Introduction
Natural phenomena have mystified people throughout history, and the northern lights (otherwise called aurora borealis) are one of them. The northern lights have been a source of curiosity for travelers and scientists alike, and they became the foundation for several legends. Today, a tourist can choose between many places to see this phenomenon, including on-foot hikes to the coldest regions of the planet, as well as leisure-based hotels and cruises.
Aurora Borealis
The northern lights occur every day, but they are still difficult to catch due to the unpredictability of the weather. This natural phenomenon occurs when sun particles meet the Earth’s upper atmosphere and magnetic field (Waldek). At the particles are directed toward the planet’s poles, they turn into colorful waves. The name – Aurora Borealis – was given to it by Galileo Galilei, and it describes the nature of this occurrence. “Aurora” was a goddess of dawn, and “Boreas” was a god of the north wind (Waldek). Therefore, it becomes clear that the northern lights can be best seen near the North pole at night.
The Best Spots
As stated above, aurora borealis can be seen in the northern hemisphere, closer to the pole. A specific “auroral zone” includes a radius of approximately 1,5 thousand miles around the North Pole (Waldek). Several countries are located in this area, including Canada and the United States, Iceland, Greenland, and Norway (Bloom). Moreover, the closest spot where a person can view the northern lights is the North Pole, which is located on a group of islands that shift and move in the Arctic Ocean (Bloom). However, this location is for the most adventurous travelers as it requires much experience and courage to survive the cold temperatures and the lack of any urban life.
For those who wish to see this phenomenon without losing some level of comfort, the tourist industry has developed a number of opportunities. For example, several northern regions of Canada constitute about 80% of all territories in the “auroral zone” (Waldek). Such locations as Yellowknife in Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut have spas, chalets, hotels, and hot spring resorts (Bloom; Waldek). Alaska is another spot for viewing the northern lights that offer many travel options, as the state has made the viewing of aurora borealis a part of its tourism economy (“Alaska Wildlife Guide”). The northern coast of Norway and the south of Iceland are other options for traveling in Europe (White et al. 102739.). Overall, several continents offer the ability to see the northern lights, and one’s preferences and budget dictate the best spot.
The Best Time
Apart from picking the right location to see the aurora borealis, one also has to choose the best time. According to experienced guides and scientists, the northern lights are best seen in the night sky when it is dark and clear of clouds (Waldek). Therefore, winter is the preferable season when the chance to see the northern lights is the highest (Waldek). As northern winters are defined by long, extremely cold nights, they create the best environment for observing this natural phenomenon.
Conclusion
Aurora borealis continues to attract tourists from all parts of the world, and the modern tourism industry has adjusted to offer many tours and experiences. This natural phenomenon can be seen near the North Pole, in a special “auroral zone” covering Canada, Norway, Iceland, and more. Alaskan resorts offer one of the most exciting experiences, and visiting these destinations during winter months gives one the best chance to see the northern lights.
Works Cited
“Alaska Wildlife Guide: Chena Hot Springs Northern Lights Tours.” Alaska, Web.
Bloom, Laura Begley. “22 Best Places to See the Northern Lights in 2020.” Forbes, Web.
Waldek, Stefanie. “Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): What They Are & How to See Them.” Space, Web.
White, Paul, et al. “Framing the Land of the Northern Lights.” Annals of Tourism Research, vol. 78, 2019, p. 102739.