15 Common Misconceptions About the Northern Lights
For centuries humans have been amazed by the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, as they lit up the sky with ethereal greens, pinks and purples. They’ve also inspired legends, piqued curiosity, and even caused a few superstitions. For all their beauty, however, they are often misunderstood.
If you’re dreaming of seeing the auroras in person or just curious, separating fact from fiction will help you better appreciate this incredible display of nature. Let’s bust some of the most popular myths surrounding the Northern Lights.
In the Arctic, You Can See Them Every Night
Although the Northern Lights are most often seen in Arctic regions, they don’t show up every night. When the sun is active and the weather cooperates, they will be visible. In prime locations such as Tromsø, Norway, or Fairbanks, Alaska, they are obscured by clouds. It’s a little like waiting for the perfect fireworks display, sometimes nature just doesn’t cooperate.
The Northern Lights Only Come in Green
Because oxygen molecules are found at a specific altitude, green is the most common color. However, the auroras can also be red, purple, blue or yellow, depending on the type of gas particles involved and how high they are. While these other colors are rarer, it’s not impossible to see them, so don’t limit your imagination to emerald skies.
They Make Sound
The Northern Lights are believed to crackle or hum as they shimmer, but there’s no scientific proof that they do. The auroras are so high up that any sound would be dissipated before it reaches your ears. Some say they have heard faint noises, but researchers suspect this is an illusion or unrelated atmospheric phenomena.
They’re Dangerous
Althoughthe Lights themselves aren’t dangerous to people on the ground, the solar storms that spawn them can also interfere with satellites, GPS and even power grids. Watching the auroras is harmless.
You Can Predict When and Where They’ll Appear
Predicting the Northern Lights is about as hard as trying to guess a winning lottery number. Solar storm data allow scientists to estimate when auroras might occur, but timing and location are always unpredictable. Apps intended to track auroras even come with disclaimers about their accuracy.
Northern Lights Are Only in the North
“Northern Lights” might suggest they’re only over the Northern Hemisphere, but the aurora australis dances over Antarctica and southern latitudes. While less accessible to most people because of its remote location, it’s just as mesmerizing.
They Were Created by Aliens
Previous cultures have sometimes linked the Northern Lights to what we might call supernatural beings, and there are times when modern myth points to space aliens. Far from an otherworldly explanation though, the reason the auroras occur is because charged particles from the sun actually are hitting Earth’s atmosphere.
They’re a Modern Discovery
For a millennia people have been captivated by the Northern Lights. Auroras have been depicted in ancient cave paintings in France, over 30,000 years old, and historical texts from China and Greece describe celestial phenomena very much like auroras.
Northern Lights Are Always Bright
Often, photos of the auroras are intense and vivid colors, but this is in part due to the long exposure photography. Sometimes the lights seem more muted to the naked eye, as if faint clouds. And so, if you are out aurora hunting, don’t expect every display to look like a neon billboard.
Best Seen During Winter
Northern Lights can be seen any time of the year, but winter does give us longer nights. The key is darkness. Near the poles in summer, there’s almost always daylight, so auroras are harder to see, though they’re still going on up above the sunny skies.
They Can’t Be Photographed Without Expensive Gear
You don’t have to have a fancy camera to get the Northern Lights. There are so many modern smartphones that have night photography mode and can take decent photos. The trick is making sure you have a stable surface or that you can keep your phone on a tripod during long exposures.
Auroras Only Occur in Cold Regions
Auroras are not related to temperature, but to magnetic activity. They’re most common in colder regions near the poles, but it has nothing to do with how frosty the air is. During intense solar storms, auroras have been seen as far south as Texas.
To See Them You Have to Travel Far
During high solar activity you may see the Northern Lights if you live in northern parts of the U.S. such as Minnesota or Michigan. Iceland and Canada are known for aurora viewing, but you don’t need to go on a grand adventure to see them.
They’re a Bad Omen
The Northern Lights were thought in some cultures to predict war, or famine, or other ill fortune. Now we know they’re not celestial warnings, but natural phenomena. At least they serve as a reminder that the sun has incredible power and that Earth’s magnetic field is resilient.
They Can Only Be Enjoyed in Silence
The lights themselves don’t make a sound, but you don’t have to watch them in silence. ?You can watch the light up in the sky with friends, share stories, toast some marshmallows, or just laugh with friends. The Northern Lights are something to be experienced in whatever way you like.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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