15 Mistakes to Avoid When Viewing the Northern Lights
For many travelers, the Northern Lights is a bucket list sight — a kind of celestial ballet, turned inside out, in which soft light dances across the sky. But the challenge of capturing this breathtaking sight is as elusive as the lights themselves, and all too often results in a series of common mistakes that can ruin the experience. To make the most of your aurora viewing, be sure you are well prepared and informed before venturing out into the cold night.
It’s not just a matter of showing up in order to see the Northern Lights. A lack of preparation or misconceptions about the natural display lead many enthusiasts to make easily avoidable mistakes. Knowing the most common errors will drastically improve your odds of a successful aurora hunt and thus ensure a fun and spectacular experience.
Ignoring the Weather
Not checking the weather forecast is one of the biggest mistakes. The biggest obstacle for viewing the Northern Lights is overcast skies. Clouds will block your view no matter how active the auroras are, making your night a disappointing waiting in the dark.
Venturing Beyond Light Pollution
A good way to ensure you don’t see the lights is to stay too close to city lights. Auroras are significantly dimmed and blurred by light pollution. If you want to have the best experience, you will want to find a spot far away from urban lighting; the further away from urban lighting, the better your chances of seeing the aurora in all of its vivid colors.
Incorrect Camera Settings
Many try to capture the Northern Lights with a smartphone or with a camera set to automatic mode. However, photographing the auroras requires specific settings: To keep the camera stable you need a tripod, to allow enough light in you need a slow shutter speed, and to set your focus to infinity manually.
Dressing Inadequately
The cold can be underestimated and end your night early and uncomfortably. The best views of aurora are often seen when it’s freezing. Put on layers and insulated boots and bring thermal blankets or heat packs to keep yourself warm while waiting.
Expecting Guaranteed Displays
Disappointment can follow, if you expect the auroras to show up the moment you arrive. Northern Lights are unpredictable and the intensity varies. It takes patience and, often, you’ll have to wait several hours to see anything and it may not be as dramatic as the photos make it look.
Missing the Timing
It’s crucial timing that’s so often overlooked. From late autumn to early spring you will see the auroras best. Equinox months, March and September, tend to be more active geomagnetically and therefore auroras are more frequent.
Forgetting to Savor the Moment
In an age of social media, there is a hurry to get the perfect shot, and many are looking at the event through a lens rather than with their naked eye. It’s sometimes nice to put the camera down and soak it in with your own eyes.
Not checking Geomagnetic Activity
It’s like going to the cinema without checking showtimes. Luckily, there are a lot of apps and websites that offer real time aurora forecasts and updates on solar activity so you can plan your outing.
Using Inappropriate Eye Gear
It would seem obvious to use night vision equipment or binoculars, however they can actually detract from your experience. It takes about twenty minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dark, and the lights are best seen this way.
Overlooking the Moon Phase
The phase of the moon can affect how you see the Northern Lights. Full moons may be beautiful, but they also wash out the auroras. The new moon is the best time to plan your trip as the skies are darkest.
Being Unprepared for the Perfect Shot
Having a full memory card or drained batteries is a sure fire way for frustration to set in. Check that your camera has space and you have backup batteries charged.
Believing You Must Travel Far North
The auroras are usually more visible the farther north you go, but sometimes can be seen farther south. If the conditions are right, being on the lookout for these opportunities can give you a viewing experience closer to home.
Not Using a Guide
Hunting for the auroras alone is possible, but a local guide can definitely help. Guides know the best spots and times, know the best equipment and have the expertise.
One Direction Focused On
A lot of first timers only look northward. The location and activity of the auroras can be in any part of the sky. The best experience is to scan the entire sky.
Not Being Flexible
Chasing the Northern Lights requires flexibility. Ready to pull an all nighter, or jump in the car at a moment’s notice based on real time conditions, think about stretching your stay to increase your odds.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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