How do auroras occur – the natural spectacle explained

Auroras have fascinated people for thousands of years. These light phenomena, known as aurora borealis in the north and aurora australis in the south, are caused by a complex interplay of cosmic forces.

The spectacle begins at an altitude of around 100 kilometers. Electrically charged particles from solar storms hit the earth’s atmosphere. These travelers cover millions of miles before they react.

The colors of the aurora range from green to purple and blue to scarlet. Each color reveals something about altitude and gases. Green occurs at an altitude of 120 kilometers, red at 250 kilometers.

Auroras can usually be seen near the poles. However, the chance of observing them increases in Germany. The best months are winter, especially when there is a strong solar flare.

Understanding the magic of the northern and southern lights

Auroras have fascinated people for thousands of years. These celestial phenomena, known as the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, show up in breathtaking colors. Green, red, pink and yellow are the colors they produce. They are created by the collision of charged solar particles with our atmosphere.

Aurora borealis and aurora australis – two names, one phenomenon

Northern lights(aurora borealis) and southern lights(aurora australis) are two sides of the same coin. Both occur in polar regions. Northern lights can be seen in countries such as Norway and Iceland. Southern lights, on the other hand, can be seen in Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Myths and legends of different cultures

There are numerous myths about auroras. In Greenland, the green waves in the sky were believed to be the spirits of deceased babies. Other cultures saw the lights as messages from the gods or signs of impending doom. These legends reflect the deep fascination that auroras exert on people.

Scientific history of discovery

Scientific research into the aurora borealis began late. Today we know that green auroras are caused by oxygen molecules at an altitude of 100 to 200 kilometers. Red lights form from 200 kilometers upwards. Blue and violet phenomena are caused by nitrogen molecules. These findings have greatly expanded our understanding of this fascinating natural spectacle.

How do auroras form

Auroras have fascinated people for thousands of years. They are caused by solar wind, the Earth’s magnetic field and the atmosphere. Let’s find out more about them.

The origin of the solar wind

The solar wind is the beginning of auroras. Electrically charged particles from solar storms fly into space. They take around 18 hours to reach the Earth’s magnetic field.

The speed of these particles can reach up to 1000 km/s.

The Earth’s magnetic field as a protective shield

Our Earth’s magnetic field protects us. It directs the solar wind to the poles. Without it, life on Earth would be difficult.

The magnetic field extends around the magnetic poles. It protects us in a range of 3 to 6 degrees of latitude.

Interaction with the atmosphere

In the atmosphere, particles encounter atoms and molecules. This interaction occurs at an altitude of around 100 kilometers. This produces light, which we see as auroras.

The colors of the aurora depend on altitude and atoms. Green light comes from oxygen atoms at an altitude of 120 km. Red light comes from higher altitudes.

When the solar wind is strong, auroras can also be seen in Central Europe.

The color spectrum of the celestial lights

The auroras fascinate people all over the world. They occur when charged particles interact with atmospheric gases. Oxygen and nitrogen are responsible for the colors.

Green auroras due to oxygen

Green auroras are the most common. They occur when oxygen atoms in the atmosphere are excited. They can often be seen with the naked eye and look like breathtaking curtains in the sky.

Violet and blue phenomena caused by nitrogen

Purple and blue auroras come from nitrogen. They appear at higher altitudes. In May 2024, there was a special event in which blue auroras were seen at an altitude of 400 to 900 kilometers.

Rare red auroras

Red auroras are very rare. They occur during strong solar events. Scientists and observers are fascinated by their rarity and intensity.

The geographical distribution of auroras

Auroras fascinate with their unique geographical distribution. They mainly occur in a belt around the magnetic poles. This belt is known as the Northern Lights or Southern Lights zone.

The Northern Lights zone extends across northern Scandinavia, Iceland, southern Greenland, northern Canada, Alaska and the northern coast of Siberia.

In the polar regions, auroras are visible almost every clear night. The best viewing time is between September and April. In summer, the bright sky makes visibility more difficult.

The average latitude of the auroral zones worldwide is between 65° and 75°.

Interestingly, the extent of the aurora zone varies. In eastern Canada, it extends up to 57° north latitude. In Russia, you have to travel up to 80° north.

The geomagnetic activity shows seasonal fluctuations. It is 43% and 38% higher in spring and fall than in the height of winter.

Outside the polar regions, auroras are rarer. In Germany, they can be observed around four to eight times a year during strong solar storms. In southern Scandinavia and Northern Ireland, there are 15 to 50 auroral nights per year. In the Alpine region, a maximum of 1-2 sightings per year are possible.

Solar activity has a significant influence on the intensity and frequency of auroras. In years after the sunspot maximum, geomagnetic activity is up to 19% higher than average. This leads to more spectacular auroral phenomena.

Best observation sites worldwide

The search for the perfect places for auroras leads to impressive regions. From Scandinavia to the southern parts of the world, there are great backdrops. These places offer unique views of this natural spectacle.

Scandinavian hotspots

In Scandinavia, there are well-known places for the Northern Lights. Tromsø in Norway and Abisko in Sweden are very popular. These places have little light pollution and are located far north.

The long winter nights from September to March increase the chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

North American regions

Alaska and parts of Canada are also ideal for auroras. The Yukon region in Canada is particularly well known for clear skies. Visitors there can often watch the light in the sky for hours.

Southern observation points

New Zealand, Tasmania and Antarctica are ideal for the aurora australis. These places are at their best from March to September. The southern lights are impressive when you see them.

It is important to be at least 30 minutes away from cities. This avoids light pollution. This increases the chance of seeing the auroras in their full beauty.

Optimal conditions for aurora sightings

Several factors are important for aurora sightings. The best months are from the end of August to the beginning of April. During this time, the nights are long and dark.

The best time is just before midnight. To see the lights, you need to be north of the Arctic Circle. More precisely, north of 66° 33′ 11”.

Three things are necessary for good sightings: darkness, clear skies and proximity to the pole. In Finland, you can see many auroras in the north, especially in Lapland. The Lofoten Islands in Norway and Kiruna in Sweden are also great places.

If you plan at least four nights, you increase your chances. The sun has a strong influence on the auroras. It is particularly active every eleven years.

Use apps and websites to find the best time. With preparation and luck, you will experience this natural spectacle.