Magic of lights
The blending of green, blue, yellow, and purple tones across the sky represents one of the most extraordinary phenomena known as the "polar lights."
This phenomenon occurs due to the collision of charged particles from the Sun (solar wind) with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, as the Earth's magnetic field directs them toward the poles.
This unusual sight can only be seen in the regions of the North or South Pole, and depending on the location, it is called the Aurora borealis or Aurora australis.
The best time to observe this phenomenon is between September and April for the Northern Lights, and between March and September for the Southern Lights (during the winter in the Southern Hemisphere).
The top destinations for witnessing this remarkable display are countries near the Earth's poles, such as Iceland, Alaska, Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
There are many myths associated with this light show, for instance, the Inuit believe the lights are the dancing spirits of their ancestors, while the Vikings believed the glow was the reflection of light from the shields of the Valkyrie warriors.
Beyond the incredible visual experience, recent research has confirmed that the aurora can also be "heard." For centuries, inhabitants of polar regions have described strange crackling, rustling, or muffled thuds accompanying the intense lights. Scientists have discovered that these sounds are caused by electrical discharges in the layers of the atmosphere closer to the ground, making this phenomenon a true experience for all the senses.
Thanks to this phenomenon, tourism in these regions generates increasing revenue year after year, leading to a better-than-ever selection of excursions, accommodation, organized tours, and expert guides.
