Nature's Spectacular Show – the Northern Lights

Most people have heard of the aurora borealis ”“ more commonly known as the northern lights ”“ even if they have never actually seen them. And if you have been lucky enough to observe this truly spectacular natural phenomenon, you will probably agree that it is one of the most dramatic sights that Mother Nature can offer ”“ putting most firework displays to shame.

The Northern Lights have been occurring for thousands of years ”“ long before anybody had a scientific explanation for them. Many primitive people regarded the lights as an omen of war or misfortune; some Eskimo groups believed the lights were the spirits of children who had died at birth, or animal spirits dancing. The Algonquin Indians even believed that the lights were reflections of huge fires, constructed by the creator of the earth, Nanahbozho. In medieval Europe, the lights were said to foretell of famine, war or other disaster.

The lights are actually caused by the earth’s magnetic field interacting with solar winds, creating a type of light known as an aurora. As well as emitting heat and light, the sun also emits gas, sometimes known as solar wind. Upon reaching the earth, this gas will collide with the earth’s magnetic field and create energy. The excess energy created by these collisions is given off in the form of light emissions ”“ what we call the northern lights.

One of the fascinating things about seeing the northern lights is that the patterns and colors are constantly changing ”“ no two nights are exactly the same. The most common color is green, although just about any color ”“ red, blue, yellow or purple – can occur in more intense light displays, making the experience even more dramatic. The green color is created by oxygen molecules that are found about 60 miles above the earth; different types of gas particles help to create the other colors. Many people claim that the lights resemble a spectacular sunset or sunrise.

The lights actually occur during the day as well, although it’s virtually impossible to see them. The northern lights do occur year round, but the best time of year to observer them is during the equinoxes ”“ March/April and September/October. They also follow a cycle of about 11 years and scientists have determined they will be at their peak in 2013. At night, the best view of the lights is enjoyed with a clear sky, and no street lighting or other bright lights nearby. In general, if the sky is clear enough to see the Milky Way, your chances of seeing the northern lights are good.

The northern lights occur most frequently in the areas around both the North and South Poles, due to the strong magnetic fields found here. For this reason, the further north you travel, the better your chances of seeing the lights, although they have been seen as far south as Texas and Georgia. In Europe, Iceland and Scandinavia are ideal places to see them; and in North America, the best view is from Alaska and parts of Northern Canada. There are actually southern lights as well ”“ known as aurora australis ”“ although they can only be seen from parts of  Australia, Antarctica and South America.