Witnessing the Northern Lights is an otherworldly experience. Of course, waiting for it to happen can be tiring, but once it unfolds in front of you, all the effort will be worth it. When I witnessed the aurora borealis in Norway, I had to take a moment to enjoy the magical view before taking out my camera to immortalize it.
Image source:Usatoday.com |
But let’s get scientific here. What causes this natural phenomenon? According to studies, the lights are formed by fast-moving electric particles that emanate from the sun that collide with particles in the earth’s atmosphere. The various gases that are part of the collision cause the burst of colors.
Now that we’ve covered the cause, there are different places in the world where you can witness this light show. An adventure to Arctic territories at the right time will allow you to see the lights, especially at night. If you want to go far north, you can go to Greenland, Iceland, or Norway. But if you want to stay in North America, Alaska and the Northwestern Territories in Canada are your best bet. For the ultimate experience, visit during the fall or winter.
Image source:Space.com |
If you want to take a good shot of the aurora borealis, go to a place where you can clearly see the stars. Avoid places with pollution as it might affect the quality of your photo. Since you’ll most likely be on an expedition to look at these lights, don’t forget to bring your tripod. Use a wide-angle lens so that you’ll be able to capture the whole scene.
Once you’re there, take a few moments to enjoy the view. Each light show is unique so enjoy the moment and make good memories that will inspire your next adventures.
Hello there! Thanks for reading my blog. I’m Randall Benderson, a national park explorer, traveler, and retired photographer based in Florida. Let’s talk more about travel blog.