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Aurora Hunting in Finland
When, where, how myths and reality – Tips for the most beautiful hunting experience in the world
What is Aurora and how can you predict its arrival?
The northern lights are caused by a solar event, like a solar flare or coronal mass ejection, that sends charged particles from the sun towards Earth. These particles travel via the solar wind and are channeled by Earth’s magnetic field to the polar regions. When these fast-moving particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in Earth’s high atmosphere, they excite the gas molecules, causing them to release energy as colorful light.
Aurora show-up Step-by-Step
Solar Activity: The process begins on the Sun, a nuclear furnace that releases enormous energy. During periods of high solar activity, like solar maximum, the Sun can experience events such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections.
Solar Wind: These events launch energetic charged particles into space, creating the solar wind.
Earth’s Magnetic Field: Some of these particles are directed toward Earth and are caught by its magnetic field.
Funneled to the Poles: The magnetic field acts like a protective shield, deflecting most of the solar wind. However, it also channels some of these particles towards the Earth’s magnetic poles.
Atmospheric Collisions: As these charged particles enter the upper atmosphere near the poles, they collide with gas molecules, primarily oxygen and nitrogen.
Light Emission: These collisions energize the gas atoms, and as they return to their normal, lower-energy state, they release photons, or light particles. This light is what we see as the aurora.
Colors of the Aurora: Green: Produced by collisions with oxygen at lower altitudes. Red: Caused by excited oxygen at higher altitudes. Blue and Purple: Result from collisions with nitrogen molecules.
Key factors for a successful Aurora spotting
Darkness and Clear Skies: The Northern Lights are only visible in darkness and require a clear sky to be seen.
Location: Tours take place in northern latitudes, such as Lapland, where nights are long and dark.
Is the hunting necessary? Not really. You can find a nice accommodation from where to spot it easily, or try to chase the clear skies when you are (almost) sure it will show up.
Professional Guidance: Guides are experienced in finding the best spots and can provide insights into the aurora phenomenon.
What to bring Warm Clothes: Dress in warm layers, with warm boots, gloves, and socks, as temperatures in the Arctic can be very cold.
Timing: The best time to see the Northern Lights is from October through April, when nights are dark and long.
When and where to go: should you book ahead?
Destinations: Popular locations include around the globe, the places beyond the Arctic Circle latitude. Among these areas, in Lapland, those places known for their dark skies and vast landscapes. The other important reason to choose a certain area is the possibility to find clear sky. The colder the better, since more moisture means more clouds.
Book ahead: Securing your flights and accommodation in advance can help you find better deals. In the case of Aurora Hunting, does it work in the same way? Certainly not. Being able to see the Northern Lights depends on weather conditions and what the forecast can predict within a couple of days time. Another element not depending on human beings is the solar activity. Is it sure that the solar activities have been such to cause the Northern Lights just in that period?
The advice is to wait to see your location. So, if you commit to a certain day and that certain day is cloudy, you might have a chance only if your aurora guided tour is limitless. But, again, if your time is limited in Lapland, you might wish to take the risk and go for your hunt. The decision is yours since giving advice in this case is very difficult.
Aurora Hunting Tours
Aurora hunting is a tour or excursion designed to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Guides use their expertise to take participants to remote locations, often driving long distances to find clear skies and escape light pollution, which are essential for viewing the auroras.
Northern Lights hunting, is often including transport, can be also conducted snowshowing, guides might enrich it with legends and local stories, and photography tips. These tours are typically conducted during the dark hours between late August and April. In some cases, the tours may offer guarantees or money-back options if the lights aren’t seen. Some companies offering money-back apply conditions such as: if the Northern Lights are captured by the camera (or phone) the company will not refund. This is a very tricky option, because it can lead to unpleasant result for the customers when the lights are barely seen by the human eye but the camera detects them.
Aurora Hunting Costs
Aurora hunting costs vary significantly, ranging from approximately 100€ to over 1000€ per person for guided tours and activities, with prices depending on the duration, location, and services included. For example, tours that include transportation within a certain range of kms, photography assistance, guided safaris and a warm campfire often come at a higher price. A factor that has a remarkable impact on the costs is, the duration: longer tours or safaris, like an 8-hour “Aurora Hunting Pro Tour,” will be more expensive than shorter excursions.
Group Size: Some tours offer a reduced per-person cost for larger groups, while solo or smaller group experiences are more expensive.
Tips for budget-friendly aurora hunters
Consider self-guided tours: You can save money by opting for destinations that allow you to hunt the auroras independently. For a more budget-friendly approach, you can also hunt for the aurora independently by utilizing free nature activities like snowshoeing or hiking in designated areas.
Season and Holiday Periods: You may find premium pricing during peak holiday periods, such as Christmas and New Year’s.
Helpful links for Aurora Hunting
Fonte: Finnish Meteorological Institute https://share.google/KzEQZwQuevFRvbeFR