Auroras appear in the sky above the high magnetic latitude regions of the planet, and the luminous phenomenon caused by the collision of charged high-energy particles with atoms in the upper atmosphere and the release of energy. Charged particles come from the magnetosphere and the solar wind, and on Earth, they are carried into the atmosphere by the Earth's magnetic field to produce auroras. Therefore, the conditions for the production of auroras are the atmosphere, the magnetic field and the charged high-energy particles, all of which are indispensable.
Most auroras occur in the auroral belt, a band about 10° to 20° longitude from the Earth's magnetic poles and about 3° to 6° wide latitude. Lower latitudes also produce auroras when magnetic storms occur. Auroras do not only occur on Earth, but also on some other planets with magnetic fields in the solar system.
The aurora borealis is most commonly seen in the annulus around the 67° north magnetic latitude. In northern Lapland, northern Europe, the probability of seeing the northern lights in winter is 75%. The aurora phenomenon occurs more than 200 days a year, and the aurora spectacle occurs almost every night. This article will specifically describe the places suitable for encountering this miracle.
1. Norway - Tromso
Tromso, the largest city in northern Norway, is the most visited place by the aurora because it is located right on the aurora belt. Interestingly, it's not as cold as you might think. Affected by the North Atlantic warm current, it does not freeze in winter here, and the average temperature in winter is -5 °C. In summer, Tromso has the wonders of the sun never sets, and in winter it becomes a paradise for viewing the aurora, one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Those who go to the North Pole know that Tromso is also known as the "Gateway to the North Pole". Tromsø is located between beautiful fjords and mountains, the city is located 400 km north of the Arctic Circle, the main part of the city stretches along the eastern shore of Tromsøya Island and is connected to the mainland by an elegant arched bridge. It is also home to the northernmost universities and colleges in the world. There are many ways to see the aurora in Tromsø. Sit in a traditional Sami tent, listen to the Sami people tell their life and stories, enjoy a traditional venison meal accompanied by traditional Yoik music, and wait quietly for the aurora.
2. Lofoten Islands
In northern Europe, except for Denmark, other countries have the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Although the further north, the greater the opportunity, but the activities that go with the aurora are different. Besides Tromsø, Norway's Lofoten Islands is one of them. Norway is most famous for its fjords. Against the backdrop of the aurora, the scenery of the fjords is particularly sultry, and the most beautiful of them is the Lofoten Islands. Along the scenic road in Lofoten, you can go to the beautiful small fishing village that you often see on postcards. The fishing village in winter is surrounded by mountains and fjords wrapped in silver, which looks mysterious and pure, under the aurora. The fishing village is another quiet picture. You can also board a kayak and head to Norway's narrowest fjord to catch the sea eagle, the largest bird in Europe.
3. Kirkenes
In Norway, Kirkenes is a place to be mentioned. It's famous for its huge numbers of king crabs, which are delicious, but in Kirkenes, you can try to catch this behemoth and taste its excellent taste. There is also a very charming ice and snow world. In 2006, the ice and snow kingdom opened to the public for the first time. The ice and snow hotel with more than 20 hotel rooms is the largest ice and snow hotel in Norway. The ice and snow hotel rebuilt every year has different themes, and each room also has different exquisite snow sculptures. With the changing lights, the whole ice and snow hotel is particularly charming.
4. Lapland Region
For all those who are obsessed with snow fairy tales, Finnish Lapland is undoubtedly a dream come true. Lapland, located in the Arctic Circle, has a clear and pollution-free environment and is one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights. Dreamy, gorgeous, magnificent, mysterious, the beauty of the aurora is so unreal, but when you come here, you will find that the beauty of the aurora is not out of reach. Living in a fairytale-like luxury glass house is equivalent to having a front-row seat to the world's most spectacular light show, admiring the wonders of nature in the most gorgeous way. There is also a sauna world hidden deep in the forest. The traditional sauna in Finland can always bring people's physical and mental pleasure, and there is nothing that sauna can't solve. If the aurora happens to pass by at this time, then your luck is really amazing!
5. All of Iceland
Iceland, the Nordic pearl suspended in the ocean, is an ideal country for many people. This is a land blessed by heaven. Although it is located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, the warm Gulf Stream flowing gently through it gives it a warm climate. This island is like a huge volcanic laboratory. Spectacular volcanoes, ice fields, waterfalls, geothermal hot springs and lakes can be seen everywhere, and colors such as ice blue, emerald green, golden yellow, rainbow, black ash and so on come into view. In addition to the passion of ice and fire, what is more memorable is the enormous power of nature to change the world. On this mysterious island firmly located in the Arctic Circle, you still have a high chance of enjoying the fantastic dance of the gorgeous aurora in the night sky.
