Chasing the Aurora: How to Experience the Northern Lights

Few natural phenomena captivate the human imagination quite like the Northern Lights. This ethereal dance of colors across the night sky has inspired myths, legends, and pilgrimages throughout human history. Having guided aurora-focused expeditions across the Arctic Circle for the past decade, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of this experience—the hushed awe that falls over a group when the first green tendrils appear, the spontaneous tears of joy, and the profound sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. This comprehensive guide will help you plan, experience, and capture your own encounter with the aurora borealis.

The Science Behind the Magic

Understanding the science enhances rather than diminishes the wonder of the aurora:

What Causes the Northern Lights?

The aurora begins with solar activity. The sun regularly releases streams of charged particles (solar wind) that travel across space and interact with Earth's magnetic field. When these particles collide with gases in our atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light. Different gases produce different colors:

• Green: Oxygen at lower altitudes (most common)
• Red: Oxygen at higher altitudes
• Blue/Purple: Nitrogen
• Pink/Rose: A mixture of light wavelengths

The Solar Cycle and Aurora Activity

The sun follows an approximately 11-year cycle of activity. During solar maximum, more solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur, sending more charged particles toward Earth and increasing aurora activity. The good news for aurora chasers: we're currently approaching a solar maximum expected to peak around 2025, meaning the next few years should offer exceptional viewing opportunities.

Best Locations to See the Aurora

The aurora appears in an oval-shaped zone around the Earth's magnetic poles. These destinations offer the best combination of aurora visibility, infrastructure, and complementary experiences:

Iceland

Pros: Relatively accessible with direct flights from many international destinations; diverse landscapes providing dramatic foregrounds for aurora photography; geothermal hot springs for comfortable viewing; extensive tourism infrastructure

Cons: Cloud cover can be persistent; growing popularity means crowded viewing spots near Reykjavik

Best spots: Thingvellir National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the remote Westfjords

Norway

Pros: Excellent infrastructure; diverse viewing options from cruise ships to luxury glass igloos; long aurora season; combination of coastal and inland viewing locations

Cons: Among the more expensive destinations; coastal locations can have higher humidity and cloud cover

Best spots: Tromsø (the "Paris of the North"), the Lofoten Islands, Alta, Svalbard (for late season viewing)

Finnish Lapland

Pros: More affordable than Norway; excellent snow coverage for winter activities; glass igloos and specialty accommodations; less light pollution in remote areas

Cons: Very cold temperatures in peak season; fewer direct international flights

Best spots: Kilpisjärvi (bordering the "aurora oval"), Inari, Saariselkä, Rovaniemi (good infrastructure but more light pollution)

Swedish Lapland

Pros: Less touristed than other destinations; unique accommodations like the original ICEHOTEL; excellent inland weather stability

Cons: Limited transportation options; fewer organized aurora tours

Best spots: Abisko National Park (considered one of the world's best aurora viewing locations due to its microclimate), Kiruna, Jukkasjärvi

Northern Canada

Pros: Vast wilderness with minimal light pollution; potential for very strong aurora displays; authentic indigenous cultural experiences

Cons: More challenging to access; limited infrastructure in remote areas; extremely cold winter temperatures

Best spots: Yellowknife (Northwest Territories), Churchill (Manitoba), Whitehorse (Yukon)

Alaska

Pros: Accessibility from mainland US; combination of wilderness and city-based viewing; good road system

Cons: Significant light pollution near Anchorage; variable weather patterns

Best spots: Fairbanks (particularly Chena Hot Springs), Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

When to Go: Timing Your Aurora Adventure

Seasonal Considerations

The aurora occurs year-round, but you need dark skies to see it. The optimal viewing season depends on location:

• September-October: Milder temperatures; potential for auroras reflected in open water; fall colors for photography
• November-February: Peak darkness period with longest nights; best chance of extended viewing; coldest temperatures
• March-April: Improving weather conditions; good snow cover; slightly milder temperatures; excellent for combining with spring skiing

Time of Night

While auroras can occur at any time during dark hours, statistics show increased activity between 10 PM and 2 AM local time. However, spectacular displays can happen outside this window, so patience and flexibility are key.

Understanding Aurora Forecasting

Several tools can help predict aurora visibility:

Kp Index

This global geomagnetic activity index ranges from 0-9, with higher numbers indicating stronger aurora potential and visibility at lower latitudes. For reliable viewing within the Arctic Circle, you typically need a Kp index of 2 or higher. Apps like "My Aurora Forecast" and websites like the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center provide Kp forecasts.

Cloud Cover

Clear skies are essential for aurora viewing. Use local meteorological services and apps like AccuWeather or yr.no for detailed cloud cover predictions. Some locations offer "aurora alerts" via text message when conditions are favorable.

Moonlight

A full moon creates natural light pollution that can diminish the visibility of weaker auroras. Planning your trip during a new moon or crescent phase can enhance viewing, especially for photography.

