The phenomenon known as “Northern Lights” is most commonly seen in the northern hemisphere of our planet between the months of October and March. The lights are described to be magical, dramatic and utterly dazzling. If you are fortunate enough to experience the display, you’ll see a ray of dancing greens, yellows, violets and reds; on a rare occurrence, you could even spot some oranges and whites. Here are eight more interesting facts about Northern Lights, officially know as Aurora Borealis, and some of the most amazing pictures you have ever seen.
1. Astronauts at the International Space Station are at the same altitude as the Northern Lights.
2. No two Northern Lights are ever the same! They always have different patterns and colors.
3. During heavy solar storms, Northern lights are visible as far south as Texas.
4. Sometimes you can even hear the sound waves! Viewers have claimed to hear a whooshing or crackling noise.
5. The color of each aurora depends on the gas particles.
6. The aurora borealis is considered one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
7. Northern Lights occur due to the sun’s charged particles colliding with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms found in the Earth’s atmosphere.
8. The best places to watch the aurora in North America are the northwestern parts of Canada and Alaska. In Europe, the northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland.
Learn more about the Northern Lights along with the top viewing sites in Norway.