Norhthern Lights - Aurora Borealis

Where to stay to see the Aurora?
The further north you are, the easier it may be to see Northern Lights. Check out cottage rentals in Yukon, Northwest Territories or Alaska.

Yukon Mountain Retreat

Arctic Chalet

There are very few cottage rentals cottage that far up north. Most of the cottage owners hold other jobs and share out their houses to let you experience the true spirit of the north. Besides the spectacular light shows at night, there is plenty to do up north during daytime. Hiking, trekking, and seeking adventure are a must in unspoiled nature of the north.

What is Aurora Borealis?

A solar wind originates from the sun, a stream of charged particles which then interact with earths magnetosphere. Magnetosphere is a shield that protects the earth from sun rays. This shield is made up of a magnetic field that radiates out into space from the poles. The magnetosphere forces the solar wind to slide around it, protecting the planet from radiation.

The charged particles squeeze the magnetic field into a teardrop shape. In the magnetosphere the interaction creates electric fields and electromagnetic waves that transfer their energy to electrons, which then plunge into the atmosphere.

The charged particles excite oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere to create the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights. The same condition creates the Aurora Australia, or Southern Lights.

Colours and Intensity Northern Lights

Aurora colours vary as they are seen in the dark sky. They can vary from light to intense greens, with blends of red, purple. This spectacle of lights is an unforgettable show with different shapes that form bands, arcs and shields in the sky. Some are stationary, some move slowly, others fly by quickly in the sky.

When is the best time see Aurora

The best time to view Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights, is late August and September. In the summer, during permanent daylight, it is much more difficult if not impossible to see. The intensity of the views depends on the intensity of solar activity at that time. It is an elusive phenomenon, which make it that much more exciting to watch.

< Back to Articles

Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis