Facts about the northern lights in Norway

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When you get the aurora borealis explained by advanced physicists who specialize in the field of magnetohydrodynamics, it can be hard to see the link to the lights that dance spontaneously and like crazy above your head.

But the phenomenon can also be explained in a tangible way: We have the sun to thank for everything, also the auroras, and during large solar explosions and flares, huge quantities of particles are thrown out from the sun and into deep space.

The maths of the northern lights

Here’s where it gets really interesting: When the particles meet the Earth’s magnetic shield, they are led towards an oval around the magnetic North Pole where they interact with the upper parts of the atmosphere, the layers of ozone, oxygen, and other stuff that protect the earth. The energy which is then released is sent to us as northern lights.

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US Dynamic Science and myths behind

It adds to the magic to know that this performance happens approximately 62 miles above our heads. Its immense power is the reason why we can see it so clearly, as it’s helped by a myriad of atoms and molecules.

But never take the northern lights for granted. It’s as much a natural phenomenon as the weather. Its appearance and intensity are controlled by the sun’s activity and its location depends on the earth’s magnetic field.

The northern light appears in a belt, or an oval, which is situated above the Earth in a regular position in relation to the sun. The lights will usually be visible over mainland Northern Norway during the night and over Svalbard during the daytime. When solar activity increases, the northern lights can also be seen further south in Norway.

Explaining the northern lights

Interested in learning more about aurora’s origin? This video will explain the fascinating details of the northern lights.

Aurora borealis is far from a new phenomenon. The spectacle of the northern lights is described by early storytellers and has given rise to many legends. Symbols linked to the northern lights are for instance found on the Sami shamanistic drum. The phenomenon has several different names in Sami, amongst them “Guovssahas” which means “the light which can be heard”. It’s poetry in motion.

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During the Viking Age, the northern lights were said to be the armor of the Valkyrie warrior virgins, that shed a strange flickering light. Today, locals are often respectfully referring to the northern lights as “the green lady”. Just check the colors in the numerous photos and films of the lights posted on social media. You might see many more nuances in real life, though.

When and where? There’s no exact answer, but …

It is often said that the northern parts of Norway are the best places in the world to see the northern lights, as this part of the country lies just below the auroral oval. Well, if we’re honest that is only a partial truth, as the lights can be just as visible from destinations outside of Norway.

But our bold claim is that Northern Norway definitely is amongst the most comfortable and interesting places to see the lights, as hundreds of thousands of people live in this huge geographical area, offering a variety of hotels and activities to keep you busy.

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The northern lights belt hits Northern Norway over the Lofoten Islands (although over the past years, aurora has been spotted increasingly more often over Trøndelag, further to the south), and follows the coast all the way up to the North Cape and beyond. One place in this area is often as good as another – you can observe the same northern lights in Lofoten as in Tromsø 310 miles further north, just from a different angle.

It’s important to remember that aurora can be a bit of a diva, and she will only start the show when she feels the time is right. Patience is a virtue, also when chasing the northern lights. But to maximize your chances of a sighting, know that the lights are at their most frequent in late autumn and winter/early spring (from September to late March), during the hours from 6 pm to 1 am.

However, Aurora borealis has its climax when the weather is cold and dry, usually from December. Some will tell you that the driest weather and the clearest sky is found inland, but that isn’t always true.

With strong eastern wind, the coast can be clearer than inland areas. Avoid the full moon, though, as it will make the experience considerably paler.

See it for yourself:

Frequently asked questions:

What is the aurora?
The aurora appears as lights in the sky produced when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere are hit by high energy electrons.

Why does the aurora move?
The aurora appears where beams of high energy electrons penetrate the upper atmosphere. As the beams move, the aurora moves.

Where can we see the aurora?
The aurora is mostly seen along the belt which connects central Alaska, Canada, the southern tip of Greenland, Iceland, and the northern parts of Scandinavia.

What are the best months to see the northern lights?
Statistically, springtime (March/April) and autumn (September/October) has the highest level of aurora activity. However, you will see it in October, November, December, January and February as well.

What is the best time to see the northern lights?
You can often see the northern lights between 6 pm and 1 am, but the frequency tends to be highest between 22 and 23 pm.

Why is the aurora more visible on cold nights?
The aurora occurs above the altitude of clouds. On cold nights, the sky tends to be clearer and thus easier to see the aurora.

Download the NorwayLights app

A northern lights forecast that helps you find the best time to see the lights.

iPhone: Download NorwayLights
Android: Download NorwayLights
Windows: Download NorwayLights

A cool northern lights visualization

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Because the composition of our atmosphere varies, the colors of the northern lights span from green to purple. Click on the image below and see how it works.

Infographic showing the sun throwing particles against the Earth's magnetic field

The colours of the northern lights

Read more

Frequently asked questions:

What is the aurora?
The aurora appears as lights in the sky produced when atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere are hit by high energy electrons.

Why does the aurora move?
The aurora appears where beams of high energy electrons penetrate the upper atmosphere. As the beams move, the aurora moves.

Where can we see the aurora?
The aurora is mostly seen along the belt which connects central Alaska, Canada, the southern tip of Greenland, Iceland, and the northern parts of Scandinavia.

What is the best time to see the northern lights?
You can often see the northern lights between 6 pm and 1 am, but the frequency tends to be highest between 22 and 23 pm.

Why is the aurora more visible on cold nights?
The aurora occurs above the altitude of clouds. On cold nights, the sky tends to be clearer and thus easier to see the aurora.

See it for yourself:

Download the NorwayLights app

A northern lights forecast that helps you find the best time to see the lights.

iPhone: Download NorwayLights
Android: Download NorwayLights
Windows: Download NorwayLights

Lights, camera … action!

When the light show brightens up the sky, the moment is definitely worth freezing. The 27-year-old photographer Christian Hoiberg has loads of experience with eternalising aurora’s fleeting beauty in images.

Winter wear in Northern Norway

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Many say they feel less cold in Northern Norway than what they had anticipated upon arrival. With fireplaces heating up cabins and lavvos, the temperature inside is often around 77 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you want to enjoy outdoor activities without freezing, or sweating, you need to be prepared.

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Wool is cool
Norwegians are addicted to wool clothing – they love garments made of the ingenious heat-regulating sheep wool. A thin basic layer of a wool shirt and longies is a good start. Alternatively, you can wear appropriate clothing made of synthetic fibers that transport the sweat outwards. Avoid cotton, as it tends to get cold and uncomfortable when you sweat.

Layer upon layer
If you dress in layers, it is easy to remove or add clothing if you get too hot or cold. Put on a layer of fleece or wool over the basic layer. Still cold? Add a thicker sweater (wool is still cool), a scarf and woolen socks. The outermost layer should be wind and waterproof: lined trousers, a warm thermal jacket, a warm hat that covers the ears, gloves, and proper winter shoes. Avoid tight shoes as they can make your toes cold.

On thin ice
The coastal climate is usually relatively mild, but the rain can freeze and make the roads slippery. Your shoes should have rubber soles as this is less slippery than plastic. In the steepest hills, you should use crampons, which you can buy in most sports shops.

When you’re active
For fast-paced activities like snowmobiling, you need even more clothes. On organized snowmobile tours, you will be provided with a thermal suit and suitable boots, gloves, and headgear.

Insider tips
In Northern Norway, we always remove several layers of clothing when we go inside to avoid getting cold when we go back outside. It is also good to know that you are expected to take off your shoes before entering Norwegian homes as it is considered very impolite to walk around indoors with outdoor shoes on.

Source: NordNorsk Reiseliv

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