Polar Lights
We thought we would not be writing this as the World dynamics have changed dramatically since we took our last trip to Iceland to see the Northern lights. But since last week Iceland was added to the air bridge with the UK and no longer require a 14-day quarantine coming back into the country. Entry into Iceland is easy too. To avoid the quarantine, traveller can take a PCR test in Iceland. The of wish is currently at ISK 11,000, or ISK 9,000 if booked in, and the second test is free.
Getting back to the main topic. Polar lights. What are they? polar lights (aurora Polaris), northern lights (aurora Borealis), or southern lights (aurora Australis), is a natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (Around the Artic and the Antarctic). Auroras are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. These disturbances are sometimes strong enough to alter the trajectories of charged particles in both solar wind and magnetospheric plasma. These particles, mainly electrons and protons, precipitate into the upper atmosphere.
I am sure it made sense to many people, but I would like to explain in laymen terms. They are outstanding and awe-inspiring light formations in the clear winter sky. Mesmerising, enchanting and truly magical. An experience which should be admired by everyone at least once in their lives.
Iceland is truly a gift to our World. Even without the aurora Borealis, Iceland is an extraordinary place to visit, giant volcanos, stunning waterfalls, glaciers, and geysers. Both the latitude and longitude of the country favour aurora viewing, but the weather can sometimes hamper the sights. However, chasing clear skies can work to ones’ advantage when following the coastal routes. Some of the best auroras can be seen from Kirkjufell mountain one the west. If the conditions favour, then sometimes they can also be seen from the popular spot of Grota Lighthouse, Reykjavik. Good time to visit for the light show: September to March
Other places you can get good sighting of the polar lights are:
Fairfax, Alaska – Early September and early April
Yellowknife, Canada – August to April
Tromsø, Norway – Mid September to late March
Tasmania and New Zealand - Year-round, best chances are near equinoxes
Other places include northern Finland and Sweden or Greenland
