![]() Where can I see the northern lights?Īurorae happen at both magnetic poles: the aurora borealis are the northern lights, occuring in the northern hemisphere, whereas the aurora australis are the southern lights, occuring in the southern hemisphere. The type of collision with the gases as well as the altitude of the collision can also affect the colours. However, collisions with nitrogen can produce red, violet, and sometimes blue colours. The most common aurora colours are yellow and green due to collisions with oxygen molecules. When a lot of these charged particles collide with gases in the earth’s atmosphere, then we are treated to the swirling displays of the northern lights. Generally these particles are deflected by the earth’s magnetic field, but where this is weaker – at the north and south poles – they can enter. Openings in the sun’s atmosphere (such as sunspots) allow electrons and protons to flow out and can be blown towards the earth on solar winds. The lights occur when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with gases like nitrogen and oxygen in the earth’s atmosphere. The aurora borealis have to be seen to be believed. Here, we pick out some of the most accessible places to witness the spectacle in the USA & Canada.īands and swirls of colour dance high in the earth’s atmosphere and paint the night sky in an ethereal, magical form as highly charged electrons from solar wind collide with atmospheric elements near the North Pole. But to see this natural phenomena in all its beauty, you need to head north. Entrancing, dramatic, magical and named after the Roman goddess of dawn, the northern lights are Mother Nature’s proud light show, a pulsating and iridescent celestial ballet that paints the night sky with vivid streaks of colour. ![]()
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