The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, primarily occur in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic, where the Earth’s magnetic field directs solar wind particles into the upper atmosphere. The strongest and most reliable sightings happen within the auroral zone, roughly between 60° and 75° north (and similarly in the southern hemisphere for the aurora australis). Key places to see them

• Arctic Europe: northern Norway (including Tromsø), Sweden (Lapland, near Abisko), Finland (Lapland, Rovaniemi), and Iceland.
• North America: Alaska (USA), northern Canada (e.g., Yukon, Northwest Territories).
• Greenland, northern parts of Russia, and parts of northern Scotland can also offer views during strong solar activity.

Best viewing conditions

• Dark, clear skies away from light pollution.
• Peak viewing occurs in winter months when nights are longest, typically from late autumn to early spring.
• Solar activity and geomagnetic conditions drive the intensity and frequency; more activity increases the chance of widespread displays.

What to expect

• The aurora often appears as curtains, arcs, or bands of green, with occasional reds, purples, or blues at higher altitudes.
• Location within the auroral oval matters more than distance from the pole; the farther you are from city lights and the more stable the weather, the better your chances.

If you’d like, I can tailor a viewing plan based on your starting location, ideal travel window, and travel constraints.