The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon that has captivated humans for millennia. This awe-inspiring display of light and color illuminates the night skies in the Northern Hemisphere, creating a spectacle that is both beautiful and mysterious. From ancient myths and legends to modern scientific explanations, the aurora borealis continues to fascinate people around the world.
Myths and Legends Surrounding the Aurora
Throughout history, various cultures have developed their own stories and beliefs about the northern lights. In Norse mythology, the aurora was believed to be the reflections of the Valkyries’ armor as they led fallen warriors to Valhalla. The Sámi people of northern Scandinavia believed that the lights were the souls of the dead, and it was disrespectful to talk about them or wave at them, fearing that the lights could reach down and carry them away.
In North American folklore, the Cree Indians believed that the aurora represented the spirits of their ancestors dancing in the sky, while the Algonquin people saw the lights as a sign from their creator, Nanahbozho, reminding them that he was watching over them. The Inuit of Alaska believed that the aurora was the spirits of the animals they hunted, playing a celestial game of ball with a walrus skull.
These myths and legends, passed down through generations, demonstrate the profound impact the northern lights have had on human imagination and spirituality.
The Science Behind the Aurora Borealis
Despite the numerous myths surrounding the aurora, modern science has revealed the true cause of this incredible phenomenon. The northern lights occur when charged particles from the sun, carried by the solar wind, interact with Earth’s magnetic field. As these particles collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, they excite them, causing them to emit light.
The colors of the aurora depend on the type of atoms being excited and the altitude at which the collisions occur. The most common color, a pale yellowish-green, is produced by oxygen atoms at lower altitudes, around 60 to 150 miles above the Earth’s surface. Red auroras, which are rarer, are caused by oxygen atoms at higher altitudes, about 150 to 300 miles up. Nitrogen atoms, on the other hand, are responsible for the blue and purple hues sometimes seen in the aurora.
The shape and intensity of the aurora are influenced by the strength and direction of the solar wind, as well as the Earth’s magnetic field. During periods of high solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, the aurora can become more intense and extend to lower latitudes, making it visible to a larger number of people.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights
The aurora borealis is typically visible in the auroral zone, a ring-shaped area around the Earth’s magnetic North Pole. This zone includes parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The best time to see the northern lights is during the winter months, from September to March, when the nights are longer and darker.
Some of the most popular destinations for aurora viewing include:
- Fairbanks, Alaska: Located directly under the auroral oval, Fairbanks offers a high chance of seeing the northern lights from late August to late April.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Iceland’s unique landscape and relatively mild climate make it a popular destination for aurora hunters, with the best viewing opportunities from September to April.
- Tromsø, Norway: Situated above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is known for its stunning fjords and mountains, as well as its excellent aurora viewing conditions from mid-September to late March.
- Yellowknife, Canada: This remote city in the Northwest Territories is famous for its clear skies and long winter nights, making it an ideal spot to witness the northern lights from mid-August to late April.
- Rovaniemi, Finland: Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a magical winter wonderland experience, complete with aurora viewing opportunities from mid-September to late March.
Photographing the Aurora Borealis
For many, witnessing the northern lights is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and capturing the moment through photography can be a rewarding challenge. To successfully photograph the aurora, you’ll need a camera with manual settings, a sturdy tripod, and a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture (f/2.8 or wider).
Set your camera to manual mode, with a high ISO (800 or higher), a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4), and a slow shutter speed (5 to 20 seconds). Focus your lens on infinity, and use a remote shutter release or your camera’s self-timer to minimize camera shake. Experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance for your conditions, and don’t forget to take in the moment with your own eyes as well.
The Future of Aurora Research
As our understanding of the sun and Earth’s magnetic field continues to grow, scientists are working to better predict the occurrence and intensity of the aurora borealis. Advances in satellite technology and space weather monitoring have allowed researchers to study the complex interactions between the sun and Earth in greater detail than ever before.
As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the aurora borealis, this awe-inspiring phenomenon will undoubtedly continue to captivate and inspire people around the world, just as it has for countless generations.