As with most mesmerising displays in nature, the Northern Lights have appeared in a number of myths and tales. Some say they are reflections from the shields of the Valkyrie, a host of female spirits in Norse mythology. In Finland, the most popular myth explains them as sparks from a giant Firefox’s tail scraping the fells.
However, science knows that the Aurora Borealis are caused by solar winds hitting the Earth’s upper atmosphere at an altitude of 100 kilometres. The planet’s magnetic field directs the flow of electrons from the sun to the magnetosphere above the North and South Poles – in the Antarctic, they are called Aurora Australis. Statistically, the best time to see the Northern Lights is just before midnight. The phenomenon does occur in the summer as well, but the Midnight Sun prevents us from seeing them.
Utsjoki Arctic Resort is one of the best places on earth to see the Northern Lights, as we are located 250 kilometres above the Arctic Circle and have very little obstructions or light pollution in the region. One of the best ways to see them is to spend a night in one of our unique Glass Igloos. However, just as any natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights are not guaranteed to appear on any given night. Things such as cloud cover, magnetic activity, and the position of the sun have their effect.
