The northern lights are one amongst the several astronomical phenomena called polar lights (aurora polaris), which are shafts or curtains of colored light visible on occasion in the night sky.
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, offer an entrancing, dramatic, magical display that fascinates all who see it — but just what causes this dazzling natural phenomenon?
They are natural phenomena and are ideally the best to be observed in Alaska and northern Canada. Norway, Sweden and Finland also offer excellent vantage points.
Colours of Aurora
The colours most often associated with the aurora borealis are pink, green, yellow, blue, violet, and occasionally orange and white.
Typically, when the particles collide with oxygen, yellow and green are produced. Interactions with nitrogen produce red, violet, and occasionally blue colors.
Collisions bring difference to colours
The type of collision also makes a difference to the colors that appear in the sky: atomic nitrogen causes blue displays, while molecular nitrogen results in purple. The colors are also affected by altitude. During periods of particularly active solar flares, the lights can be seen as far south as the top of Scotland and even northern England. On rare occasions, the lights are seen farther south. They were first observed by European settlers in New England in 1791.
Best months to view the aurora borealis
September, October, March and April are some of the best months to view the aurora borealis. The lights are known to be brighter and more active for up to two days after sunspot activity is at its highest.
Several agencies, such as NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, also monitor solar activity and issue aurora alerts when they are expected to put on a particularly impressive show.
These Canadians share their experience
EBNW.net received details of aurora borealis having been observed by three Canadians living in Edmonton, on 24-25 April 2021. Rohit Jindal, Mamta Vardhan and Kartik rushed to the Elk Island National Park as they learnt that this most romantic scene would be observed the best from there. Elk Island National Park has played an important part in the conservation of the Plains Bison. It is 35 km east of Edmonton.
“Too many cars there and their lights were on. Total darkness was somewhat at loss. It was full moonlit night. We waited and waited. And suddenly emerged flash lights. Our eyes could not capture the total blaze. The cellphones did it all right. We were very fortunate to have observed this most extra ordinary phenomenon of Nature. Worth spending a night for it as we returned home in small hours of morning. Tea-snacks were good company on this nocturnal exploration. We had been waiting for it for years. Wow.