The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that makes you feel like you are watching a show rather than a scientific fact. Curtains of colors dancing across the sky as if the universe has decided to create a masterpiece for us. On a dark Icelandic night, wrapped in layers of clothes, trying to protect myself from the bitter cold, watching this show in the sky was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. But why does this natural wonder happen? And why is Iceland the perfect place to see these lights?
The Science of this Magic
To understand the Northern Lights, imagine the sun as an artist; the sun sends charged particles into space through the solar wind. When these particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, they are attracted to the poles and interact with gases in our atmosphere. The result? A light show full of greens, pinks, purples and sometimes reds.
The most common green color comes from oxygen molecules in the upper atmosphere, while the rare red color comes from oxygen further down. The purple and blue hues come from nitrogen. It’s like a cosmic ballet in which every particle and molecule plays a role.
Why is it only seen at night?
It’s an interesting question that many people ask: If the Northern Lights are caused by particles colliding with our atmosphere, why can’t we see them during the day? The answer lies in the light. Just as stars are invisible in daylight, the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights disappears in daylight. The darker the sky, the more vivid the colors appear. That’s why the long, clear winter nights in Iceland are the perfect backdrop for these lights.
But why are they more common in the evening and not in the early morning darkness? The answer is a mixture of timing and luck. Auroras depend on solar activity and are usually best seen in the evening and around midnight. As dawn approaches, even the faintest daylight can weaken its effect.
Where and When to See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
Iceland is one of the favorite spots for the Northern Lights thanks to its location close to the Arctic Circle. Here’s what you need to know to see the lights in the best way.
- Best Time: The aurora season in Iceland lasts from late September to mid-April. The nights are long and dark during these months, perfect for seeing the lights.
- Best Places: Away from the city lights, places with dark skies are the best areas. Thingvellir National Park, the Glacier Lagoon and the isolated Westfjords are some of these places. Even on the outskirts of Reykjavík you can catch a great view on a clear night.
- Tips for Success: Check the aurora forecasts, which show the likelihood of solar activity. You can download an app on your phone for this. A clear sky is a must, so check the weather forecast too. A sky where you can see the stars is a must. And remember, patience is important – the Northern Lights are not on our schedule!
Your Phone Camera Can See the Northern Lights Better: Why?
The Northern Lights can sometimes appear faint to the naked eye, a pale green or gray glow in the sky. But your phone camera can capture these lights more vividly. This is because cameras can detect more light than the human eye.
The human eye is limited in low-light conditions because the rod cells in our retina struggle to perceive colors, even though they work in the dark. However, smartphone cameras capture a wider spectrum of light, even in low light, allowing us to see the Northern Lights in their full colors. By using a camera with a long exposure mode or a low light sensor, you can clearly capture the magic of these lights in your photos.
Iceland’s Lightning-Free Skies
While we are talking about natural phenomena, I would like to give you another interesting fact. Did you know that Iceland never has lightning strikes? While chasing the Northern Lights, you may notice how quiet Iceland’s weather is. But have you ever wondered why lightning is rarely seen in Iceland?
The answer lies in Iceland’s unique geography and climate. Lightning requires hot and humid air to rise rapidly, creating powerful updrafts. But Iceland’s cool temperatures and location between Arctic air and milder Atlantic air prevents enough heat and humidity from building up.
Without dense clouds and intense heat, lightning and thunder are almost impossible. This is another quirk of Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Volcanoes and glaciers coexist, while lightning and thunder are almost non-existent.
Iceland is not just a place to see the Northern Lights, it is a place to experience them. From the science that makes them possible to the stories that give them meaning, the northern lights are a reminder of how extraordinary our planet is.
Before we finish, according to one story, the color and movement of the lights reflect the joy of elves dancing in the sky. If the lights were very vivid on a night, this signaled that the elves were celebrating. Therefore, making a wish or watching in silence under the Northern Lights is considered a sacred moment for Icelanders.
So if one day you find yourself on this magical island, don’t forget to look up. The lights dancing in the sky have many stories to tell.
Goodbye
