NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic Arctic sky. The Northern lights are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole. That creates this wonderful light effect, known as the Aurora Borealis.
The locations visited are different every tour since we go where it’s most likely to see the Northern Lights each day. This tour is dependant on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. If you don't see any lights on your tour you are welcome on another Northern Lights tour free of charge. Refreshments not included.
15 Sept - 15 Oct at 22:00
16 Oct – 14 March at 21:00
15 March – 15 April at 22:00
Tour code: DTB-12
IMPORTANT NOTE!
The Northern Lights are in the northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone (it is not a TV show that you can just turn on and off). But it’s worth the patience required. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly outstanding event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod.
Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right, and you’re in the right place. We follow sky conditions around the region to know and so take you to spots where we have the best chance of seeing the northern lights. We reserve the right to cancel this tour if the evening sky is heavily clouded or weather conditions are not right. When you are booked for this tour, please plan to reconfirm with the hotel reception staff between 18:00-19:00 to determine whether the tour will be operated or not.
Remember – the northern lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities. Please dress most warmly to enjoy Iceland’s long winter nights, and perhaps be rewarded with a light show unlike anything you’ve ever seen!
NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis are a spectacular natural phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colours across the Icelandic Arctic sky. The Northern lights are caused by the interaction of particles from the sun with the upper atmosphere near the North Pole. That creates this wonderful light effect, known as the Aurora Borealis.
The locations visited are different every tour since we go where it’s most likely to see the Northern Lights each day. This tour is dependant on weather and sightings are not guaranteed. If you don't see any lights on your tour you are welcome on another Northern Lights tour free of charge. Refreshments not included.
15 Sept - 15 Oct at 22:00
16 Oct – 14 March at 21:00
15 March – 15 April at 22:00
Tour code: DTB-12
What are Northern Lights?
The bright dancing lights of the aurora are actually collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth's atmosphere. The lights are seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. They are known as 'Aurora borealis' in the north and 'Aurora australis' in the south.
Auroral displays appear in many colours although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.
What causes the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights are actually the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere with charged particles released from the sun's atmosphere. Variations in colour are due to the type of gas particles that are colliding. The most common auroral color, a pale yellowish-green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the earth. Rare, all-red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles. Nitrogen produces blue or purplish-red aurora. The connection between the Northern Lights and sunspot activity has been suspected since about 1880. Thanks to research conducted since the 1950's, we now know that electrons and protons from the sun are blown towards the earth on the 'solar wind'.
The temperature above the surface of the sun is millions of degrees Celsius. At this temperature, collisions between gas molecules are frequent and explosive. Free electrons and protons are thrown from the sun's atmosphere by the rotation of the sun and escape through holes in the magnetic field. Blown towards the earth by the solar wind, the charged particles are largely deflected by the earth's magnetic field. However, the earth's magnetic field is weaker at either pole and therefore some particles enter the earth's atmosphere and collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light that we perceive as the dancing lights of the north (and the south). The lights of the Aurora generally extend from 80 kilometres (50 miles) to as high as 640 kilometres (400 miles) above the earth's surface.
Where and when is the best time to watch for auroral displays?
Areas that are not subject to 'light pollution' are the best places to watch for the lights. Areas in the countryside tend to be best. Researchers have also discovered that auroral activity is cyclic, peaking roughly every 11 years. The next peak period is 2013. Winter in the north is generally a good season to view lights. The long periods of darkness and the frequency of clear nights provide many good opportunities to watch the auroral displays. Usually the best time of night (on clear nights) to watch for auroral displays in Iceland is between 21:00 to midnight. In order to see Northern Lights we need darkness and clear sky. The best time to see Aurora Borealis in Iceland is from September to Mid April.
Tour code: DTB-12
NORTHERN LIGHTS HUNT
Departure: Daily, from 15th September to 15th April
15 Sept - 15 Oct at 22:00
16 Oct – 14 March at 21:00
15 March – 15 April at 22:00
Duration: 3 hours, 21:00 - 00:00 or 22:00-01:00
Pick up: 30 minutes prior to departure from all hotels and most guest houses in Reykjavik. Drop off after day tours may sometimes not be right in front of your hotel/guesthouse due to narrow streets and actual coach size used during the tour.
Drop off: After day tours may sometimes not be right in front of your hotel or guesthouse due to narrow streets and actual coach size used during the tour.
Included: Bus fare and guidance in English.
Price per person:
Adults: EUR 33
Children discount:
Teenager 12-15 years (1/2 price) / Children 0-11 years (free)
Note: If you don't see any lights on your tour you are welcome on another Northern Lights tour free of charge.
Tour code: DTB-12
.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
The Northern Lights are in the northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone (it is not a TV show that you can just turn on and off). But it’s worth the patience required. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly outstanding event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod.
Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right, and you’re in the right place. We follow sky conditions around the region to know and so take you to spots where we have the best chance of seeing the northern lights. We reserve the right to cancel this tour if the evening sky is heavily clouded or weather conditions are not right. When you are booked for this tour, please plan to reconfirm with the hotel reception staff between 18:00-19:00 to determine whether the tour will be operated or not.
Remember – the northern lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities. Please dress most warmly to enjoy Iceland’s long winter nights, and perhaps be rewarded with a light show unlike anything you’ve ever seen!