Northern Lights Tours In Sweden

Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights, Aurora Forecast

What is the Aurora Borealis?

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display in the sky, primarily visible at high latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). It is caused by the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with the Earth's atmosphere. These particles enter the atmosphere from the magnetosphere and collide with gas particles, causing the ionization or excitation of these particles. The ionized particles return to their ground state, releasing energy in the form of photons. This process gives rise to the emission of light of various colors and shapes in the sky, which we perceive as the Aurora Borealis. The color produced is dependent on the type of atmospheric gas particles that are excited. Nitrogen produces a greenish-yellow hue, while oxygen produces red, green, and violet colors. The most common color, green, is produced by oxygen atoms with an altitude of about 100 km, while red is produced by high-altitude oxygen, at about 200 km or more.

Predicting the Northern Lights

The aurora borealis is a dynamic phenomenon, and its visibility depends on several factors, including the intensity of the solar wind, the Earth's magnetic field, and local weather conditions. The KP index is a measure of the geomagnetic activity and can be used to predict the likelihood of seeing the aurora. A higher KP index indicates a greater chance of seeing the aurora. Several websites and apps provide aurora forecasts that can help you plan your aurora viewing. These forecasts consider various factors, including the KP index, cloud cover, and local light pollution. By checking the aurora forecast before your trip, you can increase your chances of seeing this natural wonder. Here are some tips for viewing the aurora borealis: • Travel to a high-latitude region (around the Arctic or Antarctic). • Find a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution. • Be patient and persistent. The aurora can be elusive, and it may take several nights of viewing to see it.

Northern Lights Tours In Sweden