Facts about the Northern Lights

This cosmic light show begins on the sun itself where solar particles are whipped up to form a solar wind. This travels throughout the solar system and, eventually, comes across the Earth. As these highly charged particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere they reach mind-bending speeds of up to 45 million mph (72 million kph).

The planet’s magnetic field then redirects the particles towards the poles. As they are deflected around the Earth, the particles release energy which causes the atmosphere to fluoresce. The different chemicals and gases in the atmosphere lead to the creation of different colors.

As the name suggests, the northern lights are found in the more northerly latitudes. You’re most likely to see them between 60° and 70° in an area often called the auroral oval. This includes Norway, Iceland, northern Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Alaska, and southern Greenland.

When the solar winds meets the atmosphere around the magnetic north pole, the phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis is created. When this meeting occurs waves, arches and curls of light move across the sky, and sudden rays of light shoot down from space.

The southern hemisphere has its own version of the northern lights called the aurora australis, or the southern lights. The northern lights can only be seen in certain areas and the display of light varies in intensity, color and movement.

The time period we call magnetic midnight is usually the best period to see the northern lights. It usually occurs some hours before midnight and is when the viewer, the North Pole, and the sun are in alignment. In short, as in all things earth-related it is the sun that decides whether we get to see the aurora borealis or not. It is when the sun hits atoms and molecules in our atmosphere that the sky lights up.

The charged particles of the sun cause the electrons in our atmosphere "to hit the road" - heading towards higher energy orbits while releasing photons that let off light particles. The northern lights can be seen from as early as September to the end of March. While they occasionally travel south of the Arctic Circle, the further north you go in this part of the year, the more likely you are to get "the full show".

Norway is one of the prime locations to experience the Northern Lights and Fjord Tours offers loads of different ways to see them. Check out our exciting list of activities and tours below and find the perfect way for you to experience the Northern Lights!

Join in on Aurora Safari Camp in Tromsø and experience the magical Northern Lights! Enjoy an evening in a safe and private camp where you get the opportunity to take unique photos of the dancing Northern Lights.

On this tour, your guide will pick you up in Tromsø and bring you to a private and safe Aurora Safari Camp where you can experience the magical Northern Lights. In the Aurora Safari Camp, you will be served a locally prepared hot soup, as well as hot drinks, and “lefse”, a local sweet snack.

Experience the unique atmosphere while enjoying an Arctic Tapas dinner made by the local award-winning Mathallen Restaurant. Here you will also get a chance to see the Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis. A great meal accompanied by a great view; what could be better?

We have several other tours and activities that are not specifically Northern Lights tours, but where you may well see the Northern Lights! Especially in the Dog Sledding & Snow Tours category. Check out those activities HERE, and see all activities HERE.