15 Common Misconceptions About the Northern Lights
For centuries humans have been fascinated by the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis. They fill us with wonder and curiosity and they also lead to myths and misunderstandings. The Northern Lights have been surrounded by a veil of false information from ancient folklore to current misconceptions.
They’re breathtaking, but many people are misinformed about what they are, when and where you see them, or how to see a meteor shower. If you’ve already checked the Aurora off your bucket list or are waiting for the day you will, here are some common myths about this natural wonder cleared up.
They Can Only Be Seen in Winter
Winter is a great time to chase the Northern Lights, but they don’t just happen in winter. The Aurora is there year-round, it’s just easier to see them in winter because the nights are longer and the skies are darker. Locations above the Arctic Circle may still catch a glimpse even in summer, as long as it’s done during the twilight hours.
The Lights Make a Sound
Many think that the Aurora emits a hum or crackle, but this one’s a head scratcher. Anecdotal reports of faint sounds have been made, but supposedly scientific research indicates that these are rare phenomena due to entirely unrelated atmospheric effects. For most people, the Northern Lights are a visual experience only.
You Can See Them From Anywhere
If only it were that simple! Northern Lights are often seen in northern regions around Alaska, Norway, and Canada. Strong solar activity may occasionally push the lights further south and you have a close to zero chance of seeing them in Florida also known as Sunshine State, a state in the southeastern United States.
Green Is the Only Color
The green one is the most common, but the Northern Lights also show up in shades of pink, red, yellow, purple or even blue. The basis of these colors are dependent on the type of gas contained in the atmosphere, and the altitude that the interaction occurs at. If you’ve only seen green Auroras, you’re missing the full spectrum.
They Always Look Like Photos
You see those vibrant, sharp images online? Usually, they’re long exposure shots, meaning the camera captures more light than the human eye. To the eye, the Aurora may look softer, more like wisps of light than the bright beams you see in pictures. Cameras do need a filter, but nature’s beauty doesn’t always.
To See Them, You Need Expensive Gear
A good camera makes the experience better, but you don’t need fancy gear to see the Northern Lights. Your eyes are your best tool. All you have to do is find a dark spot away from city lights, bundle up, and look up, no tech needed.
The Northern Lights Are Rare
In reality, they’re more common than you’d think! Aurora happens when charged particles from the sun hit Earth’s atmosphere. It’s just a rare combination of conditions—clear skies, darkness, and location—that allows them to be seen.
Every Day, Solar Activity Happens
The sun doesn’t emit the same amount of energy all the time. Solar activity rises and falls in an 11 year cycle of peaks and valleys. Auroras are more frequent and more intense during a solar maximum. Start planning your trip – the next peak is expected around 2025.
While Watching Them, You’ll Freeze
Of course, Arctic destinations are cold, but there are lots of tours and lodges that take care of comfort. Glass igloos and heated cabins provide the view without the cold, and hot drinks while you’re watching the view push you closer to icicles than you want to be. It can be cozy and magical if prepared right.
Auroras Are Dangerous
These lights are harmless in themselves. Solar particles interacting with Earth’s magnetic field cause them—no cause for concern. The actual risk of danger could all be from something like icy roads or neglecting to bring some warm socks.
You Have to Stay Up All Night
The Aurora can occur at any time, but the most activity is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. You don’t have to pull an all nighter, set an alarm, get a few hours of sleep, and go outside when the show should start.
Clouds Don’t Matter
This one is obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people think the Northern Lights can shine through thick clouds. Alas, you can’t see anything due to a cloudy sky. Aurora hunting requires clear skies.
They’re Caused by the Moon
The Northern Lights are not created by the moon, but sometimes its brightness will make them more difficult to see. Our lunar neighbor gets no credit here, as the Aurora is powered by solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field.
Every Night in the Arctic, You Will See Them
The lights aren’t a nightly guarantee even in prime Aurora viewing locations. Solar activity, weather, light pollution, all of those play a role. Chasing the Aurora is a bit of patience and luck.
The Southern Lights Are the Same
The Aurora Australis is its own version in the Southern Hemisphere. The two aren’t identical, but the mechanics are the same. Much of the Southern Hemisphere is ocean, and the Southern Lights are harder to access. If you ever see both, you are part of an exclusive club!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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