One of the most spectacular natural phenomena of light in the dark sky is known as Northern lights. This happens as a result of the collision of the electrically charged particles which comes from the sun that enters into the earth’s atmosphere.
These lights are visible above the magnetic north poles and south poles. This display appears in many colors but the most prominent are pale green and pink colors. Sometimes shades of yellow, blue, red, and violet are also seen. Different colors that you see are because of different types of gaseous particles. These dancing colors of light form different patterns from patches to scattered clouds. It is also called ‘Aurora Borealis’ in the north and ‘Aurora Australis’ in the south.
In recent times, it is visible quite prominently and covers large distances as a result of the increase in solar activities. According to the research, it is believed that the intensity of northern lights increases with the increase in the solar flare.
Best places from where you can watch Northern Lights:
It can be seen in the northern and southern hemispheres near the magnetic poles. The best places in the Northern Hemisphere are in northwestern parts of Canada, especially in Yukon, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Alaska in the United States. This Auroral display can also be seen from the southern tip of Greenland and Iceland, north Siberia, and the northern coast of Norway. The Southern aurora (Aurora Australis) is not often seen as it is mainly concentrated in a ring around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. Basically, areas where is less light pollution is the best places to see Northern Lights.
Best time to watch auroral displays:
According to the researchers, the activity reaches its peak every 11 years and this year 2013 is the peak year to watch the auroral display over the places mentioned above.
Winter in the north is a particularly good time to watch lights as it gets longer periods of darkness. The best time is local midnight time on a clear night sky.
Best way to see Northern Lights:
Northern Lights Cruise Tour: http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/escape/5-places-see-brightest-northern-lights-696679