Why do the Northern Lights occur?
The night sky suddenly comes alive with shades of green, yellow, blue, or red, and gentle waves dance across the heavens. There have been reports of a crackling and whining sound, similar to the crackling of a fire. For many, witnessing this spectacular phenomenon is a dream come true. But what causes the Northern Lights to occur?
The Northern Lights appear at both poles of the planet. While it is common to colloquially refer to it as the Northern Lights regardless of its location on Earth, you can distinguish between them by calling them the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) and the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). 'Aurora' means dawn light, 'borealis' refers to the northern hemisphere, and 'australis' to the southern hemisphere.
The phenomena occur when solar particle radiation interacts with the Earth's atmosphere. During this interaction, it collides with atoms and molecules, resulting in the release of excess energy in the form of light. The Earth's magnetic field directs these particles, which primarily consist of electrons and protons, towards the poles, making it possible to witness the lights there. Researchers suggest that the Northern Lights are somewhat more dynamic and dramatic compared to the relatively stable Southern Lights.
In the past, there was a belief that the Earth was flat and surrounded by an ocean of fire. Some believed that the aurora borealis occurred when the radiance from these fires became so intense that it reflected in the sky. Another theory was that glaciers could accumulate and release energy, causing them to become luminous. However, what is certain is that the aurora borealis has been a source of wonder and admiration for people throughout the ages.
Source: SMHI, SVT, IRF, SR
Destinations
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Travelling through the stunning Norwegian coastal landscape on a small expedition cruise ship is simply hard to beat. Lofoten islands welcome with picturesque fishing villages, squeezed between soaring mountains and quiet fjords. In wintertime Tromsø offers magnificent sceneries over dramatic landscapes and great chances to spot both orcas and humpback whales. If we’re lucky we will also see the magical Northern Lights dancing in the sky. Join us on an unforgettable cruise!