To witness the unbelievable colors of the Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis is on the bucket list of many travelers across the world. It is a bold claim that Northern Norway is the best place to make this dream come true. This region offers a vast selection of activities highlighting the bright inter mingling lights of the aurora which are basically constant collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that eventually enter the earth’s atmosphere. This magical blend of colors and lights are seen on the magnetic poles of the both northern and southern hemispheres. They are called as ‘Aurora borealis’ in the North and ‘Aurora austrialis’ in the South. Other than Norway, other places showing off this beauty are the other Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Finland, Greenland, Alaska and even Canada.
The northern lights are prominent under the dark clouds between the months of September to April. They are usually seen between 6pm to 3am. During this period it is highly recommended o be away from artificial light. The months between December to February offer the longest hours of dim natural lighting, whereas in the months of autumn and spring weather conditions are such that they offer aurora activity like no season.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are basically the collisions between gaseous particles with the charged particles released from the sun’s atmosphere. The stark variation in color is due to the type of gas particles that are colliding amongst themselves. The most common northern light color is a pale yellowish-green which is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the earth. Rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles. Nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red aurora. It is basically the kind of gas particle involved that give out a particular color and a ultimately displays a unique show of lights. Sunspot are the dark areas on the sun’s surface that blurt out charged particles and this very activity reaches a the highest point of its range very 11 years. At this period of time the northern light sightings are super intense and easily visible.
At most times, these displays vary in intensity, from a shimmering illusion of multi-coloured artistic blend to greenish-yellow lights, dancing merrily and stretching out to new limits in the vast dark universe.
Myths associated with Northern Lights
Since times immemorial, the ancient communities gazed towards the glittering night sky with big, empirical questions. They had no fundamental understanding or knowledge of even the basic astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology and cosmology. Although, this misunderstanding came with a mesh of unrealized myth that spread like wild fire across multiple cultures and linked to what was collectively shared; the movement of the stars. From these myths came today’s traditions, a means of understanding, interpreting, simplifying and decoding the complex nature of mankind’s place in the universe.
- In the North Eastern culture, it is still believed that is a child is born under the influence of Northern Lights, he/she will be blessed with astounding looks and good fortunes.
- It was almost considered a taboo to wave, whistle or sing at the Northern Lights as their beliefs confirmed that the spirits of the lights shall come down and take you away till eternity. Also, to relieve yourself from this capture, clapping your hands was the solution.
- It was strongly believed that whistling at the Northern Lights would make them come closer to mankind, henceforth they could whisper messages that would eventually be taken to the dead.
- In the south of Europe, the northern light sightings are mostly red in color. This rare occurrence terrified the locals and made them see this as a bad omen signifying bloodshed and war in the near future.
- According to an Icelandic fable, not looking at the new born while delivering will help ease the pain of childbirth. Also if by any chance the pregnant mothers happen to look at the Northern lights, it might result in giving birth to cross-eyed children.
Conclusion
Life is just simply too short to bicker and hold grudges against people. These true wonders of nature are sure to leave you awe-struck. These naturally dancing lights and colors will make you realize how beautiful our planet earth is and how lucky we are to have an opportunity to understand and witness these miraculous happenings around the planet.
Author’s Bio:
Yogi and Suchna believe in taking the road less travelled and stumbling upon some hidden gems along the way! For over a decade, they’ve mapped their way across various continents, sniffed out unusual routes, discovered new flavours and stayed at quirky hostels. TheVillaEscape is their expression of soul travel. To see Norway Northern Lights Tour you can catch up with them at TheVillaEscape.
