty of dark hours.
2. Tromsø, Norway — Northern coastal city with strong aurora visibility.
3. Finnish Lapland — Home to aurora domes and remote winter villages.
4. Iceland — Popular destination, though often cloudy.
5. Fairbanks, Alaska — Consistent activity and a strong tourism infrastructure.
6. Northern Sweden & Russia — Spectacular skies and deep winter views.

Hotel vs. Dedicated Resort: Why It Matters

Many people miss the aurora by staying in city hotels where lights or clouds block the view.

Advantages of Aurora-Focused Resorts

• Built far from light pollution
• On-site guides and staff monitor forecasts
• Panoramic windows or heated lounges for comfortable viewing
• Wake-up alerts so you never miss the lights
• 3–7 night packages for the best chance of success

How to Photograph the Northern Lights

You don’t need to be a pro to capture the aurora — just some basic gear and knowledge.

Essentials

• DSLR or mirrorless camera
• Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or faster)
• Tripod
• Manual settings

Starter Settings

• ISO: 800–3200
• Aperture: f/2.8
• Shutter: 5–20 seconds
• Focus: Manual to infinity

Smartphones can capture auroras too — if the display is bright and your phone has a night mode. Use a tripod and experiment.

Tip: Read our full article: “How to Photograph the Northern Lights: A Beginner’s Guide.”

Northern Lights and Local Wildlife

There is limited formal research on the effect of geomagnetic storms on wildlife, but some fascinating observations exist:

• Birds and whales, which navigate using Earth’s magnetic field, have shown behavioral changes during strong solar storms.
• Migratory patterns and hunting activity of some species may also be disrupted by geomagnetic disturbances.
• At Northern Lights Resort & Spa in the Yukon, we’ve consistently observed that sled dogs — especially huskies — become restless or begin howling during nights with heightened aurora activity. While there’s no definitive scientific explanation, it suggests that animals may sense geomagnetic shifts more acutely than humans.

Common Questions About the Northern Lights

Where Does the Name ‘Aurora Borealis’ Come From?

The term Aurora Borealis was coined by the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei in 1619. He combined “Aurora,” the Roman goddess of the dawn, with “Boreas,” the Greek god of the north wind. The name reflects the shimmering lights seen in the northern sky and their dawn-like glow.

In the Southern Hemisphere, the lights are called Aurora Australis, meaning “southern dawn.”

Do the Northern Lights Make a Sound?

There are stories from people who claim to have heard a faint crackling or whooshing sound when the Northern Lights are especially strong. However, in over 15 years of nightly aurora experience at Northern Lights Resort & Spa, we have never heard any sound.

Scientifically, no conclusive evidence confirms that the aurora produces an audible sound. The altitude at which auroras occur — up to 500 km above Earth — makes it unlikely that sound waves could travel such a distance. Some researchers have theorized that electrical discharges closer to the ground during strong geomagnetic events could create localized noises, but this remains speculative.

Does the Temperature Affect the Northern Lights?

No — temperature has no effect on whether the Northern Lights appear. The aurora is caused by interactions between solar particles and the Earth’s magnetic field, not weather or surface temperature.

However, temperature often affects weather conditions, which in turn impact your viewing experience. Cold, clear winter nights are generally more stable and cloud-free, making it easier to see the lights. Warmer temperatures, especially in fall and spring, can bring increased cloud cover.

Can the Northern Lights Be Seen on Other Planets?

Yes! Auroras have been observed on several other planets in our solar system, including:

• Jupiter and Saturn, which have strong magnetic fields that produce intense auroras
• Uranus and Neptune, though less studied
• Even Mars shows localized auroras, despite its weak magnetic field

Each planetary aurora is different in colour, intensity, and mechanism, depending on the planet’s atmosphere and magnetic properties.

Can the Aurora Affect Technology?

Yes — during strong geomagnetic storms, the Northern Lights can interfere with:

• Radio communications, especially in polar regions
• GPS and satellite signals
• Power grids, in extreme cases (as seen in the 1989 Hydro-Québec blackout)
• Air travel, occasionally causing polar flights to reroute

While typical aurora displays are harmless, solar storms linked to them can have significant impacts on modern technology.

Can the Northern Lights Be Seen During the Day or in Summer?

No — even if the aurora is active, it cannot be seen during daylight hours or under a bright summer sky. From May to mid-August, much of the Arctic experiences 24 hours of daylight, also known as the Midnight Sun.

As a result, the sky is simply too bright to see any aurora. That’s why Northern Lights season begins in late August, when darkness returns to the night sky.

Final Thoughts: The Aurora Is a Gift, Not a Guarantee

The Northern Lights don’t follow our schedules or promises. You can’t book a room and demand a show. But what you can do is give yourself the best chance.

Stay longer. Be patient. Choose the right location. Dress warm. Look up.

And when it happens — even a soft green arc in a silent northern sky — you’ll understand why people travel halfway around the world to see it.