Named after Auora, the Goddess of Dawn, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon consisting of eye-catching beams of light that occur at the poles. The northern lights, which fascinate everyone with their purple, pink and green colors, only occur at certain times at the south and north poles. These natural radiations, which allow you to watch a dance of light in the sky, are one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in our world.

 

 

A visible reaction occurs in the sky when the Earth's magnetic field interacts with charged particles formed as a result of solar flares. This reaction, which occurs in the ionosphere layer of the atmosphere that reflects electronic waves, takes place about 60-250 kilometers beyond the Earth. The colors of the lights vary depending on the energy released by the impact and the different elements. Oxygen is effective in red and green colored lights, while nitrogen is effective in blue and purple colored lights.

 

The northern lights can be seen at the extremes of the northern hemisphere. You don't only need to travel to the north of the world to experience these rays that you will want to see and photograph.  They also occur in the southern hemisphere. You can observe these lights, called the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis, from some southern countries that you will add to your travel route. Here is the list of countries where the northern lights are best seen!

 

1. Finland: Finland is one of the countries where you can best watch the magic of the lights in the sky. While you can watch the lights for about 200 days in Finland, you will be more likely to see them especially in January and March. The most beautiful places to watch the aurora when you go to Finland are Kakslauttanen, Saariselkä, Luosto, Nellim, Nuorgam, Utsjoki, Inari, Ivalo.

2. Norway: Another place where you can have a wonderful experience with the northern lights is Norway. In Tromso, Lofoten Islands, Senja, Alta, Svalbard, North Cape and Hammerfest regions of the country, you can enjoy the sky especially in October and March.

3. Canada: You can experience the northern lights in the country's unique nature. Again in October and March, you can have this unique experience by including Calgary, Dawson City, Fort McMurray, Fort Nelson, Gillam, Lake Athapapuskow Manitoba, Pangnirtung, Whitehorse, Yellowknife, Yukon regions of the country in your travel route. 

4. Sweden: Thousands of people flock to Sweden every year, which is one of the best places to watch the northern lights. You can enjoy this experience in Abisko, Björkliden, Jukkasjärvi, Kiruna, Luleå, Tornedalen regions of the country. The northern lights can also be observed in April and May, but they are best seen in December and February.

5. Iceland: In Iceland, home to many natural beauties, it is possible to come across the northern lights in 9 months of the year. The best time to see them is between September, October and November. You can enjoy watching nature in Akureyri, Grimsey, Hvalfjörður, Ísafjörður, Þingvellir National Park, Reykjavik, Snæfellsnes, Vatnajokull regions.

6. United States of America: In the American state of Alaska, you can watch the northern lights among the majestic mountains. The places where the northern lights can be observed from the regions of the state can be listed as Anchorage, Barrow, Bettles, Denali, Fairbanks, Fort Yukon and Prudhoe Bay.

 

 

Those who are curious about the northern lights should consider the time of the year before traveling. The period when the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and solar particles in the atmosphere increases is the ideal time to see them. This coincides with the equinoxes. The equinoxes, which occur on September 23 and March 21 in the northern hemisphere, are the times when the northern lights are most common and can be observed much better. It is also useful to keep an eye on the weather for ease of visibility. Cloudless and clear skies can make viewing the northern lights more enjoyable.

 

 

• Since the northern lights are seen in the northernmost parts of the world, keep in mind that the countries have a very cold climate. It is useful to dress warmly so that your wonderful experience is not adversely affected by the weather conditions. 

• It may take some time to see the northern lights, but you should be patient.

• Start waiting for the lights when it gets dark. 

• To capture the complete darkness of the sky, choose times when there will be no moon.

• Don't forget to take a camera with you to immortalize the moments you experience.

• Wait in open areas such as forests, lakes or valleys.