1 week ago
10
November 5, 2024 | 07:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Northern Lights, also commonly referred to as the Aurora Borealis, are an elusive phenomenon that occurs when particles energized by the Sun hit the Earth's magnetic atmosphere and glow. This creates a light show of vibrant colors such as blues, greens, purples, pinks, yellows, and reds.
While the light show has historically been known to take place in the northern hemisphere, people can catch the breathtaking display of this celestial spectacle as far south as the Baltic States and southeast England.
8 Best Places to See Northern Lights in Europe
Let's take a look at the best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe, as highlighted by Nordic Visitor and National Geographic.
1. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø in Norway is a popular destination for aurora enthusiasts due to its location in an active region of the sun, providing an impressive backdrop for the Northern Lights. Its picturesque mountains and fjords make a fantastic addition to the dancing lights once the cloud cover has cleared between September and mid-April.
2. Svalbard, Norway
Part of the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is a popular destination for avid astronomy enthusiasts, especially for the Northern Lights. With a handful of international aurora borealis research stations, Svalbard is the only place on earth where the "daytime aurora borealis" makes its magnificent appearance during the darkest time of the year between December and January.
3. Abisko, Swedish Lapland
Home to the Aurora Sky Station, Abisko deserves a spot as the world's best destination for Northern Lights viewing. Aurora viewers can immerse themselves in the best experience and fully enjoy the awe-inspiring sight, with very few distracting sources of light or sound.
4. Ilulissat, Greenland
Offering one of the most incredible views of the Northern Lights, the Ilulissat Icefjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The elusive phenomenon is celebrated by locals during the New Year's festivities twice a day, once at 8 p.m. and later at midnight. However, those who prefer a quieter atmosphere should consider arriving in September to avoid the crowds.
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark
Spread across a wondrous collection of coastlines, the Faroe Islands are not your average tropical paradise. The weather conditions on famous islands like Suðuroy and Sandoy during the harsh winter nights from November to February turn these places into valuable Aurora Borealis vacation spots, offering better availability at hotels.
6. Shetland, Scotland
Located in the northern part of the United Kingdom, Shetland boasts the best aurora viewing experiences with the help of minimal light pollution around its remote location. The dazzling display of mirrie dancers, the local nickname for the Northern Lights, occurs a few times a year sometime between October and March.
7. Rovaniemi, Lapland
Visible for about 150 nights a year, between September and October, the Northern Lights show is an annual source of entertainment for visitors to Rovaniemi. Take a 10-minute walk from the city center to the Arctic Garden to track the astral phenomenon at one of the best viewing points, the Arktikum Museum.
8. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Iceland
The idyllic combination of towering icebergs and minimal light pollution provides a stunning backdrop for any auroral photograph ever taken. Widely referred to as "The Crown Jewel of Iceland", Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon offers tranquility in unspoiled nature.
Whether you're a seasoned aurora hunter or a first-time observer, the thrill of catching a glimpse of these celestial lights dancing across the sky is a memory that will last a lifetime. So choose only the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Nordic Visitor | National Geographic
Editor's Choice: 5 Best Places to See Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
The 10 Largest Countries in Europe by Area
14 hari lalu
Despite the relatively small land of Europe, these 10 European countries are both majestic in size and appearance.
Top 10 Most Expensive Countries to Travel in Europe in 2024
15 hari lalu
Take a look at the 10 most expensive countries in Europe here.
European Union Leaders Set Course for Tougher Policy to Send Back Irregular Migrants
17 hari lalu
European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to use all their leverage to speed up returns of migrants illegally entering the bloc.
Several European Countries Mull Solar Cells Investment in East Kalimantan: Acting Governor
19 hari lalu
Several countries in Europe have expressed readiness for renewable energy investment, namely solar cells, in East Kalimantan.
Do Americans Need a Visa to Travel to Europe? Here's What You Need to Know
19 hari lalu
With the implementation of ETIAS, the European Union's new visa system, Americans will be required to obtain travel authorization to go to Europe.
Israel Begins Losing Support from Europe After Attacking UNIFIL in Lebanon
20 hari lalu
Israel begins losing support from Europe when it deliberately attacked the position of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops and injured several personnel.
8 Places to Travel in October 2024, Asia and Europe Included
21 hari lalu
October is a wonderful time to discover new travel destinations.
7 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in the United States; Colorful Skies
21 hari lalu
Since the Northern Lights takes place in the Northern Hemisphere, there are several sighting sites across the United States.
Meta Faces Backlash for AI-Generated Aurora Borealis Photo
22 hari lalu
Tech giant Meta has faced sharp criticism from Threads users following its decision to post images of Aurora Borealis generated by its AI.
Indonesia, Europe Expand Trade Relations Through IEBF 2024
28 hari lalu
As many as 122 European corporations and 123 Indonesian companies participated in the IEBF 2024.
