The Northern Lights is a spectacular sight seen from nothern locations

Where can you see the Northern Lights is a question that many outdoor and science enthusiasts ask. The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display in the sky that attracts world-wide attention. Bright colors, including green and red, often swirl and whirl in the sky, creating beautiful images and an almost spiritual experience. Located in the northern hemisphere near the north pole, the Northern Lights are seen from many locations throughout the world. However, there are few places that are better than others in which to view this ethereal sight.

• Alaska–If wondering where can you see the Northern Lights in the United States, Alaska is the best place in which to do so. The Northern Lights occur in the auroral oval, which usually passes over Alaska and are typically seen almost anywhere above 60 degrees latitude. Fairbanks, Alaska, is around the 65-degree mark; therefore, the lights appear the brightest and most often in this area. Denali, Anchorage and Nome are also popular areas in which to view Aurora Borealis. The University of Alaska has set up a website for the aurora forecast, in which the chances of viewing the Northern Lights are predicted. In addition, Alaska is a great place in which to travel or go on vacation while checking out the lights. Many hotels in Fairbanks actually offer deals to tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of Aurora Borealis and will even wake you up if the Northern Lights appear.

• The Northern Pole Area–Many folks outside of the US wonder where can you see the Northern Lights and the answer is–to the north.The auroral zone, the area in which the Northern Lights are displayed, stretches across Scandinavia, Canada, Greenland and Siberia. The Norwegian counties of Troms and Finnmark are excellent locations in which to view the Northern Lights. In fact, they can be seen almost every night from these areas. 

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Along with the question “where can you see the Northern Lights” typically comes the other question of “when?” The Northern Lights are present year-round; however, they are usually only seen during the wintertime because the sky is generally darker then, an element that is required for optimum viewing. In Norway, the Northern Lights are typically viewable from September to April; however, there is always variance and the light spectacle can sometimes be seen on an August evening. March and September are usually the best months in which to view Aurora Borealis in Alaska. Not only are the skies dark and the climate mild during these months, but the Earth’s orbit is in a zone of maximum solar activity, which increases the chances of viewing the Northern Lights. January and July are usually the worst months in which to the view the Northern Lights in Alaska.

The Northern Lights is a celestial masterpiece that offers many nature enthusiasts great pleasure when viewing. Many folks make it their life’s journey to see the sights. If you are planning on viewing the beauty that is the Northern Lights, do so from an area in which your chances are great to see them, so that you won’t miss this wonderful opportunity.