The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature's most stunning visual phenomena. They manifest in brilliant waves of color that illuminate the polar skies.
These lights paint the night with vibrant green, pink, and sometimes fiery red hues originating from the sun. This spectacle is not just a treat for the eyes but also a subject of scientific study and fascination that draws crowds from around the globe hoping to witness its majesty.
As we explore what causes this dazzling natural event, we dive into the interactions between solar energy and our planet's magnetic atmosphere, creating a light show that captivates and enchants all who see it.
What Is the Aurora?
The aurora is a stunning natural phenomenon that appears as a glowing light display near the Earth's poles. In the northern hemisphere, this display is called the aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights, while in the southern hemisphere, it is known as the aurora australis, or the Southern Lights.
These lights, often referred to as the 'northern' and 'southern lights,' have captivated human interest throughout history, sparking curiosity and wonder. Ancient cultures created myths around them, seeing them as omens or messages from the gods.
Today, they continue to be a source of fascination, drawing people worldwide who hope to see their spectacular colors dancing across the night sky.
What Are the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a beautiful display of colors in the sky that can appear in many different shapes. Some look like clouds or scattered light patches, while others form long lines, waves, or curtains that seem to move and dance.
This happens when particles from the sun hit gases in the Earth's atmosphere. The lights change shape and color as they move.
The most common color, green, comes from oxygen in the atmosphere. Other gases can create blue, pink, or violet colors. It's like a natural light show that decorates the sky.
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What Causes The Northern Lights? Explained
The beautiful lights in the night sky originate from the sun. During solar storms, the sun ejects large clouds of charged particles into space, some of which travel to Earth.
Earth's magnetic field deflects most of these particles, but some are drawn towards the North and South Poles. This concentration around the poles is why we predominantly see the Northern Lights in these regions.
Tom Kerss, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory, explains the process: "When these particles collide with atoms in our Earth's upper atmosphere, they 'heat' them up in a process we call 'excitation,' which causes the atoms to glow, similar to how heating a gas makes it glow."
Thus, the spectacle we observe as the Northern Lights results from these glowing atoms. The paths of Earth's magnetic field lines guide the lights' dynamic waves and curtain shapes.
The lights start about 80 miles above the Earth and can extend thousands of miles into the sky during intense geomagnetic storms.
The Colors of the Northern Lights Explained
Just like different gases emit various colors when heated, a similar process unfolds during the aurora displays in the night sky. The Earth's atmosphere mainly comprises two gases: nitrogen and oxygen. Each of these gases glows in distinct colors when activated by the energy of the aurora.
Oxygen is responsible for the vivid green that is commonly associated with the aurora, while nitrogen produces the shades of purple, blue, or pink that occasionally streak through the night sky.
Astronomer Tom adds insight into another spectacular color sometimes seen: "We sometimes witness a striking scarlet red in the aurora, which happens when oxygen at very high altitudes interacts with solar particles. This brilliant red only appears when the aurora is strong and energetic."
This additional layer of color variation adds to the awe-inspiring nature of the Northern Lights.
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How to Predict Northern Lights
Predicting the Northern Lights isn't always straightforward. Sometimes, they can appear with only a 30-minute warning, but forecasts can also provide a few days' notice, especially around the spring and fall when auroras are more common.
The Kp-index, which measures magnetic activity on the Earth's surface, helps predict when the Northern Lights might be visible. If the Kp-index is six or higher, there's a good chance you'll see the lights.
Scientists use satellites to check the speed and density of solar wind—the stream of charged particles the sun sends out into space. When the conditions are right, they can predict when and where the Northern Lights will show up, using computers to help them understand the data.
The sun's cycle lasts about 11 years, swinging between periods of lots of activity and less activity. Even though we're currently in a quieter phase, which was expected to start around 2019-2020, you can still see the Northern Lights sometimes.
They're just more frequent and intense when the sun is very active. The years 2022–2027 are expected to be good for seeing the Northern Lights, often looking ahead.
