The Aurora Borealis is nature’s own fireworks. In the northernmost parts of Norway, you can experience the magical phenomenon that has fascinated people in the polar regions for hundreds of years.
29/11/2007 :: A green veil moves across the sky, shifting shape, disappearing and then reappearing brighter than before, lighting up the winter night.
This magnificent display is one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, and is mainly seen in the skies above the poles. However, much of northern Norway also enjoys the mystical light shown on dark winter nights.
What are the Northern Lights?
Of course, the phenomenon has a scientific explanation. “The sun sets off the Northern Lights. They are triggered when there is an explosion on the sun and large numbers of electrical particles enter the earth’s magnetic field,” says solar researcher Pål Brekke at the Norwegian Space Centre.
International research institutions like NASA and Andøya Rocket Range in Norway are conducting research into the Northern Lights to obtain a better understanding of interactions between the sun and the earth. The Northern Lights are just one example. The Northern Lights are affected by the earth’s magnetic field. If the activity of the lights get to high, this may cause problems with everyday technology, such as radios and energy sources.
Tourist magnet
There are many ways to experience the Aurora Borealis. A boat trip on the Hurtigruten line, which stretches along the entire length of Norway’s western coast, is a popular choice. In winter time and clear weather, visitors are certain to see the Northern Lights on the northernmost parts of the trip. The Hurtigruten line is one of Norway’s best-known attractions, and features spectacular natural sceneries all the way from Bergen to Kirkenes, including the North Cape.
Facts about the northern lights
The northern lights appear between 90 and 150 kilometres above the ground. In contrast to normal sunlight, which consists of all the colours but appears white, the Aurora Borealis most often appears in shades of red and green. The colour depends on the height above the ground.
The Northern Lights shining over the small village of Grøtfjorden at Kvaløya in Troms. Photo: Bjørn Jørgensen/www.arcticphoto.no
Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs