What are the northern lights? How can you see them?
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wanted to see it come alive with color? The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are nature’s breathtaking light show, fascinating travelers and dreamers. These brilliant screens of green, purple and pink ribbons dance over the Arctic sky, creating a magical atmosphere that feels almost other world. Many people yearn to see this spectacle because it is a connection to the beauty of our planet. Let us understand what the northern lights are and why they hold such a special place in the hearts of those who are looking for them. The northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are breathtaking natural light exhibitions caused by clashes between electrically charged particles from the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere. As particles of the sun, known as solar wind, clash with the Earth’s atmosphere, these particles are directed to the North and South posts. Due to the magnetic field that surrounds the earth, solar winds cannot harm us. As these particles enter the atmosphere, they clash with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen, causing them to glow. It creates the beautiful, colorful lights in the air we call the northern lights. Why do Auroras have different colors? Different gases publish different colors when heated, and this phenomenon also works with the northern lights. The earth’s atmosphere has different types of gases, but the primary two are oxygen and nitrogen. Oxygen produces a green yellow color, while nitrogen creates a blue or purple color in the northern lights. The interaction between these gases and bodies is what creates the breathtaking light show in the air. Must read: Explain: Northern Lights of Aurora Borealis -Mitters and Legends of the Northern Lights that have fascinated the northern light for centuries. Many ancient civilizations have tried to explain the lights in ways that reflect their beliefs, values and worldviews. Below are some of the most interesting myths and legends associated with the northern lights from different regions worldwide. Culture/Regional myth/Legend Norwegian (Vikings) The northern lights are believed to be reflected of the armor’s armor while leding warriors to Valhalla. Inuit (Alaska, Canada) The lights were seen as the spirits of animals, such as stamps and salmon, playing in the air. Sami (Northern Europe) Sami people thought the lights were the energy of departed souls and believed that it was not respectful to blow at them. The lights in Finland are believed to be caused by a magical fox running through the snow, while his tail wipes sparks in the air. Japanese some in Japan believe that a child who was devised under the northern lights will be blessed with happiness. Scottish (Orkney Islands) The northern lights were known as “cheerful dancers” and thought they were fighting warriors in the air. Chinese The ancient Chinese believed that the light foxes were fighting in the air, representing the battle between good and evil. Aboriginal Australians Some indigenous Australian groups believed that the lights are the spirit of their ancestors dancing in the air. Where and when to see Aurora Magic? The Aurora Borealis can be seen under dark sky from the end of August to mid -April, especially on bright, cloudless nights. While the Auroras occur all year, they are too faint to be seen from May to most of August due to the stronger sunlight. Spring and fall offers more stable weather and milder temperatures, with increased aurora activity around the equals. The period from November to February offers the darkest sky and longer nights, making it ideal for slide. The most intense screens usually occur between 21:00 and 02:00, with the best observations often occurring between 23:00 and midnight. From 04:00 to 17:00, Daylight generally makes it difficult to see the Auroras, except during the darkest months or at higher latitudes such as Svalbard, where it remains dark all day from mid -November to the end of January.