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Abbey is originally from Durham but is now a student at Northumbria University in Newcastle, studying psychology and criminology, and has a passion for travel and exploring new cities alongside embracing different cultures.
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A Spring calendar points to Autumn 2022 being highly rewarding for Aurora Hunters
Regular readers of our blogs will know that the weeks around the March and September Equinoxes can be a tremendously fulfilling times to go in search of the Northern Lights. We have been seeking the Aurora for well over a decade and in terms of Solar activity, March and April 2022 were unprecedented. The Sun is in the upwards stages of its activity cycle and as that activity increases, there is no reason to suggest that September and October won’t be as good, if not better, than March and April!
We receive regular emails from a website called Space Weather* updating us on Solar and Auroral events. Having recommended March for so long, we were delighted to read a series of messages alerting us to the fact that the Spring Equinox was indeed living up to our lofty expectations.
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APRIL FOOLS!!!
Unfortunately, we are yet to come across Aurora Huskies that can sense when the Northern Lights will appear! However, if we ever do come across them, then you will be the first to know.
Although these huskies might not be real, we are always looking for ways to develop our holidays – here are a few of our favourite things you can do on an Aurora Zone holiday.
(Spoiler Alert – No made-up animals included)
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March, March, March, March! - When is the Best Time to see the Northern Lights?
Written by
Ali Mclean
Tuesday, 01 March 2022
March is the best time to see the Northern Lights
I have lost count of the number of times I have been asked when the best time is to see the Northern Lights but, my answer is always the same: March.
However, despite numerous blogs, interviews, and social media output, frustratingly, I have never been able to convince our clientele about the merits of the year’s third month. I honestly do not understand why but, the best month for hunting the Northern Lights remains one of our quietest aurora chasing months.
It is baffling.
The scientific evidence is compelling and includes painstaking research from NASA proving that geomagnetic activity is historically at its highest in the weeks around the spring equinox (20 March 2022). What does geomagnetic activity make? That’s right, the Aurora Borealis.
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*** THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED ***
Win a Northern Lights holiday to Finnish Lapland
Royal Museums Greenwich and Collins are delighted to introduce you to truly spectacular opportunities to experience the Northern Lights. The Aurora Zone has teamed up with Finnair to give one lucky traveller the trip of a lifetime for two to hunt the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland. This winter break to Wilderness Hotel Inari offers guests a true taste of Lapland, fantastic winter surroundings, modern accommodation and great chances to witness the Northern Lights.
You will stay four nights at the superb Wilderness Hotel Inari situated in the heart of the Aurora Zone and on Lake Inari’s frozen shores. Your accommodation for the duration of your stay will be a twin or double room which has been decorated traditional Arctic style.
This pristine part of the world offers a wealth of fantastic opportunities. Your time will be spent exploring your winter wonderland surroundings and experiencing a thrilling bucket list husky sledding adventure across snow laden forests. You’ll also have the chance to experience snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and visit a reindeer farm. On an evening, take advantage of Inari’s ideal location in the Aurora Zone as you embark on three Northern Lights quests.
The prize:
- Return flights from London to Ivalo (Via Helsinki)
- Four nights’ full board accommodation at Wilderness Hotel Inari
- Return airport transfers
- The following activities: husky safari, reindeer farm visit, cross country skiing, Aurora snowshoeing, snowmobile safari, Aurora camp, Aurora hunting by car or minibus
- Cold weather clothing for the duration of your stay
- Fully qualified wilderness guides and instructors during activities
*** THIS COMPETITON HAS NOW CLOSED ***
Good Luck!
The closing date for the competition is 29th April 2022.
Please note T&Cs apply. Click here to view the T&Cs.
“It’s been absolutely relentless and, it’s not just the frequency but also the intensity. I grew up and lived here all my life and have never experienced such an amazing Aurora season.” - Jouko Lappalainen
It’s safe to say that this Aurora hunting season has been the best in living memory. The Aurora has appeared in the Arctic night sky far, far more often than anybody (even NASA sponsored scientists!) believed possible. What’s more, many of these displays have been spectacular with myriad coloured lights blazing trails across the heavens and leaving even seasoned Aurora Guides spellbound and awestruck.
(Image: Muotka, Credit: @ Bolephotography)
Ten Reasons Why You Should Go Aurora Hunting in March
Written by
Ali Mclean
Friday, 10 December 2021
You can ask just about any professional Aurora guide about their favourite time of year for chasing the Northern Lights and we are prepared to bet that they’ll reply with either March or Autumn.
We’ve written elsewhere about the allures of Autumn up there in the Auroral Zone so, here are our Top Ten Reasons for Aurora Hunting in March. Some are based in science; some are for aesthetic reasons and others are just plain common sense.
Whichever reason you pick, we think you will be making a wise decision to travel in March. There’s always a clamour here in The Aurora Zone office when trips become available, and that clamour is particularly loud when March is on offer. It is a wonderful time to visit the Arctic and chase down those heavenly lights.
The Aurora Borealis comes in many shapes, sizes, and colours. It can appear as a totally unremarkable static green/grey smudge, or it can fill the whole sky with curtains of shimmering multi-coloured light.
In a decade of Aurora hunting, we have seen them all and every display leaves an impression. Here are 10 of our best Aurora Moments from the last decade.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights? An Expert’s View.
Written by
Ali Mclean
Thursday, 02 September 2021
When fully qualified and dauntingly clever people such as Jyrki Manninen, Deputy Director of the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory in Finnish Lapland comment on the prospects for the new Aurora season, our ears prick up and we listen.
An article in the Finnish press on 31 August 2021 asked Manninen for his expert opinion on one of, if not the most, asked questions regarding the Aurora Borealis.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
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