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Northern Lights
Green light shaped like curtains, like rolling smoke or in a rapid flicker, or the occasional full corona of pink, violet, white and green; the aurora borealis is a beauty out of this world. Troms is right in the middle of the Northern Lights Zone. This means that there is nowhere on earth you can see more Northern Lights than here.
Quick facts about the Northern Lights
- Northern Lights are usually green
- You often see a pink edge
- During great explotions, coronas, you also spot violet in the centre
- Most Northern Lights erupt between 6pm and midnight
- Late September - Late March: it’s dark between 6 pm and midnight
- 10-11 pm is statistically the best time
- No guarantee can be given
If you participate in activities, your chances to spot the lights increase
What are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights originate from the surface of the sun. Sun storms hurl loaded particles into space, and a few of those particles come towards planet Earth. They are led along the magnetic field of the planet to a ring-shaped zone around the Magnetic North Pole. Here, they interact with the particles of the upper layers of the atmosphere, around 100 km/60 mi above the ground, and energy is released as the lights we see.
How to maximize your chances
Nobody knows exactly when the lights are turning up, so a fair bit of waiting is involved. To keep warm, it’s a good idea to participate in an organised Northern Lights experience and go dog sledding, reindeer sledding or snowmobile riding. You can also go cross-country skiing or take a long walk on your own. The important thing is to stay outdoors for most of the evening.
When to watch the Northern Lights
The highest possibility of seeing the Northern Lights is between 6pm and midnight (GMT+1), with the statistically best chance around 10pm. In the period between late September and late March, the whole time span 6 pm - midnight is dark. Clear skies are also required. September through November can be humid, but from December to the end of March you stand excellent chances. On most clear nights, there is at least some Northern Lights activity.
Where to watch the Northern Lights
Troms is in the middle of the earth’s Northern Lights belt, and no place on the planet enjoys a higher hit rate. On a clear night, the very same lights are visible all over Troms, so it doesn’t really matter where you are. However, a location a bit away from other light sources enhances the experience. In general, dry inland areas provide better chances of clear skies. However, occasionally, the coastal areas are best.