WHERE TO SEE AURORA BOREALIS
If you want to come to northern Sweden to watch the Aurora, when is the best chance for you?
FINDING A GOOD SPOT
Usually the further North, the closer you are to the Aurora.
In the Umeå region we get everything from small Aurora to really strong ones. If we have a clear sky, there is a chance to see the Aurora almost every other night, even if it’s very faint and low in the sky.
As the Aurora is a phenomenon that is best observed with low light and light pollution interferes with your night vision, going somewhere with less light pollution improves your chances of seeing the Aurora.
Generally good locations include:
Lakes. Lakes offer a dark location and during the autumn are reflective areas that doubles the Aurora in the sky by it reflecting the light.
Large fields. No lights and no trees in the way make fields optimal places to observe the Aurora. Make sure you’re not stepping on crops in a planted field.
High hills and ski slopes. Getting up high makes it easier to find a location without lights and trees in the way.
LOW ACTIVITY NIGHTS
On very low-activity nights a dark location with a clear view to the nothern horizon. Most optimal is a lake or field where you can face north and there is no light pollution.
HIGH ACTIVITY NIGHTS
On high activity nights when there are substorms, the Aurora can be visible even in the centre of Umeå, in all directions. This is not very common and happens only a few times each season.
When we have a medium to strong night for Aurora activity, we can usually see the Aurora the east and west. On very high activity nights it will be visible above you and to the south as well. Check the forecast and webcams to know whether the Aurora will be strong or weak.