The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of tourists every year. However, along with its beauty, there are also numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding it. In this blog post, we will debunk three of the most common myths about the Northern Lights.
Myth 1: The Northern Lights only occur in winter
One of the most frequent misconceptions about the Northern Lights is that they only occur during the winter months. This is not entirely true. The phenomenon is dependent on solar activity, not seasons. However, the longer nights and clearer skies of winter in northern latitudes do provide more opportunities to observe the lights.
Myth 2: The Northern Lights can be harmful to humans
There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that the Northern Lights can pose any harm to individuals. Although the lights are a result of solar particles colliding with Earth’s magnetic field, the process occurs high in the Earth’s atmosphere, far away from any potential harm to humans on the ground.
Myth 3: You can’t see the Northern Lights during a full moon
This is another classic example of misinformation that has no basis in fact. You can for sure see the northern lights during the lunar cycle. The fact is that a full moon can make it more difficult to see weak auroras.
Myth 4: There is one single best place to see the northern lights
Seeing the Auroras is a matter of probability. You should try to optimize the probability for you to see them. You want to be above the Artic Circle this will significantly increase your odds of seeing the Aurora. The other factors that will increase your odds are:
- Clear sky
- Low light pollution
- High solar activity
Above the Arctic Circle the weather tends to be unstable, and due to microclimate, some regions are more likely to have a clear sky thus those are considered best spots, for instance, Tromso and Abisko.
Conclusion
The Northern Lights are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful displays that nature has to offer. While the myths surrounding them add a layer of mystique, it’s essential to understand the science behind this spectacular phenomenon. So next time you’re lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights, you can appreciate them for what they truly are – a breathtaking display of nature’s power and beauty.
