Autumn is a season known for its colour. Deep red, burnt orange and golden yellow define this time of year. It is also an ideal time to catch glimpses of shimmering green in the night sky, as aurora season is in full swing.
The autumn equinox, around 21-23 September, is a particularly hot prospect for aurora hunters. One of the two points in the year when day and night are equal, it marks the start of astronomical autumn. The equinoxes are also a time when geomagnetic storms are strongest. In turn leading to bigger and brighter northern lights. In a nutshell, there is something about an equinox that the aurora borealis seems to love.
Of course, it’s impossible to predict exactly when the aurora will appear. Head into the auroral oval any time between late August and mid-April and you could experience nature’s greatest light show. Successful aurora hunting boils down to science, timing, location and a spot of luck.
A (very) brief look at the science behind the aurora
The science bit involves all kinds of solar shenanigans and molecular mayhem. Apologies if you’re a budding astrophysicist, but we’ll sum it up with the following:
1) A solar flare erupts from the sun’s surface
2) Electrons and protons hurtle towards earth
3) Some sneak into our atmosphere
4) They collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules
5) The reactions cause light – or an aurora
What makes the equinox special?
As for timing, the northern lights are doing their cosmic thing year round. It’s only when the nights get dark enough (from early autumn until the middle of spring) that we can actually see them. The exception to this timeframe is when strong solar storms occur, as we’ve seen in the last couple of years. These can extend the range of the aurora to the south where night skies are still dark in June and July.
During the equinoxes, the magnetic fields of the earth and solar wind reach optimum configuration. “Magnetic cracks” open allowing more solar particles into our atmosphere. More particles, more molecular collisions, more aurora.
> Where to see the northern lights during the spring equinox
The art of aurora hunting
That’s the theory. There are still no guarantees at any time of year. But it’s the elusive behaviour of the northern light that makes seeing them such a treat. The most important thing for aurora hunting is to pick where to go based on what you want to see and do.
A successful aurora adventure places equal emphasis on discovering the natural wonders around you. Be that exploring wilderness trails, heading out whale watching or trying out a host of other activities available in autumn and into winter.
Our pick of where to go in autumn
Iceland bathes in the limelight when it comes to aurora adventures. Stay in countryside hotels where the night skies are big and dark. Choose between self-drive breaks and small-group escorted holidays. Our popular 3-night Aurora Nights is based at stylish Hotel Ranga on the south coast. There’s fine-dining, a state-of-the-art observatory and outdoor hot tubs. Plus an aurora wake-up service!
The Lofoten Islands are one of Norway’s best kept secrets in a great location for viewing the aurora. Visit on an autumn self drive and explore inlets and picture-perfect fishing villages against a backdrop of rugged mountains and tranquil fjords.
Discover coastal Swedish Lapland in autumn. Stay at fabulous wilderness retreats in forests near Lulea. From delightful Brandon Lodge to the unique Treehotel immerse yourself in nature.
Experience the changing seasons on Finland’s fells and tundra. Stay at a lakeside wilderness resort where meals and activities are included.
You’ll still need a little luck to witness those dancing green lights. But one thing is certain – with such a varied and exciting range of aurora adventures available, you’ll have a lot of fun trying!
Experience your very own northern lights adventure
It’s impossible to predict exactly when the aurora will appear. However, at Discover the World we’ve spent over 40 years refining the art of the aurora adventure. From Finland to Norway, Sweden to Iceland as well as Canada and Alaska, we have discovered the best places to see this incredible phenomenon and we’re excited to share them with you. Our northern lights holidays are designed to maximise your chances of witnessing this spellbinding phenomenon.