Exploring the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). These lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. The collision excites the atoms, causing them to emit light in various colors, including green, pink, yellow, blue, purple, and red. The Northern Lights can be seen in the night sky, typically during the winter months. The best time to see them is during a period of high solar activity, known as the solar maximum. The Northern Lights have fascinated people for centuries and continue to be a popular tourist destination for those looking to witness this stunning natural phenomenon.

The Ultimate Guide to Seeing and Photographing the Northern Lights

What causes the Northern Lights ?

The Northern Lights are caused by the solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the sun. When these particles reach the Earth's atmosphere, they collide with atoms of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The collision causes the atoms to become excited and emit light, which we see as the Northern Lights. The color of the lights is determined by the type of gas and the altitude at which the collision occurs. For example, green auroras are caused by excited oxygen atoms at lower altitudes, while red auroras are caused by oxygen at higher altitudes. The Northern Lights are typically more active during periods of high solar activity, known as solar maxima, when the solar wind is strongest. However, even during solar minima, the Northern Lights can still be seen in certain locations, particularly near the Earth's magnetic poles.

I. Best places to see the Northern Lights

The top locations for viewing the Northern Lights

Norway, Finland, and Iceland are some of the top locations for viewing the Northern Lights.

Norway offers a variety of options for viewing the Northern Lights, including the cities of Tromsø and Alta, both of which are located within the Arctic Circle and offer easy access to the surrounding wilderness. The Lofoten Islands, located off the coast of Northern Norway, are also a popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights. The islands offer a unique combination of rugged mountains and fjords, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the aurora borealis.

Finland is also a great destination for Northern Lights viewing. The best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland are the Finnish Lapland and the northernmost parts of the country. The city of Rovaniemi, the official home of Santa Claus, is a popular destination for Northern Lights viewing.

Iceland, with its dark skies, long nights and clear air, is a popular spot to see the Northern Lights. The best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland are the countryside and the northern and eastern regions of the country. The capital city Reykjavik also offers opportunities to see the Northern Lights, although they are usually not as frequent as in rural areas, but the city provides the opportunity to see them from a different perspective.

Best time of year to see the Northern Lights

The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Norway, Finland, and Iceland is typically from September to April, during the months with the longest nights and clear skies. However, it's important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings can never be guaranteed.

In Norway, the best time to see the Northern Lights is generally considered to be from September to March, with the peak period being in December and January. The further north you go in Norway, the better your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

In Finland, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April, with the peak period being in December and January. The Finnish Lapland is considered the best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland, due to its clear skies and long nights.

In Iceland, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April, with the peak period being in December and January. The northern and eastern regions of Iceland are considered the best places to see the Northern Lights, due to their dark skies and clear air.

owever, it's worth noting that even though Reykjavik is not as dark as the countryside, it still offers the opportunity to see the Northern Lights from a different perspective, as it is possible to see the lights over the city skyline.
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It's also worth noting that solar activity plays a key role in the Northern Lights visibility, and during a solar maximum the lights can be seen more frequently and with more intensity.

II. How to photograph the Northern Lights ?

Tips and tricks for capturing the best images of the Northern Lights

Capturing the Northern Lights in a photograph can be challenging, but with the right equipment and techniques, you can take stunning images of this natural phenomenon.

​Here are some tips and tricks for capturing the best images of the Northern Lights:

1. Camera Settings: To capture the Northern Lights, you will need a camera that allows you to manually control the settings. Set your camera to manual mode, and use a high ISO (800-3200) to capture as much light as possible. Use a wide aperture (f/2.8-4) and a slow shutter speed (10-20 seconds) to capture the movement of the lights.
2. Use a Tripod: Northern Lights photography requires long exposures, and a tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady.
3. Use a Remote Shutter Release: To reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images, use a remote shutter release or the self-timer function on your camera.
4. Use a Wide-angle lens: A wide-angle lens (14mm or wider) will allow you to capture more of the Northern Lights in the frame.
5. Dress warmly: Northern Lights photography can be a cold activity, so make sure to dress warmly.
6. Find the right location: To capture the best images of the Northern Lights, you will need to find a location with minimal light pollution. Some of the best places to photograph the Northern Lights are in rural areas or national parks.
7. Post-processing: After taking the photos, you may need to do some post-processing to enhance the colors and contrast of the Northern Lights in your images. Adjust the white balance, exposure, and contrast to get the look you want.

Some recommended equipment for Northern Lights photography:

• A DSLR or mirrorless camera that allows manual control of settings
• A wide-angle lens (14mm or wider)
• A sturdy tripod
• A remote shutter release
• Warm clothing and gloves.

Keep in mind that while the above tips and equipment will help you capture great Northern Lights images, the lights are a natural phenomenon that can't be guaranteed. Always be prepared for different weather conditions and be ready to adapt your plan accordingly.

Best techniques for editing Northern Lights photos

Editing Northern Lights photos can be a great way to enhance the colors and contrast of the aurora borealis in your images.

​Here are some techniques for editing Northern Lights photos:

1. Adjust the white balance: The white balance of your camera may not always be accurate when photographing the Northern Lights. Adjusting the white balance can help to enhance the colors of the aurora.
2. Adjust the exposure: Adjusting the exposure can help to bring out the details in the Northern Lights. Be careful not to overexpose the image, as this will cause the aurora to appear washed out.
3. Adjust the contrast: Increasing the contrast can help to enhance the colors of the aurora and make the image more dramatic.
4. Adjust the saturation: Adjusting the saturation can help to make the colors of the aurora more vivid. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the image to appear artificial.
5. noise reduction: Long exposures can lead to noise on the image, noise reduction software can help to remove the noise and improve the overall quality of the image.
6. Adjust the sharpness: Increasing the sharpness can help to bring out the details in the image. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can cause the image to appear overly sharp and unnatural.
7. crop the image: cropping the image to focus on the Northern Lights or to eliminate any unwanted elements in the image.
8. Use selective editing tools: selective editing tools like the brush tool in Lightroom or Photoshop, can be used to make further adjustments to specific areas of the image, like darkening the sky, or bringing out more details in the aurora.

