The Northern Lights — aurora borealis — are one of the most searched natural phenomena on Earth. Millions of people dream of seeing them at least once in their lifetime. But what exactly are they? What causes them? And why do they dance across the sky in shades of green, purple, and red?
This guide answers every question — from the science behind the lights to the best places in the world to witness them in person.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, known scientifically as
aurora borealis, are natural light displays that appear in the sky at high latitudes — primarily in the Arctic regions of Finland, Norway, Iceland, Canada, and Alaska.
The name comes from the Roman goddess of dawn,
Aurora, and the Greek word for north wind,
Boreas. In the Southern Hemisphere, the same phenomenon is called
aurora australis — the Southern Lights.
For thousands of years, the aurora was explained through mythology and folklore. The Sami people of Lapland believed the lights were caused by a giant cosmic fox running across the Arctic sky, its tail brushing the mountain tops and sending sparks into the heavens. Today we understand the science — but the experience remains just as magical.
✨ In simple terms
The Northern Lights are caused by charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in Earth’s atmosphere. The result is one of the most breathtaking natural light shows on the planet — entirely free, entirely wild, and impossible to replicate.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora is created by a complex interaction between the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field. Here is how it works, step by step:
- The Sun releases solar wind — a constant stream of charged particles that travel through space at speeds of up to 800 kilometres per second.
- Earth’s magnetic field deflects most of this solar wind — but near the polar regions some particles are funnelled into the upper atmosphere.
- These particles collide with atmospheric gases — primarily oxygen and nitrogen — at altitudes of 100 to 300 kilometres above Earth.
- The collisions excite the gas molecules — causing them to release energy in the form of light. This is the aurora.
💡
Solar maximum: According to
NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center, we are currently near a solar maximum — meaning aurora activity is exceptionally strong through 2025 and 2026. This is one of the best periods in over a decade to plan an aurora trip.
Why Are the Northern Lights Green?
The colour of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited and at what altitude the collision occurs.
Green
Oxygen at 100–150km altitude. The most common aurora colour.
Red
Oxygen above 200km. Rare — only visible during intense solar activity.
Purple
Nitrogen at lower altitudes. Often appears at the edges of green auroras.
Blue
Nitrogen at even lower altitudes. Less common.
Do the Northern Lights Make Sound?
Research by Finnish scientists confirmed that aurora sounds exist — faint crackling at around 70 metres altitude, triggered by geomagnetic activity. Only audible in total Arctic silence.
💡 Can you touch the northern lights? No — the aurora occurs at 100–300km altitude. Even commercial planes fly at only 12km.
Where Can You See the Northern Lights?
- Finnish Lapland — most reliable, with world-class glass igloo accommodation
- Northern Norway — dramatic fjord scenery and strong aurora activity
- Iceland — long season with extraordinary volcanic backdrops
For timing, read our
best time to see the Northern Lights in Lapland guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see northern lights with the naked eye?
Yes — the aurora is clearly visible to the naked eye. A good display is dramatically visible without any equipment at all.
Can you see the northern lights in summer?
No — Arctic summers bring the midnight sun. The aurora season runs from late September to early April.
Can northern lights be seen from space?
Yes — astronauts on the ISS regularly photograph aurora displays from orbit, seeing the full ring of light encircling the poles.
Do you need a tour to see the northern lights?
No — but a guided tour significantly improves your chances. Guides track real-time Kp index and cloud cover, driving to the clearest locations available.
🛡️ Travel Insurance
Arctic trips involve extreme weather, remote locations, and significant financial investment. Protect your trip with travel insurance before you go.
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Finland, Norway, or Iceland — each offers a different kind of magic.
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