The sight of the Northern Lights, once considered a rare and magical experience, is now becoming more common across the world. With the night sky illuminated in shades of green, pink, and blue, people rush to capture the breathtaking phenomenon on their phones. But what causes this celestial light show, and why are more people seeing it?

Understanding the Northern and Southern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, and the Southern Lights, or Aurora Australis, are the result of charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. According to BBC science presenter Caroline Steel, the phenomenon begins with the sun’s solar wind—charged particles constantly streaming toward Earth. The Earth’s magnetic field normally deflects these particles, but during intense solar activity, such as coronal mass ejections, the field becomes overwhelmed. This allows some particles to enter near the north and south poles, where they interact with gases in the atmosphere, creating the stunning ribbons of light.

The colors of the auroras depend on which atoms the solar particles collide with. Oxygen produces the common green light, while nitrogen results in shades of blue, purple, and pink. More intense solar storms lead to greater nitrogen interactions, making the display more vibrant.

Increased Visibility of the Auroras

In recent years, sightings of the Northern Lights have expanded to unusual locations, including as far south as the Caribbean. This is partly due to the current solar maximum—an 11-year cycle where the sun is at its most active, leading to more solar storms and auroras appearing at lower latitudes.

Another factor is technology. With the rise of smartphones and social media, people are more informed about when and where the auroras might appear. Local online groups and weather alerts help spread the word quickly, making it easier for enthusiasts to catch a glimpse.

Best Locations and Seasons for Viewing

For those eager to witness the Northern Lights, locations near the Arctic Circle—such as Iceland, Norway, and Scotland—offer the best chances. The Southern Lights, though equally stunning, are less frequently seen due to the limited landmass near the Antarctic Circle. However, locations such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and parts of South Africa provide good viewing opportunities.

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from November to March, when nights are longest and skies are darkest. In the Southern Hemisphere, the optimal viewing period is from March to September.

Tips for Capturing the Lights

Photographer Hugo Korhonen from Finland offers advice for capturing the auroras on camera. He suggests using a tripod to allow for longer exposure times, enabling more light to enter the camera sensor. Night mode on smartphones can enhance image quality, and adjusting settings like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture can help achieve the best shot.

“For those using professional cameras, a shutter speed between 8 seconds and a quarter of a second works well,” Korhonen explains. “Don’t be afraid to increase the ISO, as modern cameras can handle it well, and use post-processing tools like Adobe Lightroom to reduce noise.”

The Science and Impact of Auroras

Beyond their beauty, auroras have fascinated humanity for centuries, inspiring myths and legends. Some cultures believed they were messages from gods, while others saw them as weather omens. Modern science has unraveled their origins, but they remain a source of wonder.

While the auroras themselves are harmless, intense solar storms can disrupt radio communications, GPS signals, and even power grids. Fortunately, Earth’s magnetic field offers protection, preventing significant damage.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

For those who have yet to see the Northern or Southern Lights, the current solar maximum presents a golden opportunity. With more frequent and widespread displays, now is the perfect time to witness one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. As Korhonen puts it, “It’s an experience everyone should have at least once in their life—you won’t forget it.”