Come alive in the dark! Embark on an adventure to the tip of the Arctic wilderness and search for one of nature’s most stunning cosmic shows – the Northern Lights. Aurora hunting is a thrilling experience that can never be forgotten, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in a truly wild and wilderness setting.
1. Exploring the Majestic Far North: A Guide to Aurora Hunting
The far north is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring realms. Here, in the gloom of night, something majestic and mysterious whirls through the sky. Colorful displays, commonly known as auroras, grace the night sky in shapes that seem to defy the laws of nature.
For travelers looking to catch a glimpse of these ethereal wonders, a key element is location. Popular spots for aurora hunting are Fairbanks and Anchorage in Alaska; Abisko, Kiruna, and Jukkasjärvi in Sweden, and Tromsø in Norway. Anywhere in Finland is also known to be excellent for witnessing auroras.
To increase your chances of seeing the colorful show, research the best times for aurora hunting at your chosen destination. Generally, the best months for sightings are during the Northern Hemisphere winter months, from February through early April. To optimize your scouting, pick the period of the new moon and head out on a clear night. Cloudless nights with low levels of light pollution create the perfect condition for viewing auroras.
You should also prepare for the cold winter climate, dress accordingly, and bring snacks and water, so your journey will be comfortable. Although it’s a good idea to plan in advance, remember that nature is still unpredictable and the exact timing of the aurora sightings can be unknown.
2. Fascinating Facts about the Arctic and Northern Lights
- Polar Nights and Midnight Sun – Have you ever heard of either the “Polar Nights” or the “Midnight Sun” phenomenon? When it comes to countries located North of the Arctic Circle, the Sun’s ultra-low position during winter means the days are dark and short, and nights are long. This is why the term “Polar Night” is used. On the other hand, countries located North of the Arctic Circle can experience an amazing sunshine during the months of winter, which can last up to 24 hours a day – this is the famous “Midnight Sun” phenomenon.
- Northern Lights – Another marvel of the Arctic is the Northern Lights. During certain times of the year, usually in the early winter and early spring months, one can see a “dance of light” in the night sky. This natural light spectacle is mainly caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the Sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
- Wildlife Diversity – The Arctic is home to a wide variety of wildlife, some of which might surprise you. Along with the usual polar bears and Arctic foxes, the tundra is also a shelter to Arctic hares, ermines, caribou, snow owls and a range of bird species.
- Cool Temperatures – One would expect the Arctic regions to be cold and icy – and one would be right! Much of the Arctic is below freezing temperatures, reaching as low as -40ºC or even lower at times. Therefore, it’s important to pack accordingly when traveling as it can get really cold out there!
3. Adventuring into the Arctic Wilderness: Tips and Experiences
Exploring the arctic wilderness is a unique and adventurous experience. From snowy mountain tops to the freezing icy lakes, the range of wildlife, breathtaking views and vast landscapes make it a truly breathtaking experience. But it can also be a dangerous experience, and before venturing into the unknown it is wise to consider these tips:
- Research your destination: load up on as many facts as possible about your desired travel location in order to anticipate and plan for what might be encountered. Know your surroundings and the environment you’ll be entering. This will help prepare you for any surprises on your journey.
- Pack the essentials: make sure you bring all the necessary items like GPS, sleeping bags, binoculars, waterproof clothing, food rations and a first aid kit.
- Stay Alert: you never know what sort of animals you might encounter in the arctic. While most of the wildlife in the arctic is harmless, always stay vigilant and alert as you don’t want to surprise a polar bear or wolverine.
Venturing into the arctic wilderness is a journey of a lifetime. The beauty and serenity of nature in its purest form will inspire you and will give you insight into the stunning wild landscapes that exist. Just remember to take all of the necessary precautions before you go.
4. Capturing the Perfect Photo of the Aurora Borealis
The natural beauty of the Aurora Borealis has captivated many – the vibrant and ever-changing colors, the unique and luminescent display of light and flickering shadows it casts on the night sky. Capturing the perfect photo of the Northern Lights may seem daunting, but with a bit of knowledge and practice, you’ll be able to produce some truly stunning photographs.
- You’ll Need:
- A DSLR camera or mirrorless camera – the higher the resolution, the better.
- Wide-angle lens.
- A fairly dark location – preferably away from cities and other sources of light pollution.
- A tripod.
- A good knowledge of your camera settings.
The key to success is being fully prepared and having the right equipment on hand. In terms of settings, it’s best to find a balance between shutter speed (slow enough to capture the movement of the aurora in the sky, but fast enough to avoid blurring) and aperture (wide enough to let in the right amount of light to illuminate the sky). Additionally, an ISO setting of 1600 or less is recommended.
It’s best to keep your shutter open for as long as possible so that you can capture the vivid, ephemeral patterns of the aurora. The exact settings may be tricky to figure out but practice makes perfect! If you have the time and inclination, experiment with different combinations of settings until you find what works best.
5. Unforgettable Memories of Auroral Sightseeing
Aurora Lights
Witnessing the beauty of the aurora is a truly magical experience. Its vivid colours shifting across the night sky in an ever-changing dance is like something out of a fairytale. Here are some of the most memorable moments that have lingered in my mind and heart, long after the sky faded back to its usual night-time darkness:
- The first time I saw them, a brilliant green glow stretching from horizon to horizon, I knew I was witnessing something incredible.
- On a particularly clear night, the ethereal curtains moved above me, bathing the snow in an icy blue light.
- The best view was when I had just a few other travelers around me, watching in awe as the northern lights danced for us.
Truly unforgettable, auroral sightseeing can be something to remember for a lifetime. From the frozen tundra of the Arctic Circle, to the shorelines of Iceland, the opportunity to witness these stunning light shows should not be missed. When looking out into the night sky, just imagine what wonders lie hidden up there in the darkness, waiting to be discovered.
Take a chance and set out on an adventure to uncover the breathtaking beauty of the Aurora Borealis. Put your trust in the wilderness and explore the world in a way that few people have been lucky enough to do. Go wild, go explore, and go Aurora Hunting – your story is waiting to be written.
