Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Lights

Is It True That Tromsø Is One of the World’s Best Places to See the Northern Lights?

Yes. Tromsø sits in the heart of the auroral oval, the atmospheric zone where the northern lights most often appear. Even during low activity, the aurora can be visible here. The oval actually stretches along Norway’s northern coast from Lofoten to the North Cape, which gives Northern Norway an ideal location for aurora viewing.

When Can We See the Northern Lights?

‍You need a dark sky. From October to late March, darkness is not a problem, so this is generally the best period. The polar night from mid-November to January provides many hours of optimal conditions since the sun stays below the horizon. The aurora can also appear late in the evening as early as August or September, and as late as early April.

When Is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

‍The aurora depends on solar activity, not a specific season. Within a winter, activity typically rises and falls in more or less regular cycles every 5 to 10 days. A one-week stay usually gives you a good chance to experience a peak in activity.

Can We Know Exactly When the Northern Lights Will Appear?

Not exactly. The aurora is a complex, dynamic phenomenon that can last an entire night and vary in form and intensity. It is often visible after 18:00 in the evening. Regardless of activity levels, cloud cover and weather determine what you can actually see.

Can We Know Exactly When the Northern Lights Will Appear?

‍Not exactly. The aurora is a complex, dynamic phenomenon that can last an entire night and vary in form and intensity. It is often visible after 18:00 in the evening. Regardless of activity levels, cloud cover and weather determine what you can actually see.

How Do You Photograph the Northern Lights?

You will need a camera with manual focus and a tripod. Start with these general settings, then adjust based on weak or strong activity:

Can You Photograph the Northern Lights With a Phone?

‍Yes. Results will differ from a dedicated camera, but modern smartphones often include manual or night modes with longer exposures. If your phone lacks these settings, try apps such as Northern Lights Photos Taker or Slow Shutter Speed to improve results.

Can You Photograph the Northern Lights With a Phone?

‍Yes. Results will differ from a dedicated camera, but modern smartphones often include manual or night modes with longer exposures. If your phone lacks these settings, try apps such as Northern Lights Photos Taker or Slow Shutter Speed to improve results.

What Should I Wear?

Think warm, windproof, and waterproof. Dress in layers so you can regulate temperature by adding or removing a layer.

• Start with a warm base layer next to the skin, preferably wool.
• Add insulating mid layers and a protective outer jacket. Wool insulates and helps keep you warm.
• Wear winter boots, a warm hat, a scarf, and gloves or mittens. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves because your fingers share heat inside one compartment.
• Wool socks are also very helpful.

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