Will the Northern Lights be visible beyond this Solar Maximum?

Much of the recent publicity surrounding the Northern Lights has highlighted the increased chances of seeing aurora during the solar maximum but will we be able to see aurora once the current maximum is over?  The fact is that even during periods when the Sun is quiet, the solar wind continues to stream away from the sun at colossal speeds and when those particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field they are channelled into the upper atmosphere where aurora light is produced. If you are sufficiently far north in locations such as Iceland or Northern Scandinavia the aurora is an almost nightly occurrence even when the sun is quiet and forecasts are low.

Over the past three years I have been a regular visitor to Northern Iceland where I run a programme of Northern Lights Holidays. Iceland is situated at a high geomagnetic latitude which means that there is a very good chance of seeing the northern lights even when the Sun is quiet. Past experience tells us that we can expect activity at any time although it is always better to visit at new moon when the sky is free from the moon’s bright glare. Of course you won’t see the Northern Lights in the summer when it’s light all night long.

Explorers Astronomy Tours offer a range of specialist itineraries from eclipse holidays to stargazing in the desert, observatory visits and tours to see the Northern Lights.

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