Our planet is a unique organism that can endlessly surprise people with its beauties and unusual phenomena. What is the mystical fire dance of heaven! So called the northern lights the indigenous people of Chukotka, who treated this phenomenon with great trepidation and respect. Those who are lucky to see this heavenly carnival with their own eyes have never remained the same. The Northern Lights forever captivates human souls with its beauty. But do not think that in order to enjoy this amazing sight, you need to go abroad. Each person, with some patience, can see the northern lights in Russia.
What is the heavenly glow actually?
Before sorting out the question of where you can see the northern lights in Russia, let's find out the nature of this mysterious phenomenon. In ancient times, an unusual glow was attributed to a magical origin. Some peoples thought that these were the lights of a divine palace. Others treated him wary and hid children during this phenomenon, believing that the gods were angry with the inhabitants of the Earth and could punish the deaths of their family members. In any case, the northern lights belonged to mystical riddles, the secret of which was not worth delving into the uninitiated.
In fact, a very simple definition can be given to a natural phenomenon. Scientists have proved that the heavenly glow is due to the reaction of particles of the solar wind, reaching the upper atmosphere of our planet, with nitrogen and oxygen. The interaction of these particles causes a glow of extraordinary beauty.
Who first began to study the phenomenon of the northern lights
Scientists all over the world tried to solve the riddle of an amazing glow, but only Mikhail Lomonosov actively studied the northern lights in Russia. He conducted a lot of experiments and proved that the glow has an electrical nature. His followers continued the work of the teacher, step by step revealing the essence of the unusual phenomenon.
In the end, it was proved that powerful auroras on the Sun always followed by the northern lights. Moreover, the brightness and duration of the glow depend on the power of the solar discharge.
Where does the northern lights take place?
The emission of charged particles by the sun occurs constantly, but in most cases this solar wind is insignificant and does not cause a glow in the upper atmosphere. But a particularly powerful charge will necessarily be attracted to the Earth’s magnetic pole. Therefore, the northern lights can only be seen in the region of the magnetic poles of our planet. Since there are two of them, the radiance is northern and southern. At the South Pole, where there are practically no human settlements, it is very difficult to see the sky carnival. But the North Pole is quite hospitable, and people can enjoy an amazing natural phenomenon if they try to get there at the right time. However, in order to see the magical heavenly lights, it is not necessary to pack on a long journey. The northern lights in the cities of Russia can also be observed, the list of such places on the territory of our country is quite extensive.
So different aurora borealis
Scientists studying the northern lights, identified two of its species. The palest glow is diffuse. It is usually hardly distinguishable even on a dark night and does not differ in color. Dot Aurora Borealis is the exact opposite of the previous view. It emits a surprisingly bright glow, which is very clearly visible at night. Some eyewitnesses claim that under such a light you can read a printed text without straining your eyes.
Is it easy to see the northern lights?
If you are sure that it is very easy to catch the celestial lights in the camera lens, and you only care about the question of where you can see the northern lights in Russia, then you are forced to grieve. Take your time to collect bags and buy tickets - it is very difficult to see the northern lights. Even powerful emissions of solar particles do not guarantee color streaks in the sky. Experts consider the ability to photograph the northern lights a rare success, because for this many factors must coincide. The absence of one of them will already change the situation, and magic lights will not appear in the sky. A journey to the ends of the earth will be wasted.
The best time to hunt for heavenly light
Aurora borealis, no matter how surprising it sounds, is a seasonal phenomenon. Most often it can be observed in the winter months. Those who want to know when you can see the northern lights in Russia can start planning a vacation from November to February. This period is considered the most successful for observing a rare natural phenomenon. In addition, the northern nights in these months last up to twenty hours, which is very convenient for fixing a natural phenomenon.
The brightest multi-colored glow manifests itself until three in the morning. In the following hours, it becomes paler and gradually disappears.
How to see the northern lights?
Most celestial glow hunters are concerned about the question of where to see the northern lights in Russia. But it is equally important to find out how and when to observe the magical natural phenomenon. Experts know that before buying tickets to the northern regions, you need to carefully monitor solar flares. A powerful ejection to the sun is a guarantee of the presence of the northern lights. Around the world, several observatories track the activity of our luminary; their data is available to every Internet user. If you notice a great activity of the Sun, then you can safely choose the northern city and buy tickets. You will have about five days left - this time is necessary for the solar wind to reach our planet.
When choosing a place where you plan to see the northern lights, follow a few simple rules:
- you must leave for the most remote northern cities;
- clear weather will be ideal for observing a natural phenomenon, while the clouds will immediately hide all the beauty;
- the point from which you will observe the heavenly glow should be a small village, otherwise the light from the city will block the northern lights.
Experienced travelers have their own list of cities around the world that are ideal for filming the northern lights.
What is useful along the way?
The North does not forgive mistakes and stupid things. This is known to both polar explorers and residents of the Far North. Therefore, be well prepared for the hunt for the northern lights, otherwise you will spend your money on a trip in vain. Take care of the car first. It can be rented in the city where you are heading. The machine will help you out in many cases:
- You will always be mobile and you can choose the best angle for shooting;
- inside the car you can always warm up;
- special equipment in the car will be safe and sound, without being exposed to low temperatures.
The main thing is to make sure that the tank of the car is full, and in the trunk there are a couple of spare cans with gasoline.
Pay particular attention to clothing — it should be warm and comfortable. And the shoes must be selected very carefully, during the shooting you will have to spend several hours on the snow. Note that batteries in cold weather lose their charge very quickly. Therefore, bring along a few spare blocks for the equipment.
It will not be superfluous to take a thermos with tea and a lot of sandwiches on the road. After all, the hunt for the northern lights can drag on for a whole night, and hunger will force you to return to the city and lose precious time.
Northern lights in Russia: where can I see?
Russia is a huge country. Its population can observe a beautiful heavenly glow in many lost corners of the Russian hinterland. Where is the brightest aurora in Russia? Scientists believe that in Chukotka and in Karelia. Residents of these territories more often than others enjoy a wonderful sight in the winter months. But do not rush to go to these parts. In winter it is very difficult to get here, many villages do not even have roads. And severe frosts almost completely exclude the possibility of a trip in order to observe the northern lights. Therefore, it is worth looking for other places where an amazing natural phenomenon is also often found.
First of all, it is worth going to those cities and regions of the country where the northern lights are visible. In Russia, these territories include the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions. It is quite easy to get here from central Russia, and frost will not hinder spending nights on the street, watching the sky glow.