Photographing the Northern Lights

The human eye often can't detect the full color spectrum of the aurora that cameras can capture. These technical tips will help you document your experience:

Essential Equipment

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings is ideal
• Lens: Wide-angle lens with maximum aperture of f/2.8 or wider (f/1.4 or f/1.8 is optimal)
• Tripod: Sturdy tripod that can handle wind and cold
• Remote shutter release: To prevent camera shake
• Extra batteries: Cold temperatures drain batteries quickly
• Hand warmers: To keep batteries warm and prevent lens condensation

Camera Settings

• Mode: Manual
• Format: RAW for maximum editing flexibility
• Aperture: As wide as possible (lowest f-number)
• ISO: Start at 1600 and adjust based on aurora brightness
• Shutter speed: 5-15 seconds (shorter for bright, active auroras; longer for faint displays)
• Focus: Manual focus set to infinity (pre-focus during daylight if possible)
• White balance: Auto or 3500-4500K

Composition Tips

• Include interesting foreground elements (mountains, trees, cabins, lakes)
• Use the rule of thirds to place the horizon line
• Try including a human element for scale and emotional connection
• Experiment with reflections in water or ice
• Consider taking a series of images for creating time-lapse sequences

Beyond the Lights: Complete Experience

Aurora chasing involves hours of waiting in cold, dark environments. Enhance your experience with these complementary activities:

Daytime Adventures

• Dog sledding: An exhilarating way to traverse snow-covered landscapes
• Snowmobiling: Reach remote viewing locations inaccessible by road
• Ice fishing: A meditative Arctic experience with the potential for a fresh-caught meal
• Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing: Peaceful exploration of winter wonderlands
• Ice hotels and snow villages: Unique accommodations that are attractions themselves

Cultural Experiences

• Sámi cultural visits: Learn about indigenous perspectives on the aurora from the native people of Lapland
• Finnish sauna ritual: Warm up between aurora viewing sessions
• Local cuisine: Reindeer, Arctic char, cloudberries, and other regional specialties

Thermal Comfort

• Hot springs: Iceland's geothermal pools and Finland's smoke saunas
• Heated viewing shelters: Many destinations now offer panoramic heated glass structures
• Aurora bubbles and glass igloos: Watch the sky show from the comfort of your bed

Planning Your Aurora Adventure

What to Pack

Proper clothing is essential for comfortable aurora viewing in sub-zero temperatures:

• Base layer: Merino wool or synthetic thermal underwear (avoid cotton)
• Mid layer: Fleece or wool for insulation
• Outer layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants
• Extremities: Insulated waterproof boots, wool socks, thermal gloves (consider thin liner gloves for camera operation), insulated hat, balaclava or neck gaiter
• Hand/foot warmers: Chemical heat packs for extended outdoor sessions
• Headlamp: Red light mode to preserve night vision
• Thermos: For hot beverages during viewing sessions

Guided Tours vs. Independent Aurora Hunting

Guided tours offer:

• Local knowledge of viewing locations based on current conditions
• Transportation to optimal spots away from light pollution
• Photography assistance and tips
• Cultural and scientific context
• Warm shelter, food, and drinks during waiting periods

Independent aurora hunting gives you:

• Maximum flexibility with timing and locations
• Ability to stay out as long as you wish
• More private, contemplative experience
• Potential cost savings (requires rental vehicle in most locations)

Sample Itinerary: Finnish Lapland Aurora Adventure

This 6-day itinerary balances aurora viewing with daytime activities:

Day 1: Arrival in Rovaniemi

• Airport transfer to accommodation
• Aurora photography workshop
• First aurora viewing session (weather permitting)

Day 2: Rovaniemi Exploration

• Visit to Santa Claus Village (Arctic Circle)
• Snowmobile safari to wilderness camp
• Evening aurora hunt by heated sleigh

Day 3: Transfer to Kakslauttanen

• Morning husky safari
• Afternoon transfer to Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
• Check-in to glass igloo
• Aurora viewing from igloo or outdoor fire pits

Day 4: Arctic Culture

• Sámi reindeer farm visit and short reindeer sleigh ride
• Traditional Lappish lunch in kota (traditional tent)
• Evening visit to nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park for aurora viewing

Day 5: Winter Activities

• Morning ice fishing experience
• Afternoon Finnish sauna ritual
• Final aurora chase with professional photographer

Day 6: Departure

• Transfer to Ivalo Airport
• Flight home with memory cards full of aurora images

Conclusion

The Northern Lights represent one of nature's most magnificent displays—a cosmic phenomenon that connects us to the vast universe beyond our planet. The journey to witness the aurora takes dedication, planning, and often patience, but the reward is an experience that remains vivid in memory long after the journey ends.

While photographs can capture the visual spectacle, they can't convey the complete sensory experience: the profound silence of a snow-covered forest broken only by the crunch of snow beneath your feet, the biting cold that somehow feels insignificant when green ribbons begin to dance overhead, and the shared wonder among fellow travelers as nature's light show unfolds in the dark Arctic sky.

Whether you choose the accessible fjords of Norway, the mystical landscapes of Iceland, the wilderness of Canadian territories, or the silent forests of Lapland, your aurora journey will likely become more than just a trip to see lights in the sky. It becomes an adventure that combines natural wonder, cultural discovery, personal challenge, and often, a renewed perspective on our place in the universe.