Solar activity directly affects the frequency and intensity of the aurora, but it is not the only factor. To see it, we also need sufficiently dark nights, clear skies and a location away from light pollution.
When is the best time to see the northern lights? Where can you see them?
The best time to see the northern lights in Finland is between October and March.
Winter in Lapland is simply magical. Snow blankets the landscapes and animals adapt to the cold. Staying in a cosy hotel in Inari, we will spend our days exploring the taiga, the immense coniferous forest covering the north of our planet. At night, we will enjoy the magnificent spectacle of the Northern Lights.
The Northern Lights season in Finland is in full swing, with many February departures fully booked. However, there are still places in March for those dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights in one of the best places on the planet.
Places are limited and fill quickly. If you want to experience the unique spectacle of the Northern lights, don’t let the opportunity slip away.
In December and January, kaamos, also known as the polar night, plunges regions north of the Arctic Circle into darkness.
Imagine almost two months of continuous twilight at the North Pole. When February arrives, however, the days begin to lengthen, bringing better conditions for winter activities. The nights are still long enough to marvel at the spectacular northern lights.
Our trip to Namibia with J.C. Casado gives us the chance to travel through landscapes untouched by humans, where the wild animals live in ideal conditions, and the skies are free of the light pollution so common in our cities. Few places on Earth still offer both: wild nature and a a pristine environment.
Because of its extreme latitude, a journey through Alaska is always an adventure. Leaving Anchorage, the capital, we enter the wilderness. Here, tarmac often gives way to dirt tracks (most in excellent condition), and resources are scarce.
Traveling through Alaska with a guide is certainly the best way to get to know this remote state.
The Northern Lights, those glowing green lights appear on a clear night, dancing across the sky in a fascinating, incredible display. Nothing compares with the emotion of seeing an aurora sweep across the sky for the first time. The cold no longer matters; we forget hunger and every other need. No matter how late it is, we stay as long as this magical dance lasts.
The combined Shelios – GLORIA – Slooh expedition has sent us the first images of totality that, despite everything, they managed to capture!
Zimbabwe or Zimbabue? Kirguistán or Kyrgyzstan? Thailandia or Tailandia?
It is not always easy to decide how to spell our next destination. On one of our standout trips for 2015, Northern Lights and a Total Solar Eclipse in the islands Faroe, We thought the right name was Faroe.
We have posted a simple survey on Facebook to hear your views: http://goo.gl/5k2lyT
Last Wednesday, December 10, Isidoro Medino published in the newspaper El País a list of the 10 “super destinations” for 2015.
Among the international “super destinations”, Isidoro highlights our trip to the Faroe Islands, departing on 17 March. The main aim of this astronomy trip is to observe the northern lights and the total solar eclipse, whose path crosses the Arctic Circle this year. This coincidence will allow us to see two of the most impressive natural phenomena visible from Earth on a single trip.
As well as this trip, which is undoubtedly one of our favourites for 2015, the list highlights Andes, Australia, Bhutan and Ethiopia.
In the Andes, Isidoro highlights the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador and the Atacama desert in Chile. Follow the links to see the routes we are offering for 2015.
Australia is another leading destination, alongside the South Pacific islands, thanks to the recent airline alliance. Our itineraries in Australia are flexible, with highlights including the motorhome rental to travel at your own pace.
Another highlight is Bhutan. With Buddhist monasteries hanging from the cliffs, this small Himalayan mountain country always seems to welcome the visitor with a smile.
And last but not least, Ethiopia, another of our favourite destinations. The depression of Danakil, the volcano Erta Ale, villages of the Omo Valley or Axum, where they say the Ark of the Covenant is located. Few countries concentrate as much magic and diversity as Ethiopia, one of the most distinctive countries in Africa.
Isidoro also selects 5 domestic destinations with ideas to suit every taste. Cáceres as a food destination. Malaga, as a cultural destination with the opening of the Russian art gallery and the Pompidou museum. Ávila and the celebration of the 5th centenary of the birth of Teresa of Jesus. Seville, in the fifth season of “Game of Thrones” and Barcelona, as a city of design.
With the permission of our astrophotographer Juan Carlos Casado, show this photo taken by Max Rive on the Lofoten Islands in Norway.
Can we say it's the perfect picture?
Without a doubt it is one of the best photographs of The northern lights that we've seen.
(photo removed)
Observing the 2015 total solar eclipse and the northern lights in the Faroe Islands
Next March, in the subarctic Faroe Islands, we will have the chance to observe two of the most impressive natural phenomena visible from our planet: a total eclipse of the sun and the spectacle of the Northern Lights.
As well as the unique opportunity to witness a total eclipse and the northern lights, this trip offers spectacular landscapes of rugged islands: a paradise for hikers, naturalists and bird lovers.
Juan Carlos Casado is joining us!
There were no places left on the trip to Finland with departures on the 15th and the 23rd. The chance to witness one of the greatest natural spectacles visible from our planet made it well worth the effort to organise another departure.
Our colleague Alex Póo led the Turkana expedition, in Kenya, to witness the total solar eclipse that took place last November.
Thirty-nine people, divided into three expeditions, travelled to Lake Turkana in northern Kenya to observe the solar eclipse. After setting up camp on the lakeshore, all the equipment was in place and the scientists were ready to observe it.
Despite adverse weather conditions, the skies finally opened and it was possible to capture these incredible images.
A big hug to all the «Eclipse hunters» and we look forward to seeing you in Svalbard in March 2015!
A total of thirty-nine people, spread over three expeditions, are traveling to Lake Turkana, in the north of Kenya, to observe the solar eclipse taking place on 3 November.
Good luck and clear skies to our eclipse hunters. We will keep you updated!
The auroras are one of the great natural spectacles visible from our planet. In the northern hemisphere, Finland is certainly one of the best locations, and the best time of year to see the northern lights is late March.
We begin May with an annular solar eclipse (20 May) that will be visible across much of the Arctic, the North Pacific, western Canada and parts of the western United States. Some of our astronomer friends will travel to Arizona to observe it from Monument Valley. We can think of few more beautiful places to watch an eclipse.
We travel around. in the world for observing eclipses and the northern lights. But here in Barcelona, our friends at ASTER are offering an interesting guided observation sessionand the meteor shower. And it’s free too!
Meteor shower at Moll de Gregal
Our astronomy trips
In October the Arctic prepares for the arrival of winter; an ideal period for observation of The northern lights. We travelled to the island of Spitsbergen aboard the sailing boat Noorderlicht, just before sea ice blocked access.
Upcoming departures: northern lights in Finland |
On a trip, the night can offer unforgettable spectacles. Hundreds of stars become visible in the desert, the mountains or vast steppes.
