How does the phenomenon occur?

The northern lights are a physical phenomenon that occurs when electrically-charged particles from the sun hurtle towards the Earth. The light becomes visible when the particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon can only be observed near the magnetic poles. The polar light in the northern hemisphere is called aurora borealis - or northern lights - while the polar lights in the southern hemisphere are called aurora australis, the southern lights.

Myths and legends about the northern lights

There was a great deal of mystery and myths associated with the northern lights in former times. Some considered the northern lights to be an omen of war or plague while others believed the lights were created by dead, old, unmarried women. People were advised against waving white clothing at the northern lights, as this would anger them and cause them to remove you from Earth. Others believed, on the contrary, that the northern lights would wink back if you waved a white garment at them. The Sami people believed that the northern lights had supernatural power, and they used symbols from the lights on their shaman drums.

History

The northern lights have fascinated and captivated people through the ages, and they are mentioned in texts written by Aristotle, among others. Chinese texts from 2000 BC also describe what may be the northern lights. The earliest explanations and descriptions fuelled the myths and mystery surrounding the northern lights, and it was not until the 17th century that the phenomenon was studied in a more systematic and scientific manner. A connection was gradually discovered between the northern lights and magnetic disruptions, and that the sun's activity influenced the phenomenon. In 1886, Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland formulated the first comprehensive theory on the northern lights based on these previous observations. Birkeland developed and underpinned his theory, and his work came to form the basis for modern research on the northern lights. This research still continues today, and it has given us new information about the sun, the Earth's atmosphere and near space.

The colour spectrum of the northern lights

The northern lights can be many different colours. This is determined by the gases with which the particles from the sun collide. This, in turn, is determined by the altitude at which the collision takes place in the atmosphere. The visible northern lights are from 90 km to approx. 150 km above the Earth's surface, and the colours can be categorised roughly as follows:

• More than 150 km: Red light

• 120 km - 150 km: Yellow-green light

• Less than 120 km: Blue-purple light

How to see the northern lights better

The northern lights are best viewed on cloudless, dark nights. The weather is therefore the most significant obstacle to seeing the northern lights. There is a greater chance of stable winter weather in the inner reaches of the fjords and inland.

Don't go looking for the northern lights when there is a full moon because the moon lights up the sky so much that it affects the experience.

In urban areas, light from houses and buildings can also diminish the northern lights experience.

How to take better photos of the northern lights

There are a few things you should remember if you want to take good photos of the northern lights. Dressing warm is important, there could be a lot of waiting around.

• Use a digital SLR camera with a remote control release.

• Use a tripod.

• Remember to fully charge the battery.

• Deactivate the flash and automatic settings.

• Choose an ISO setting between 100 and 400.

• The lens should be in manual focus mode and set to infinity.

• Use a long shutter speed, for example 30 seconds or more.

• An aperture of f 2.8 or better.

• It is best to use a wide-angle lens, the faster the better.

• Be patient.