Northern lights 2024: History, Severe Solar storm, where To watch It, Dates It Happens, Myths, Facts And Everything To Know
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerizing natural phenomenon caused by electrically charged solar particles colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions create dazzling flashes of light that dance across the night sky, painting it with hues of greenish-blue, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and white.
Why 2024 Is Special
Our sun operates on an approximately 11-year cycle, during which it emits varying amounts of particles. In 2024, we’re in for a treat—the sun is reaching the peak of its cycle, making the Northern Lights more visible than ever. 
What Causes the Northern Lights?
From a scientific standpoint, the Northern Lights occur when electrically charged solar particles collide with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere. These collisions produce tiny flashes that fill the sky with a myriad of magnificent light, often described as swirling, dancing rivers of greenish-blue light. Witness accounts also mention colors like pink, yellow, purple, orange, and white, which depend on the specific chemicals present and the altitude of the encounter of atoms and particles.
Where to watch It
While there’s no guarantee due to factors like cloud cover and light pollution. Certain locations offer the best chances of experiencing this celestial wonder:
- Fairbanks, Alaska: Always a reliable choice, Fairbanks is known for its consistently spectacular Northern Lights displays. The months of March and September align favorably with Earth’s magnetic field, enhancing the chances of witnessing the lights.
- Churchill, Manitoba, Canada: This Canadian gem is another prime spot. Its clear skies and remote location make it ideal for aurora enthusiasts.
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada: With its Dark Sky Preserve status, Yellowknife provides an unobstructed view of the Northern Lights.
- Reykjavík, Iceland: Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes serve as a stunning backdrop for the auroras.
- Tromsø, Norway: Located within the Arctic Circle, Tromsø offers excellent visibility and a magical setting.
- Abisko, Sweden: Abisko’s pristine wilderness and minimal light pollution create an optimal environment for aurora watching.
Severe Solar Storm
- Severe Solar Storm: In May 2024, a rare geomagnetic storm is in progress, triggered by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). NOAA issued its first severe geomagnetic storm watch in nearly 20 years, advising the public of “at least five earth-directed coronal mass ejections”. And sunspots covering an area 16 times wider than Earth itself. This storm could also affect the power grid, satellite communications, and high-frequency radio.l
- Where to Watch: Meteorologists predict that Scotland and the North of England. will be the best places to see the upcoming auroras from this large solar storm. The geomagnetic disturbance may even spread south enough to be visible across the entire UK.
Facts And Myths
- Galileo’s Coined Phrase: In 1621, Galileo Galilee witnessed the Northern Lights and coined the phrase “aurora borealis.” The term combines “aurora” (referring to the goddess of dawn) and “borealis” (associated with the Greek god of the north wind). Interestingly, Galileo believed that the lights were caused by sunlight reflecting off Earth’s atmosphere.
- Gift from the Gods: Many cultures attribute the Northern Lights to divine beings. For the Vikings, the auroras also signaled that their god Odin had sent the Valkyries (female warriors riding on horses). To retrieve the souls of fallen warriors and take them to Odin’s hall, Valhalla.
- Spirits of the Departed: North American tribes also have their own explanations. The Cree Indians believe that the Northern Lights are the spirits of the departed. Trying to communicate with loved ones still on Earth.
- Icelandic Legends: In Iceland, legends describe the Northern Lights as a gift of light and warmth during the cold, dark winter. Some tales even suggest that the lights are a reflection of large shoals of herring.
- Misconceptions Debunked: Despite these enchanting myths, scientists now understand that the Northern Lights. Result from the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s atmosphere. Electrons from solar winds collide with gases. Also creating the mesmerizing display we see near the poles.
