Dr. John Mason MBE, a Northern Lights expert, gave a few tips, insights and opinions regarding the famous Northern Lights towards the passenger of the Hurtiguten cruise through a question and answer portion. According to Dr. Mason, the cause of these Northern Lights is the coalition of electrically charged particles coming from the Sun's outer atmosphere and the molecules and atoms from oxygen and nitrogen as the particles are transmitted into a certain part of the auroral oval or the north magnetic pole). This coalition produces light which can be seen in the Northern Lights or also known as the aurora borealis.
The colors of the lights shown by the aurora depend on its altitude. As described by Dr. Mason, on an altitude of 100 km to 150 km above the ground, a pale green color can be seen. But those altitudes above 150 km up to 400 km, a color of rosy pink or faint red is shown. In altitudes of about 1000 km, a purple like color can sometimes be seen during twilight conditions as produced by atoms of nitrogen. There are also other colors radiated by nitrogen such as violet, deep red, and turquoise blue and lilac, as reported by Express.
For Dr. Mason, what really attracts people towards the Northern Lights is the unpredictability of the aurora and the thought that being able to see a spectacular display makes one really lucky. He also explained how the progression of the appearance of the Northern Lights starts when the sky is clear and dark at night then a dim grayish arc of light that could be hardly seen is displayed.
Then the aurora shows its colors and it might show bright spots along the arc and rays shooting up the sky. When the arc ripples or when multiple arcs appear, there the true beauty of the Northern Lights can be seen. And for the best part, the aurora will become a kaleidoscope of colors that is simply breath taking. However, you must be vigilant since the aurora lasts for only a few minutes.
The Northern Lights season is from the last week of September to the first week of April. It can usually be seen during autumn and winter when the sky is usually clear and dark. Express and Telegraph suggested things to be brought when approaching the Northern Lights. These are warm clothing and strong footwear during icy seasons, snacks and alcoholic drinks which can only be consumed inside the cabins. Dr. Mason also suggested bringing along binoculars, digital cameras and tripods.
Bright lights and flashes should be avoided in order to appreciate the Northern Lights better. It is important to adapt to the dark for 10-15 minutes before you see the lights. These are some of the few summarized tips Dr. Mason gave as you approach the wonderful aurora. Just like what he said, once you see the grand picture of the Northern Lights, you will want to see something better the next time.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
