Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, is one of nature’s most spectacular occurrences. At Alaska Air Forwarding, we're captivated by the beauty and science of this vibrant, colorful display. Keep reading to learn more about the Northern Lights and ways to share this experience.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are a bright, colorful display of lights that move across the sky, caused by a solar storm. You might see bands of light in various colors ranging from an assortment of greens and blues to purples and pinks.
Scientific Explanation
The cause of Northern Lights is a complex series of events that start with what are known as solar winds, which come from charged particles released by the sun. These solar winds then interact with the Earth's magnetic field colliding with various molecules. Colorful flashes of light form as a result of this collision.
Best Viewing Locations
Locations that are higher in latitude, naturally have a better chance of witnessing this spectacle. For those wanting to check the Northern Lights off their bucket list, the Arctic and Antarctic regions offer the best viewing spots. If you’re looking to stay in the states, look no further than Alaska, as this is one of the best places in the world to see this spectacular occurrence.
Best Viewing Conditions
The best viewing conditions occur when the sky is clear and dark, away from city lights. Although the Northern Lights can occur year-round, they have a better chance of being spotted during the winter months when the sky is darker.
Scientific Exploration
The Northern Lights are much more than a colorful light show. They have been used by researchers for years to understand the Earth’s magnetic field and even help NASA understand space weather. The solar activity that occurs provides scientists with insight that helps us have a better understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Experiencing the Northern Lights
For those lucky enough to see the Northern Lights firsthand, the experience can only be described as magical and memorable. Witnessing this occurrence has topped many people’s bucket list and is sure to be worth any trip required.
Capturing the Magic
If you do get to see the Northern Lights, it is likely you are going to want to capture the moment. The best tips for this are to first and foremost, have patience. You may not get the perfect shot right away but it’s important to remember this is a once in a lifetime experience. Make sure you are keeping your camera as steady as possible, even using a tripod if necessary to help during long exposures. If you are using a professional camera, manual mode and high ISO sensitivity are important, while phone users should make sure they are using night mode for the best quality images.
Why We Love the Aurora Borealis
To us at Alaska Air Forwarding, the Northern Lights are a great reminder of the beauty and wonder that comes from science. So, whether you're planning a journey to witness them firsthand or simply admiring photos from online, take a moment to appreciate the phenomenon that is the Northern Lights.
Alaska Air Forwarding is an experienced team ready to help you ship your freight door-to-door. Contact us today at 800-426-004 to learn more about shipping to Alaska.
