The light phenomenon occurs in the sky when charged particles, such as electrons, are moved due to solar winds. The North and South Poles attract particles near the Earth, which are accelerated in the Earth's magnetosphere and then collide with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. The collisions are visible in the sky as colored lightning, known as the Northern Lights or the Latin Aurora Borealis.

When can I see the Northern Lights?

The northern lights occur most of the year. However, the sky is not dark enough during the spring and summer to see the lights with the naked eye. The time of year when the conditions are optimal is from September to March, between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Avoid standing near light pollution, for example, city lights, as this will obscure the northern lights. The light phenomenon occurs in the atmosphere at an altitude of at least 100 kilometers – therefore, cloud-free conditions are a prerequisite.

How do I know when the Northern Lights will appear?

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has good Northern Lights forecasts on their website www.gi.alaska.edu External link, opens in new window..

Where are the best places in central Gällivare to see the northern lights?

• The parking lot next to Björnfällan Dundret – press here External link, opens in new window. for coordinates
• The parking lot next to the summit of Dundret mountain - press here External link, opens in new window. for coordinates
• Sandviken in Gällivare – press here External link, opens in new window. for coordinates