2024 and 2025 are Peak Years for Experiencing the Northern Lights
Do you dream of experiencing the spectacular Northern Lights? Now is the time to plan your adventure. Thanks to a peak in the sun's 11-year cycle of solar activity, 2024 is expected to be one of the best years in a long time to witness the Northern Lights. This period, extending into 2025, is predicted to offer some of the most intense and spectacular auroras seen in years.
Approaching Solar Maximum
We are approaching solar maximum, a period when the Sun’s activity reaches its peak. This phase, which occurs every eleven years, is characterized by an increase in the number of sunspots, solar flares, and other solar activities. During solar maximum, the Sun’s magnetic field also reverses, amplifying the processes that produce spectacular auroras. Therefore, we can expect more frequent and impressive Northern Lights displays during 2024 and 2025.
How do the colours in the sky form?
The Northern Lights' colourful display in the sky is created when electrically charged particles from the Sun, moving at high speed, interact with Earth's magnetic field. These particles are directed towards the poles, where they accelerate and collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. These collisions create flashes of light in various colours, which we experience as the aurora. Oxygen atoms primarily emit green light, and occasionally red, while nitrogen produces shades of violet, purple, and blue.
Alta – The Northern Lights City
Few places on Earth are as well-suited for witnessing the vibrant display of the Northern Lights as Northern Norway. From our base in Alta, located directly beneath the auroral oval and with minimal light pollution, we offer whales and Northern Lights expeditions to some of the world's premier spots for viewing this phenomenon. On board our small expedition ship M/S Stockholm, we are far from the lights of civilisation, where no distracting light sources obstruct the view. This further increases the chances of having magical Northern Lights experiences.
Did you know that the world's first permanent Northern Lights observatory was built just outside of Alta at the end of the 19th century?
Want the chance to experience the Northern Lights this year?
Join us on an exciting journey in true expedition style on board the small 12-passenger ship M/S Stockholm, a vessel rich in history and character. We’ll explore the deep fjords of Northern Norway outside Alta, taking in enchanting views. As darkness falls, we’ll keep our eyes on the sky, hoping it fills with brushstrokes of majestic Northern Lights. We also hope for unforgettable encounters with orcas and humpback whales, which in recent years have gathered in the area in search of herring.
We only have a few cabins left for 2024.
Sources: Visit Norway, SMHI, Northern Lights – Carl Bergstrand
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Whales and Northern Lights in Northern Norway 2024
M/S Stockholm 12 passengers7 days 5 nights on ship USD 4 790LanguagesDepartures: November 2024