Basic information and FAQ questions about the Aurora Borealis
How are the Northern Lights created?
The Aurora appears when the solar wind — a stream of charged particles from the Sun — reaches Earth and interacts with the magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic field). These particles then collide with gases in the ionosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
These collisions release photons — tiny particles of light — which create the glowing colours we see.
Because the activity on the Sun changes constantly, the strength of the solar wind also changes, sometimes minute by minute. This makes predicting Auroras difficult.
We use scientific tools to check real-time activity, but simple forecasts like the KP index are not always reliable.
How are the Northern Lights created?
The Aurora appears when the solar wind — a stream of charged particles from the Sun — reaches Earth and interacts with the magnetosphere (Earth’s magnetic field). These particles then collide with gases in the ionosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen.
These collisions release photons — tiny particles of light — which create the glowing colours we see.
Because the activity on the Sun changes constantly, the strength of the solar wind also changes, sometimes minute by minute. This makes predicting Auroras difficult.
We use scientific tools to check real-time activity, but simple forecasts like the KP index are not always reliable.
What colours do the Northern Lights have, and why?
The colour that people most often see with their eyes is a soft grey-green glow. This green shade appears when oxygen molecules (O₂⁺) in the atmosphere react with charged particles carried to Earth by the solar wind.
When the Sun is more active, the Aurora can also show pink tones. These pink colours come from reactions with nitrogen (N₂). They happen lower in the atmosphere, about 80–100 kilometres above the ground.
Red Auroras are less common. They appear when solar particles interact with atomic oxygen (O) at very high altitudes. Cameras can easily capture red light, but people usually see it with their own eyes only during intense solar storms.
Sometimes, other colours, such as white or orange, can appear, but this is rare.
It’s important to remember that human eyes and cameras do not see the Aurora in the same way. A camera can capture more colours and stronger brightness than we can see ourselves
The colour that people most often see with their eyes is a soft grey-green glow. This green shade appears when oxygen molecules (O₂⁺) in the atmosphere react with charged particles carried to Earth by the solar wind.
When the Sun is more active, the Aurora can also show pink tones. These pink colours come from reactions with nitrogen (N₂). They happen lower in the atmosphere, about 80–100 kilometres above the ground.
Red Auroras are less common. They appear when solar particles interact with atomic oxygen (O) at very high altitudes. Cameras can easily capture red light, but people usually see it with their own eyes only during intense solar storms.
Sometimes, other colours, such as white or orange, can appear, but this is rare.
It’s important to remember that human eyes and cameras do not see the Aurora in the same way. A camera can capture more colours and stronger brightness than we can see ourselves
Aurora Intensity and Moonlight Pollution
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their strength varies from night to night. On around 95% of nights, the activity in the sky is high enough to produce at least some visible Aurora. However, the brightness can differ greatly:
When weak solar wind activity coincides with a bright Moon, the Moonlight can significantly reduce the visibility of the Aurora, both to the naked eye and even on camera. Unfortunately, this is something no one can control.
During moderate or strong magnetic storms and substorms, Moonlight is not a problem. In fact, it can enhance the experience by adding a unique atmosphere to the scenery.
If you are planning your vacation, it is important to check the lunar calendar and choose dates when the Moon emits less light. Any form of light pollution affects the quality of the Aurora observation.
Magnetic storms occur throughout the day, but we can see their effects only at night. Sunlight during the daytime hides these natural “Treasures” of the sky.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their strength varies from night to night. On around 95% of nights, the activity in the sky is high enough to produce at least some visible Aurora. However, the brightness can differ greatly:
- on some nights, the Aurora appears only as a faint band near the horizon,
- while on others, it can illuminate the entire sky.
When weak solar wind activity coincides with a bright Moon, the Moonlight can significantly reduce the visibility of the Aurora, both to the naked eye and even on camera. Unfortunately, this is something no one can control.
During moderate or strong magnetic storms and substorms, Moonlight is not a problem. In fact, it can enhance the experience by adding a unique atmosphere to the scenery.
If you are planning your vacation, it is important to check the lunar calendar and choose dates when the Moon emits less light. Any form of light pollution affects the quality of the Aurora observation.
Magnetic storms occur throughout the day, but we can see their effects only at night. Sunlight during the daytime hides these natural “Treasures” of the sky.
Aurora with eyes vs. Aurora with a camera
The human eye and a camera work very differently when observing the Northern Lights.
Many people expect the Aurora to look bright and intensely green like in photographs.
But with the naked eye, the colours are much softer — usually light green or grey-green, and less strong.
If the Aurora becomes very pink, that colour is usually visible without a camera.
Red Auroras, however, are much easier to record with a camera and only appear to the eye during very powerful solar events.
It’s not only about colour — the strength, or intensity, of the light also affects what we see.
The human eye and a camera work very differently when observing the Northern Lights.
Many people expect the Aurora to look bright and intensely green like in photographs.
But with the naked eye, the colours are much softer — usually light green or grey-green, and less strong.
If the Aurora becomes very pink, that colour is usually visible without a camera.
Red Auroras, however, are much easier to record with a camera and only appear to the eye during very powerful solar events.
It’s not only about colour — the strength, or intensity, of the light also affects what we see.
Different intensity levels of Aurora
- Strong
- Moderate
- Weak
- Light (invisible to the naked eye)
When can the Northern Lights be seen in Lapland?
Many people believe Auroras happen only in winter, but this is not true.
Autumn months (September and October) and late winter to early spring (February to early April) also give excellent viewing opportunities.
The reason is connected both to weather and to natural changes in Earth’s atmosphere during these seasons.
Many people believe Auroras happen only in winter, but this is not true.
Autumn months (September and October) and late winter to early spring (February to early April) also give excellent viewing opportunities.
The reason is connected both to weather and to natural changes in Earth’s atmosphere during these seasons.
Which months are best for seeing the Northern Lights in Lapland?
The Aurora season in Lapland lasts around eight months — from late August until early April.
The best months usually are:
If you join one of our Aurora Treasure Hunting Adventures, every month in the season can be productive. We can travel across a large region, find clear skies, and move further north where even low activity can create beautiful Auroras.
The Aurora season in Lapland lasts around eight months — from late August until early April.
The best months usually are:
- September
- October
- February
- March
- Early April
If you join one of our Aurora Treasure Hunting Adventures, every month in the season can be productive. We can travel across a large region, find clear skies, and move further north where even low activity can create beautiful Auroras.
