What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display normally seen in high regions around the Arctic. More recently they are being seen in lower regions.
They are caused by interactions between the Earth's atmosphere & charged particles from the Sun.
Solar Wind
The Sun continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. These particles are primarily electrons & protons.
Magnetosphere Interaction
When the charged particles reach Earth, they interact with its magnetosphere, a magnetic field that surrounds the planet. The Earth's magnetosphere directs these particles toward the polar regions.
Atmospheric Excitation
As the charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they excite these gas molecules, causing them to emit light. The type of gas & the altitude the collision occurs at determines the color of the light.
The Colors (colours)
Green
The most common color is produced by oxygen molecules located about 96 km above the Earth.
Red
Produced by high-altitude oxygen, at up to 320 km above the Earth. Red auroras are relatively rare.
Blue & Purple
Caused by nitrogen molecules. These colors are less common and often seen on the lower edges of the aurora.
Best Time To See
Winter Months
The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months (late September to early April) when the nights are longest & the skies are darkest.
Clear Skies
Clear, dark nights away from city lights provide the best viewing conditions.
Solar Activity
Periods of high solar activity increase the likelihood and intensity of auroral displays.
Common Tourist Spots to View are:
Yellowknife & Whitehorse in Canada's North. More recently they can be seen in some Southern Regions.
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