The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)

The Northern Lights (also called Aurora Borealis) stem from when large numbers of electrons stream in towards the Earth along its magnetic field and collide with air particles. The air then lights up rather like what happens in a fluorescent light tube. The resulting colors of the Northern Lights reflect gases we find up there. The charged particles originate from the sun, and the weather conditions on the sun decide whether or not we will see the aurora.

The aurora can be viewed best during early evening and at night when it's not overcast. Beautiful photos of the Aurora Borealis are available in the Aurora Borealis Photo Gallery.

During other times of the year, make sure to see the top 3 Scandinavian natural phenomena!

The Northern Lights can be viewed from other northern locations as well, but the northern half of Norway and Sweden, as well as all of Iceland are famous for having "the best seats" for viewing the Aurora Borealis.

Towards the south (e.g. central/south Sweden), it is harder to see the Aurora Borealis, and it may only occur 2-3 times a month.

Aurora Borealis forms at around 60 miles high (around 100 km) which makes the lights visible hundreds of kilometers away. The cause for this phenomenon is electrons hitting air particles, causing them to light up.

When you see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) for the first time, you will be amazed at the lit-up skies. Scientifically, this phenomena is referred to as "polar aurora" and "aurora polaris". More commonly in northern regions is the name Aurora Borealis. Particularly in Scandinavia, the Aurora Borealis often appears as a reddish glow on the northern horizon...like a dark sunrise in the middle of the night.

The Aurora Borealis - or Northern Lights - are part of the Top 3 Scandinavian Natural Phenomena.