Northern Lights
What are the Northern Lights?
Northern Lights, or aurora borealis as it is called in Latin, is most commonly observed in the winter season and best viewed from 70° N. The phenomenon is caused by electrically charged particles (electrons and protons) emitted from the sun. When these particles reach the Earth, they are caught by the Earth's magnetic field and directed towards the magnetic poles. In the upper layers of the atmosphere the particles collide with atoms and molecules, and the energy released is emitted as visible light.
The intensity of the Northern Lights varies with sunspot activity in a cycle of 11 years. Northern Lights have been observed at an altitude as low as 90 km above the ground, and as high as 1000 km. The Northern Lights are especially intense when there is high solar wind activity, causing huge amounts of particles to be ejected from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. When these particles reach the Earth within 20 to 40 hours, the result is a spectacular light show on the night sky.
Observe the Northern Lights from Krøttøy
With virtually no interfering light sources, Krøttøy offers an unique opportunity to get a good view of the Northern Lights. In large cities there is often some degree of light pollution, a general glow of light caused by street lights and other human made light sources. On Krøttøy very little light is emitted from the ground, which makes ideal conditions for observing the stars and Northern Lights across the night sky.
Panoramic view from Kollen
From the highest point on Krøttøy there is a panoramic view of the ocean, Andøya and Senja (the second largest island in Norway). Here you can observe the Northern Lights in their full glory, dancing across the night sky while quickly changing in form and intensity. In daylight, this hill also gives you a good view of the hundreds of small islands and skerries that form the northernmost archipelago in Norway. Krykkjeberget, the largest breeding place for kittiwakes in Europe with more than 10 000 breeding couples, is located on one of these islands — easily reached by boat from Krøttøy.
When to observe the Northern Lights
Northern Lights have been observed above Krøttøy as early as August, but are most intense when viewed against a pitch-black night sky from September to February. They usually start in the afternoon or evening, and continue with varying intensity throughout the night if the weather conditions are good.