Aurora Borealis
May 22, 2011, 4:37 am
#1
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Aurora Borealis
Hi
I'm heading over to Europe in December and thinking I have never seen AB but it's on my must see things. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay, as I understand you need at least 4 nights to see it.
Thanks
I'm heading over to Europe in December and thinking I have never seen AB but it's on my must see things. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to stay, as I understand you need at least 4 nights to see it.
Thanks
May 22, 2011, 8:08 am
#2
Join Date: May 2009
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AB (aka Northern Lights)
Tromso in Northern Norway has a good reputation as a base for seeing the Lights. Both Thon & SAS hotel chains have hotels there. The best viewing point is at the top of the cable car at midnight.
Just remember that the Lights are not guaranteed to be visible on any particular night. You may like to consider doing a round trip on the Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) from Bergen to Kirkenes & back. It's a 12 day trip & most of the time you're above the Arctic Circle which improves your chances. Plus you can book a phone call with Reception to ring you at night if the Lights appear after you have gone to bed.
Definitely the most civilised way to approach the problem.
Good luck
Dave
Just remember that the Lights are not guaranteed to be visible on any particular night. You may like to consider doing a round trip on the Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage) from Bergen to Kirkenes & back. It's a 12 day trip & most of the time you're above the Arctic Circle which improves your chances. Plus you can book a phone call with Reception to ring you at night if the Lights appear after you have gone to bed.
Definitely the most civilised way to approach the problem.
Good luck
Dave
May 22, 2011, 6:59 pm
#4
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Thanks for the advice. I might look into Tromso. A 12 night cruise is a bit longer than I was planning on spending, I really won't have the time for that. Is there any sort of forecasting that is available? As I understand it is quite reliant on the Sun.
May 24, 2011, 2:40 am
#5
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http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/Aurora/index.html
I'd also like to recommend Abisko as a good viewing spot. Due to local geography, the weather is often clear there:
http://www.abisko.nu/vinter/englishpages/index.asp
May 25, 2011, 5:29 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Finland has an aurora forecast service: http://aurora.fmi.fi/public_service/
But I have to emphasize that seeing the Northern Lights is really hit and miss. Not only do they show up pretty much randomly, but they're high above the clouds, so even if there's activity you won't see a thing unless the skies are clear.
But I have to emphasize that seeing the Northern Lights is really hit and miss. Not only do they show up pretty much randomly, but they're high above the clouds, so even if there's activity you won't see a thing unless the skies are clear.
May 25, 2011, 10:51 pm
#7
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Thanks lnixon and jpatokal.
I realise that there is only a chance that I will actually get to see them, but I have always wanted to since I was a kid. So it's worth it, to me anyway!
lnixon, Abisco doesn't look to bad. Do you know if the skiing is any good there?
I realise that there is only a chance that I will actually get to see them, but I have always wanted to since I was a kid. So it's worth it, to me anyway!
lnixon, Abisco doesn't look to bad. Do you know if the skiing is any good there?
Last edited by bensyd; May 25, 2011 at 11:13 pm
May 30, 2011, 2:29 am
#8
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http://www.stromma.se/en/Riksgransen/
http://bjorkliden.se/?q=node/8
Jun 10, 2011, 3:06 am
#12
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I've booked 4 nights in Tromso, including NYE. Hopefully nature will put on its own fireworks!
Jun 10, 2011, 4:56 am
#13
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Problem is, in December it'll be the polar night up there, with no sunlight at all, and even more freezing cold than usual. I suppose this would increase your aurora-spotting odds a bit, but it would be a bit of drag for trying to do anything else...
Jun 14, 2011, 9:21 am
#14
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There's no guarantee - I would not necessarily count on 4 nights. I have seen the repeatedly in Iceland.
Jun 19, 2011, 8:31 pm
#15
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The University of Alaska also has an aurora forecast: http://www.gi.alaska.edu/AuroraForecast
Unfortunately for aurora fans, it looks like we're headed for a long period of minimal solar activity: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-0...-activity.html
Unfortunately for aurora fans, it looks like we're headed for a long period of minimal solar activity: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-0...-activity.html