TROMSO, NORWAY
TROMSO, NORWAY
One of my favorite places in the entire world is north of the Arctic Circle in Tromso, Norway. It's a fantastic viewing point for the Northern Lights. Mount Storsteinen, The Polar Museum, and The Arctic Cathedral are a few of the main attractions to visit in this magical town. Experience Sami culture, sea fishing, and go Northern Lights chasing on your next vacation to Norway!
Did you know the Norse legend of the Northern Lights tells of the lights being reflections from the shield and armor of Valkyries? In Norse Mythology, Valkyries are described as Odin's female helping spirits, and are depicted as elegant maidens. Valkyries "Choosers of the Slain" don't choose who gets in to Valhalla, they also choose who lives and dies in battle!
PROTIP: Want to try your luck with seeing the northern lights?
One of my favorite ways to check the Northern Lights forecast is through The Geophysical Institute. The Geophysical Institute is a way for those to check what the chances are of seeing the Northern Lights in their area!
The Dawn of the North
Did you know the Aurora Borealis means "The Dawn of the North"? The polar lights are a natural display, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions due to charged particles from the sun enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with Earth's particles.
Most are green, but on occasion, viewers can see red, yellow, and purple! The colors are determined by the height in which the part the particles collide. Green is shown when the particles are about 60 miles above the Earth, while red appear with the particles collide higher, usually about 200 miles above!
PROTIP: Looking to see the Northern Lights? Whenever I fly long haul flights at night, I always book a window seat on the side of the plane that faces north. This gives a chance to see the Aurora Borealis while on the plane, and luckily I have been able to see them many times while flying!
