Chasing the Northern Lights
In East Greenland, witnessing the Northern Lights transcends mere observation; it becomes an experience that enriches the soul and deepens our understanding of our place within the universe. Whether you’re gazing up at the shimmering sky or reflecting on the insights gained from this breathtaking display, the Northern Lights in East Greenland promise to leave an indelible mark on your heart and spirit.
Peak Aurora Season: The Solar Maximum Phenomenon of 2024/2025
As we move through the year 2024 and into 2025, we are entering a peak period for viewing the Northern Lights, known as the ‘solar maximum’. This phase marks the height of the sun’s 11-year activity cycle, where increased solar flares and sunspots send a surge of particles towards Earth. These particles interact with our magnetic field, igniting the spectacular auroras above the polar regions. With heightened solar activity, observers can expect more vibrant colors and intensified displays, making the next few years an exceptional time for experiencing one of nature’s most stunning displays.
Aurora Origins: Ancient Sightings and Enduring Myths
The phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis has fascinated and captivated people throughout thousands of years. Dating back to around 30.000 B.C., ancient cave paintings from the Cro-Magnon in northern Spain are presumable depicting the Aurora Borealis. References describing vibrant lightning in the sky appear in Chinese texts around 2600 B.C. and even Aristotle mentioned them in one of his books around 384-322 B.C. While the term ‘Aurora Borealis’ was coined already in the 17th century by Galileo Galilei, his interpretation was incorrect and it was only about 200 years later in Norway that the true nature of the Aurora was accurately described.
Each and every group of people has developed their own myth and stories for explaining what is happening, when the colorful particles dance across the sky, visible during the dark nights. In the variety of explanations, there is one thing that unites them: They all reflect on the deep connection between everyday life on the ground, the afterlife and nature.
Photo by David Broome – Visit East Greenland
Where to spot the Aurora Borealis in East Greenland?
In East Greenland, the vast, unspoiled wilderness offers an unrivaled backdrop for observing the celestial dance of the Northern Lights. Away from the small, scattered settlements, there is virtually no light pollution to diminish the vividness of the Aurora Borealis. This pristine darkness amplifies the intensity of the colors and movements of the lights, making them appear more luminous against the starlit sky. Here, the profound silence of the Arctic expanse accompanies the visual spectacle, allowing observers to experience the auroras in their most majestic and undisturbed state—a pure connection to nature’s own artistry. East Greenland offers endless places to observe the Northern Lights, even in the town or settlement, due to the rather limited light pollution you will be able to observe the Northern Lights.
How to experience the Northern Lights in East Greenland?
Witnessing the Northern Lights in East Greenland is a magical experience that captivates the senses and connects you deeply with nature. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or someone looking to relax and soak in the beauty of the auroras, there are various ways to experience the Northern Lights in this breathtaking part of the world. Here are some unique options to consider:
- From the comfort of your accommodation in town or the settlement, simply gazing out the window watching the vibrant colors dance across the sky.
- While camping in a secluded spot in September, surrounded by the pristine Arctic wilderness, you’ll have a front-row seat to the awe-inspiring display of the auroras.
- While dog sledding through the winter wonderland, gliding through the snow-covered landscapes, you will witness the Northern Lights from the serene tranquility of the Arctic.
- When spending the night in an igloo or hunters’ hut after enjoying the winter wonderland of East Greenland surrounded by the stunning beauty of East Greenland gazing up at the night sky.
- Just a few steps outside the town or settlement, you’ll find yourself in areas with no light pollution, making it easy to observe the Northern Lights without having to go far.
Our Tip
Always have your camera ready when on the hunt for Northern Lights, this will not only be a great memory of your trip, but more importantly your camera, even just on your smartphone, can actually see the Northern Lights better than us humans can.
Photo by David Broome – Visit East Greenland
Beyond the lights: Northern Lights with all your senses
What color you will see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky depends on the altitude, the type of gas and the level of solar activity. Depending on the gas and the distance above the ionosphere these collisions take place, a different color is made. All this coming together can produce Northern Lights mostly in the shades of green, red and purple, sometimes even pink, blue and yellow.
Most common color is any shade of green, which comes from collisions with oxygen at an altitude of 100 to 300 km. The red color is very rare, as the collision with oxygen has to happen at a very high altitude of around 300-400 km. Whereas purple, violet and blue are created when particles collide with nitrogen, which happens at a lower altitude of less than 100 km.
What human eye can see as the Aurora Borealis would not exist without both poles, as particles from the sun travelling to the earth are being captured in the Earth’s magnetic field, which is the invisible shield around the earth protecting the planet from the solar wind and diverting it, but mostly around the North and South pole some particles are funneled in. These electrons, drawn by Earth’s magnetic field, collide with gases like oxygen and nitrogen, causing them to emit colorful lights taking on the wavy lights of the Earth’s magnetic field – creating Northern Lights in the Northern hemisphere.
Illuminated Connections: The Power of the Aurora
Among those captivated by the Northern Lights is David Broome, a dedicated researcher from the university of Iceland, who recently completed a fieldwork period in the Ammassalik region of East Greenland. David’s favorite moment with the Northern Lights occurred at the DYE4 radar station on Kulusuk Island. As he stood there, he watched the aurora dance gracefully over the open ocean, casting ethereal colors across giant icebergs and the small settlement of Kulusuk. This magical scene provided a striking sense of scale within the vast Arctic environment, creating an impressive and humbling experience that David holds dear to his heart.
While the Northern Lights are often celebrated for their breathtaking beauty, David emphasizes that there is much more to this phenomenon than just a spectacular night show. His research reveals that the Aurora Borealis serves as a powerful symbol, offering insights into the interconnectedness of humanity and nature. He notes, ‘It’s hard to narrow down the best aurora fact, but it becomes clear that there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from this phenomenon’. David’s initial findings highlight numerous positive associations with the Northern Lights, also among people in the Ammassalik region. They evoke feelings of attraction and gratitude, foster a sense of human-nature interaction, and inspire a connection between people and the natural world. The aurora becomes a source of power and energy, motivating individuals through moments of joy and awe.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in East Greenland—plan your adventure today and experience the magic of this incredible destination for yourself!
About the Author
Anna Burdenski’s journey has taken her to a variety of places, giving her a broad perspective on life. Born and raised in Germany, she’s also lived in Malaysia, Denmark, and Austria before settling in Tasiilaq, East Greenland in November 2021. Having worked in various roles in the tourism landscape, this range of experience allows her to bring different perspectives together in her current role as tourism coordinator for Visit East Greenland. Shaped by her experiences in different parts of the world, Anna enjoys the simple yet meaningful lifestyle of East Greenland. Her journey has given her the tools to balance the needs of visitors while respecting the local culture and environment, introducing and connecting visitors to the everyday life and natural beauty of the region. Nature is a constant source of inspiration, as she has come to respect the power and unpredictability of nature.