It's worth noting that post-processing Northern Lights photos can be quite time-consuming, so it's important to plan ahead and be prepared to spend some time editing your images. Also, there's no single "right" way to edit Northern Lights photos, so feel free to experiment with different techniques and settings to find the look that you like.

III. Northern Lights tours and activities

Overview of various tour options

There are a variety of tour options available for those looking to experience the Northern Lights.

​Some popular options include:

1. Dog Sledding: Dog sledding tours are a unique way to experience the Northern Lights in the wilderness. These tours typically take place in the evening, allowing participants to witness the aurora borealis while being pulled through the snow by a team of sled dogs.
2. Snowmobiling: Snowmobiling tours are another way to see the Northern Lights in the wilderness. These tours typically take place in the evening, and participants can ride their own snowmobiles or share a snowmobile with a guide.
3. Northern Lights Cruises: Northern Lights cruises offer the opportunity to see the aurora borealis from the deck of a ship. These cruises typically take place in the winter months and travel to locations with high chances of viewing the Northern Lights, such as Norway and Iceland.
4. Northern Lights by train : Some countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland have special trains that run during the winter months specifically to take tourists to see the Northern lights in the wilderness.
5. Northern Lights by flight: Some tour operators offer flights specifically to see the Northern Lights, these flights take off during the evening and travel to areas with high chances of viewing the aurora borealis.
6. Northern Lights and Hot Springs: Some tour operators also offer Northern Lights and hot springs package, where you can experience the Northern Lights and soak in natural hot springs at the same time.
7. Northern Lights and Northern life: Some tour operators also offer Northern Lights and Northern life package, where you can experience the Northern Lights, and also experience the local culture and lifestyle of the area.

It's important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings can never be guaranteed. Always check the tour operator's policy and read reviews before booking a tour. Also, make sure that the tour operator is licensed and insured.

Information on Northern Lights cruises

1. Northern Lights Cruises: Northern Lights cruises offer the opportunity to see the aurora borealis from the deck of a ship. These cruises typically take place in the winter months and travel to locations with high chances of viewing the Northern Lights, such as Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. Northern Lights cruises often combine the Northern Lights viewing with other activities such as visiting remote villages, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. Some cruises also have onboard experts to give lectures and presentations on the Northern Lights and other Arctic phenomena.
2. Northern Lights and Ice fishing: Some tour operators offer Northern Lights and ice fishing packages, where you can experience the Northern Lights and also try your hand at ice fishing. This activity is typically done in the evening, allowing you to see the aurora borealis while waiting for a bite.
3. Northern Lights and Northern life: Some tour operators also offer Northern Lights and Northern life package, where you can experience the Northern Lights, and also experience the local culture and lifestyle of the area. The package often includes activities such as visiting local villages, trying traditional food, and participating in cultural activities such as Sami singing, reindeer sledding, and indigenous storytelling.
4. Northern Lights and Photography: Some tour operators also offer Northern Lights and photography package, where you can experience the Northern Lights and learn how to photograph them. These packages typically include photography tutorials, equipment rental, and opportunities to photograph the Northern Lights in the company of professional photographers.
5. Northern Lights and Winter Sports: Some tour operators also offer Northern Lights and winter sports package, where you can experience the Northern Lights and enjoy winter sports activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

It's important to note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings can never be guaranteed. Always check the tour operator's policy and read reviews before booking a tour. Also, make sure that the tour operator is licensed and insured.

IV. Where to stay

1. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland: This resort is located deep in the Finnish Lapland and offers a variety of options for viewing the Northern Lights, including glass igloos, traditional log cabins, and a Northern Lights observatory.
2. Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel, Norway: Located in the Alta region of Norway, this hotel offers unique accommodation in the form of igloos made of snow and ice. Guests can enjoy the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own igloo or from the hotel's hot tubs.
3. Northern Light Inn, Canada: This inn is located in the heart of the Aurora Village in Yellowknife, Canada and offers guests the opportunity to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of their own room or from one of the inn's hot tubs.
4. Hotel Ranga, Iceland: This hotel is located in the southern part of Iceland, and offers guests the opportunity to see the Northern Lights from the hotel's hot tubs or from the hotel's Northern Lights observatory.
5. Aurora Village, Canada: Located in the heart of Yellowknife, Canada, this village offers traditional teepee accommodation and a variety of activities such as snowmobiling and ice fishing, all of which offer the opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

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These hotels provide unique accommodation options and activities that increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, but it's worth noting

In conclusion, the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in the high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Seeing the Northern Lights can be a once in a lifetime experience, and there are many tour options available, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, Northern Lights cruises, and Northern Lights and winter sports package, that offer the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Some of the top locations for viewing the Northern Lights are Norway, Finland, and Iceland, with the best time to see the Northern Lights in these locations typically being from September to April. There are also a variety of 5 stars hotels that offer unique accommodation options and activities that increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings can never be guaranteed, but with a little planning and preparation, you can increase your chances of experiencing this beautiful natural wonder.

​​​VISION Destinations | January 2023