The Ultimate Arctic Experience - Aurora Borealis Hunting

There is little doubt that the Northern Lights provide one of the most mesmerizing natural spectacles in the world. While the sun, moon and stars are constants in our daily life, the Aurora Borealis are unpredictable and somewhat transient. It is the fact that they are only visible at certain times and that they do not appear according to a timetable that makes witnessing them so very special. Today, there are specialist travel companies that offer the ultimate in Aurora Borealis hunting experiences, and these once in a lifetime trips are becoming increasingly popular.

There is something quite mystical about the way the cosmos 'shows off' its magnetic forces in the display that is known as the Aurora Borealis. Hunting this spectacle is exciting, thrilling and intriguing in equal measures, and the vivid colours and flashing movements have to be seen first hand if they are to be appreciated fully. Photographs, while stunning, pale into insignificance as you gaze up towards this magnificent sight in person.

What Is It – In Simple Terms?

If you're planning to embark on an Aurora Borealis hunting trip, you should go armed with as much information about this incredible natural phenomenon as possible. To explain as simply as possible, occurring in the high latitude regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, this theatre of lights is caused by the high altitude collision of charged particles of energy and atoms. In the northern latitudes, the phenomenon is known as Aurora Borealis, named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora. The second part of the name comes from the Greek name for wind, Boreas. Through the centuries, the Northern Lights have had several names, with the Cree calling them the 'Dance of the Spirits'. People of the Middle Ages believed that the auroras were a sign from the powers above in the heavens.

While on an Aurora Borealis hunting trip, it certainly pays to know what to look out for – although once seen it will be obvious! But, of course, everyone's experience will be as different as the lights themselves. The closer to the magnetic pole you are, the higher the lights appear overhead, and from further away, the lights begin their display by illuminating the horizon towards the north. The colours are normally dominated by greens or a faint reddish tint. As you witness the spectacle, you will either notice the lights glowing with little change for long periods of time, or you may see them dance in front of your eyes changing every few seconds.

An Aurora Borealis hunting trip is a once in a lifetime experience, and after you have witnessed this incredible scene it is one not easily forgotten.

Kevin 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 opportunity. Aurora Nights is part of Weekend a la Carte, a family-run company with vast in-depth knowledge based on extensive travels, and passionate about giving superb client service.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.