9 photos that prove autumn is a great time to search for the Northern Lights

Recently, with the help of two Northern Lights Experts, Professor Christopher T. Russell and Professor Emeritus Robert L. McPherron from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), we’ve scientifically proven what we’ve thought for some time – that autumn is an exceptionally great season to see this amazing display. With milder weather and brilliant colours, not only are you in for some truly special views when you visit Northern Scandinavia, but there’s also the science to show that the Auroras are likely to make an appearance too. That’s why we offer so many autumn holidays to hunt for the Northern Lights.

In layman's terms, the autumnal equinox in late September increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights because there are more geomagnetic storms. What’s more, there’s also statistically less cloud cover to obstruct your view of the night sky. For the science enthusiasts, make sure you read our blog to learn more about the research behind this, but for everyone else, let these recent pictures from the start of our 2018 season speak for themselves…

1. One of the first displays of the year taken by Timo Halonen in Menesjärvi on 27^th August 2018.

2. Powerful geomagnetic storms cause amazing displays, like this one at Wilderness Hotel Inari in Finnish Lapland, taken 10^th September 2018 by Markku Inkila.

3. You could view the lights from the comfort of your Aurora accommodation.

Wilderness Hotel Inari Aurora Cabins

4. From cosy log cabins…

Wilderness Hotel Inari Log Cabins

5. …to Aurora Domes!

Torassieppi Aurora Dome, Finnish Lapland

6. The views across the unfrozen lakes add to the show, like here in Torassieppi. Taken 9^th September 2018 by Antti Pietikainen.

7. They also show the Aurora twice, as they reflect off the lake below!

8. Get away from the cloud cover in milder temperatures.

Menesjarvi, Finnish Lapland

9. But no matter where you go, stand back and take in the views. Taken in Saariselka on 9^th September 2018 by Markku Inkila.

See the evidence for yourself, book your autumn Northern Lights holiday today.

Image credits: Markku Inkila, Timo Halonen, Antti Pietikainen