Considered one of the most fascinating natural phenomena and atmospheric events, everything you’re curious about the Northern Lights is in this article! You’ll learn about how Northern Lights are formed, where northern lights are visible, and much more. If you’re ready, let’s take a closer look at one of the most mesmerizing wonders of nature: the Northern Lights!
How Auroras Are Formed
Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights are formed through the interaction between Earth’s magnetic field and charged particles from the Sun. This magnificent natural phenomenon occurs when the charged particles emitted by the Sun collide with oxygen and nitrogen particles in Earth’s atmosphere. The Sun continuously releases charged particles, known as “solar wind,” into space. Earth’s magnetic field prevents these particles from directly reaching the surface, guiding them toward the poles instead. When these charged particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen gases in the upper atmosphere, the atoms gain energy, which they release as light. This release creates the mesmerizing colors visible in the sky. As commonly known, the colors of the Northern Lights appear in shades of green, red, blue, and purple. Green, the most common color, is produced by oxygen atoms, while red light comes from oxygen at higher altitudes, around 300 km or more. Blue and purple lights, on the other hand, are a result of interactions with nitrogen gas.
Once we’ve explained how and why Aurora Borealis occurs, let’s move on to the question “where”!
Where Northern Lights Are Visible
One of the most asked questions by those eager to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights up close is about where Northern Lights are visible. The Northern Lights can often be observed in places like Alaska or Greenland on many nights throughout the year. They are easily visible in latitudes close to the polar regions. Here’s a list of the best countries to experience the Northern Lights!
What Is the Best Time to See The Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights can be seen on many nights of the year in certain locations. Here is the answer to the question, what is the best time to see the northern lights?
- The optimal time to see the Northern Lights is during periods of high solar activity, particularly between September and March, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
- In November, December, January, and February, the nights are longer and the skies darker, making the lights more visible.
- A dark and clear sky is essential for the best view of the dazzling lights. It is recommended to choose areas away from city lights for observation.
- Partially cloudy or cloudless skies offer the best viewing conditions.
- When solar winds and magnetic storms increase, the Northern Lights become more frequent and vivid.
- The KP Index, which measures the likelihood of seeing the lights, indicates a higher probability when it is 5 or above. The KP value can be checked through various weather forecast services.
Can You See the Northern Lights in Türkiye?
Can you see northern lights in turkey? Under normal circumstances, the Northern Lights are observed in northern latitudes. However, in recent years, the Northern Lights have been visible from Türkiye as well. This phenomenon occurred due to a solar flare causing a geomagnetic storm, making it possible to witness the mesmerizing lights in mid-latitudes, including our country. In the coming years, a similar geomagnetic storm could potentially allow the Northern Lights to be seen from various cities in Türkiye once again.
How to Plan a Trip to See the Northern Lights
If you want to plan a Northern Lights trip, the first thing you need to do is book a flight ticket to one of the Northern Lights countries. For instance, you can immediately purchase your flight ticket to Sweden, one of the best countries to view the Northern Lights, with the privilege of Corendon Airlines. By making your ticket reservation for a date between September and March, you’ll have the chance to see the Northern Lights at the best time. Abisko National Park in Northern Sweden is a perfect spot to witness this natural wonder. Plan your trip now to stand beneath one of the most mesmerizing natural phenomena in the world, and create an unforgettable experience!
Understanding why, when, where, and how auroras are formed, we invite those who want to feel the warmth of the south to read our blog post titled “What Is a Blue Flag Beach?“.
