Experience a Total Eclipse and Aurora Borealis Hunting

In recent years, Aurora Borealis hunting has become a pastime of choice for many adventurous travellers embarking on winter holidays – to the point of rivalling ski and snowboard breaks as the most popular kind of leisure package during the colder months.

A guided trip up to Iceland, Swedish Lapland or other polar latitudes, in search of the elusive Northern Lights, is a concept that has been capturing the imagination of more and more people every year. As a result, specialised tour operators, with a wealth of local experience, offer superb itineraries to these regions, peppered with fantastic side activities designed to allow for a well-rounded experience.

The upcoming year, however, has even more to entice a potential traveller into going Aurora Borealis hunting. In 2015, not only will visitors be able to witness the Northern Lights, but, if their timing is right, they'll also be able to experience a total solar eclipse.

Into the Dark

On March 20th of 2015, travellers visiting Iceland will have the chance to witness a seldom-seen phenomenon – a total eclipse of the sun. For a little under three minutes on the date mentioned, the moon will almost completely cover the sun (98%), plunging the country into momentary darkness. This is an exceedingly rare phenomenon, even for this short a period of time, so visitors to Iceland who happen to be on location on the date in question will not want to pass up the opportunity to witness it. Many may, in fact, make plans for their upcoming Aurora Borealis hunting holiday to coincide with it.

Enjoy, But Take Precautions

Those interested in witnessing this fascinating natural phenomenon should, however, remember to take the appropriate precautions. Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to one's eyesight, so it is recommended only to view the total eclipse through some form of protective eye wear. 'Eclipse goggles' are readily available, or homemade ones can easily be concocted with some simple instructions.

This wonderful natural phenomenon is not predicted to happen until 2026, so in conjunction with a sighting of the Northern Lights, the experience will, indeed, be once-in-a-lifetime for many.

Specialised tour operators are offering tour packages for travellers to take advantage of Aurora Borealis hunting opportunities at the time of the total eclipse. Joining one of these tours is an ideal way to ensure optimal sightings of the Northern Lights from the best vantage points, as well as enjoying the spectacle of the upcoming total eclipse. Those lucky enough to secure a place on one of these tours will be assured of one of the most memorable experiences of their life.

Abigail Collins is director of Aurora Nights, a company offering a select range of once in a lifetime holidays to see the Northern Lights. For the best Aurora Borealis hunting holidays, Iceland and Swedish Lapland offer an excellent chance to encounter the aurora borealis. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on their extensive travels to the region of the Aurora Borealis and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.