Northern Lights

[aka estie]

I would like to plan a trip to see the Northern Lights in the upcoming year or two. Where should I look to find the best time and place to go?
Thanks for any advice!!

[mindimplode]

Iceland and Finland have the best accomodation and hospitality, but the further north you go, the better the show, so ideally Greenland.

[stanleyman]

You can sometimes get a good show in England around the longest day. Denmark and Sweden is also good.

[CT]

Estie, you're from the US aren't you. Maybe northern Canada somewhere in Iceland or Greenland or Alaska. The best time would be mid winter(maybe a bit cold). The dark nights would make any shows more spectacular. Try some time between autumn and spring.

[aka estie]

Thanks so much, everyone.

Yes, I am in the US, but would be willing to go anywhere for the best show! I know that it's always a gamble whether they appear or not, but would love to maximize my chances of actually seeing them.

Will look into all these suggestions - thanks!

[jake-the-peg]

The Northern and Southern lights are caused as I'm sure you know by solar activity.

You may not know that this activity is cyclical with a period of 11 years, it reached a maximum in 1990-91 in 2001-2002 and will again in 2012-2013

Consequently we're getting close to a minimum right now and you might be well advised to put it in your calendar for a few years time if you want the best chance of seeing a really good show.

[aka estie]

I did not know that, Jake. Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to wait 6 years! Will have to plan and hope for the best! Ta.