3 Tips For Sighting The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) Perfectly

Since being sighted for the first time decades ago, the aurora borealis and aurora australis are a phenomenon that has mesmerized humanity. Named after the Roman goddess of dawn and the Greek north wind god, the dazzling light rays are most often clearly viewed between northern and southern polar latitudes 60 and 70 degrees. Nevertheless, aurora borealis is less frequently seen in even extra southern locations. Here are tips for sighting the aurora borealis perfectly and clearly.

The Location:

Although weather, full moon, city light pollution are also factors, your chances of sighting the aurora borealis primarily depend on the location and geomagnetic conditions. Being closer to the North Pole raises your chances. Avoid cities where light pollution obstructs views of the northern horizon.

The Timing:

Exactly where and when the aurora borealis will appear can be known. Most worldwide cruise firms offer northern lights holidays tours packages at such times. However, they are mostly evident in autumn, winter and early spring. You should set your mind on between September and March approximately. You hardly see them from most of the known locations between April and August. This is because most of the locations experience being lit by the midnight sun during that period.

You need to be Patient:
You need great patience as auroras begin faintly. Watch out for bands of white-green light from the north which go in a west-east direction. As the show of light intensifies within seconds, minutes or hours sometimes, the lights dance, streak, arc, ripple or spiral southward producing a colourful, dramatic light show. Several hotels in the known locations provide wake up calls for viewing the phenomenon to their guests who came to see it. Popular cruise companies that offer northern lights trip packages are also professionals when it comes to pinpointing the sightings.