When you see Aurora, you are witnessing a reaction between charged particles from the sun and the gases in our upper atmosphere. Storms on the sun’s surface eject charged particles and plasma which travels towards earth in what is called the Solar Wind. This steady stream is caused by the sun’s super hot corona and the material can reach temperatures of 2 million degrees Fahrenheit and speeds of 500 miles per second. When these particles reach the earth, many slip into our upper atmosphere through the weak magnetic points near the North and South Poles. These particles excite gas molecules, causing their electrons to shift and releasing particles of light called photons. This process is often compared to the way the gas reacts in a Neon sign. Different types of gas in our atmosphere cause different colored displays. Oxygen can react with a green light or a red light depending on the altitude, and Nitrogen reacts with blue/purple light. Our Northern Lights Tour is offered during the times of year when this solar activity is strongest, but people often ask us when the best time of year is for them to see the Aurora. In truth, it depends on your preferences regarding a few factors: weather, scenery and hours of darkness.

When planning your Northern Lights tour you want to avoid the summer – during that time of year in the far North it stays light nearly 24 hours a day. Although Aurora activity is still going on during that time, you need darkness to see it. Scientists aren’t sure why, but it is commonly believed that solar activity is stronger around the times of the Fall Equinox (September 22) and the Spring Equinox (March 20). In September and October the weather is not cold yet, and while clear skies are not as reliable as in the Spring, the past few years have had incredibly colorful displays. During this time of year bodies of water will not be frozen, so you have the opportunity to see the aurora overhead and reflected on the surface which makes for stunning views and incredible photographs. October often brings some snow, but it sometimes doesn’t come until November. In November and December it is beginning to get colder, and with fresh snow you will be able to enjoy classic winter activities like dogsledding and snowshoeing. Sometimes this snow brings more cloud cover, but as the nights get longer you also have more hours in which the lights could be visible. January through March are very popular times to see the Northern Lights, although temperatures through February are quite cold (often as low as -20 Fahrenheit) so make sure you have well insulated gear. Some believe that colder nights bring more Aurora activity, and with more hours of darkness it increases your chances of a display. As March begins, temperatures will begin to rise and since the majority of snow has already fallen there are lots of clear nights. With more daylight you will have to stay up later to watch for the lights.

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