Northern Lights: The best place to visit the Aurora Borealis in Scotland

Northern Lights: The best place to visit the Aurora Borealis in Scotland

Nature’s own theatrical acting, Northern Lights has fascinated generation after generation.

And with autumn and winter approaching, the chances of the lights turning on, also known as aurora borealis, are closer than ever.

Here are some of the best places to spot them – as well as some basic tips and pieces of information on natural wonders.

When to see the Northern Lights?

Staying up to the first hour of the morning can certainly help.

Autumn and winter asons are the best time of year to see them – including their long dark and clear nights.

You also need to have limited light contamination to increase the chances of these being spotted.

National:

Where is their Scotland spot?

According to Visits Scotland, auroras can be seen anywhere in Scotland when the right conditions are met.

That being said, they’ve put together a list of the best places to visit:

  • Sheetland, Arkney and Cathanas (e.g. Nose Head, Week)
  • Aberdeenshire and Moray Coast (e.g. Nyron, Portkonki, Cairn and Mount)
  • The northernmost side of Lewis, Harris and Sky
  • To the very northwest of Scotland (e.g. Apollocross, Lochinver, north of Ullapul)
  • The Cairngarms
  • Forest Park in Galloway
  • Ranch Moore and Perthshire
  • Coast of Angus and Fifa (e.g. St. Andrews)
  • Calton Hill or Arthur’s seat in Edinburgh (if the Aurora is really strong)

What is the reason for the answer?

Named after Aurora (the Roman goddess of dawn) and Borias (the Greek name for the north wind), these northern lights were caused by skinny particles in the Earth’s upper atmosphere along the lines of the magnetic field.

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The power to run this display is provided by the sun in the form of a ‘solar wind’. The sun may be millions and millions of miles away, but this is why we see this extraordinary sight.

Aurora brings all colors, shapes and patterns, bringing the night sky to life with a rainbow of light.

According to Visit Scotland, a variety of colors ranging from yellow-green, blues and purple to burning red and orange are due to the gradual connection of gas particles.

Sports lines that the snake develops throughout the night and changes regularly and can last a few minutes or just a few seconds.

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