Best Times to See the Northern Lights
Want to see the Northern Lights' stunning green and pink colors? The optimal viewing months are from August to April, particularly October, November, and April.
Check the weather and utilize the NOAA three-day or 30-minute forecasts, or download a reliable aurora app to aid your planning. It's crucial to choose a clear night and dress warmly.
The Northern Lights don't appear at a set time because they are influenced by when a solar storm occurs, which can happen at any time, even before it's fully dark. To see them best, start scanning the sky after 10 p.m. and be patient.
You may need to wait several nights to catch a glimpse, and they might only appear briefly. Be prepared to savor and capture the moment when they do emerge quickly.
Read more here: When Can You See the Northern Lights? Unraveling Nature's Aurora Activity: Factors, Timing, and Wonders
Best Viewing Locations
The key to finding the best place to view the Northern Lights is darkness. Look for a location far away from city lights where the sky is clear and dark.
The display typically starts near the northern horizon and, with an intense enough aurora, can envelop the entire sky, stretching from north to south. An ideal spot for a small group tour would be the southern shore of a lake or the periphery of a vast field, away from any artificial lighting.
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Be sure to dress in warm layers and bring some snacks and drinks to keep cozy while waiting for the aurora borealis to grace the sky. This preparation can make the experience of watching the lights dance across the heavens both comfortable and memorable.
Best Local Spots to See the Northern Lights
There are many great places near Michigan Tech to watch the Northern Lights tour. The sky is big and dark just north of Houghton, past the Lift Bridge—perfect for seeing the aurora.
The darkest places are usually the best spots to go. Here are some top spots in the Copper Country:
- Breakers Beach and West Point Entry in Houghton: These are good places with clear sky views.
- McLain State Park in Houghton: This park has wide open skies, which is excellent for watching the lights.
- Bete Grise Beach, east of Lac La Belle: It's quiet here, with lots of open space.
- Eagle River, Eagle Harbor, and Copper Harbor's Brockway Mountain: These spots are higher up, giving a good sky view.
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Further south, Shawn Malone from Marquette suggests the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, just two miles west of Mackinaw City. It's one of the few dark places at night, making it great for seeing the lights.
If you cross the bridge, the south shore of Lake Superior is also a great place to look:
- Brimley
- Whitefish Point
- Pictured Rocks
- Autrain
- Marquette
- Big Bay
- Skanee
All these places offer clear sky views, making them perfect for catching the Northern Lights. Whether you're nearby or visiting, check these spots out for a chance to see this fantastic light show.
Final Thoughts
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a dazzling natural display caused by interactions between the Earth's atmosphere and charged particles from the sun. These particles light up atmospheric gases, creating a spectacle of colors from deep purples to bright greens.
The best viewing experiences come from dark, open spaces during optimal months. Understanding how to predict and where to watch these lights enhances the experience, reminding us of the beautiful interplay between solar and terrestrial forces.
Visit our website to learn more about the Northern Lights experience and find the best viewing times and locations. Dive into the wonder of this natural spectacle and plan your next aurora-viewing adventure with us.
FAQs
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth's atmosphere. Due to the Earth's magnetic field, these collisions occur mainly near the poles.
Can you predict when the Northern Lights will appear?
Yes, the appearance of the Northern Lights can be predicted by monitoring solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. Websites like the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center provide forecasts that can help identify potential sightings.
Where is the best place to see the Northern Lights?
The best places to view the Northern Lights are typically closer to the poles, such as in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the northern parts of Canada and Alaska. Areas with dark skies away from city lights enhance visibility.
What colors can the Northern Lights be?
The Northern Lights most commonly appear in shades of green and pink, but they can also display blues, yellows, reds, and violets. The color variation is due to the type of gas particles colliding.
Are certain times of the year better for viewing the Northern Lights?
The best time to view the Northern Lights is during the winter months, from September to April when the nights are the longest, and the skies are the darkest—activity peaks around the equinoxes in March and September.
