Northern Lights by Emmely
Currently, I am spending three months on a small private and non-commercial farm in Iceland as part of a Workaway program. The farm is located far from the hustle, offering the opportunity to experience a nature-focused lifestyle in an impressive, untouched, and often harsh landscape in the middle of the Icelandic winter.My tasks include the daily activities on the farm – from taking care of the animals and carrying o [...]
vigna
0
0
 | Currently, I am spending three months on a small private and non-commercial farm in Iceland as part of a Workaway program. The farm is located far from the hustle, offering the opportunity to experience a nature-focused lifestyle in an impressive, untouched, and often harsh landscape in the middle of the Icelandic winter. My tasks include the daily activities on the farm – from taking care of the animals and carrying out minor manual work to helping with household chores. Particularly fascinating are the Northern Lights, which frequently transform the night sky into a breathtaking display of colors, making this stay an unforgettable experience. |
Often, you first see a faint green veil that is easily mistaken for clouds. This slowly moves across the sky and then suddenly seems to explode into a spectacular dance. An unforgettable natural phenomenon!
Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, Iceland is an ideal place to observe the Northern Lights, also known as the “Aurora Borealis.” The name originates from Latin and Greek. Aurora is the Latin word for dawn, as the Northern Lights often appear in the colors of sunrise, illuminating the sky. Borealis comes from the Greek word “Boreas,” the god of the north wind, referring to the geographical location of the Northern Lights near the North Pole.
In short, Aurora Borealis means “Northern Lights” or “Dawn of the North.”
They are particularly visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Remote places with little light pollution, such as the Þingvellir National Park, the area around the Hekla volcano or the Westfjords, offer the best views of this impressive light spectacle. Cold weather increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, though not directly because of the cold itself. Cold weather often comes with clear, dry conditions that enhance the view of this celestial phenomenon.
Due to its location near the Arctic Circle, Iceland is an ideal place to observe the Northern Lights, also known as the “Aurora Borealis.” The name originates from Latin and Greek. Aurora is the Latin word for dawn, as the Northern Lights often appear in the colors of sunrise, illuminating the sky. Borealis comes from the Greek word “Boreas,” the god of the north wind, referring to the geographical location of the Northern Lights near the North Pole.
In short, Aurora Borealis means “Northern Lights” or “Dawn of the North.”
They are particularly visible during the winter months when the nights are long and dark. Remote places with little light pollution, such as the Þingvellir National Park, the area around the Hekla volcano or the Westfjords, offer the best views of this impressive light spectacle. Cold weather increases the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, though not directly because of the cold itself. Cold weather often comes with clear, dry conditions that enhance the view of this celestial phenomenon.
 |  |  |
The Aurora often appears in the form of dancing ribbons, arcs, or pulsating veils in the sky. Its movements and shapes are constantly changing, making it particularly magical.
The Northern Lights occur due to interactions between solar winds and the Earth's atmosphere, when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere, especially oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions release energy in the form of light, visible as the Aurora Borealis.
The colors of the Northern Lights vary depending on the type of gas in the atmosphere. Oxygen usually produces green and red hues, while nitrogen brings out violet and blue tones. Green is the most common color, as oxygen is most abundant at about 100 km altitude. Red Northern Lights are rarer and occur at higher altitudes. Blue and violet lights are often fainter and harder to see.
The Aurora Borealis is often described by locals in Iceland as mystical and magical, with a deep cultural significance. In Icelandic folklore, the Northern Lights were seen as signs from the gods or spirits. Some legends say they are the spirits of the deceased lighting up the sky, while others believed they bring luck and protection, especially for expectant mothers. In modern times, the Northern Lights have an almost mystical allure for travelers from all over the world, symbolizing the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Scientists also study the Northern Lights to learn more about solar winds and the earth’s magnetic field. They help predict geomagnetic storms that can affect satellites and power grids.
Despite scientific explanations, their appearance remains a breathtaking experience – a natural spectacle.
The Northern Lights occur due to interactions between solar winds and the Earth's atmosphere, when charged particles from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere, especially oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions release energy in the form of light, visible as the Aurora Borealis.
The colors of the Northern Lights vary depending on the type of gas in the atmosphere. Oxygen usually produces green and red hues, while nitrogen brings out violet and blue tones. Green is the most common color, as oxygen is most abundant at about 100 km altitude. Red Northern Lights are rarer and occur at higher altitudes. Blue and violet lights are often fainter and harder to see.
The Aurora Borealis is often described by locals in Iceland as mystical and magical, with a deep cultural significance. In Icelandic folklore, the Northern Lights were seen as signs from the gods or spirits. Some legends say they are the spirits of the deceased lighting up the sky, while others believed they bring luck and protection, especially for expectant mothers. In modern times, the Northern Lights have an almost mystical allure for travelers from all over the world, symbolizing the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Scientists also study the Northern Lights to learn more about solar winds and the earth’s magnetic field. They help predict geomagnetic storms that can affect satellites and power grids.
Despite scientific explanations, their appearance remains a breathtaking experience – a natural spectacle.
 |  |  |
Anyone who has seen the Northern Lights in Iceland will never forget them, as their dancing lights in the dark winter landscape are one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world. It is an unforgettable moment when the night sky is illuminated by green, violet, and sometimes even red light.
If you want to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland, I recommend dressing warmly. Temperatures can be freezing, so it’s wise to wear several layers. Also, bring a hot tea or cocoa to make yourself comfortable while watching this fascinating natural spectacle. With the right clothing and a warm drink, the experience becomes even more intense and enjoyable!
I hope you’ll be as fortunate as I was in witnessing so many incredible displays!
Emmely
Text & photos by: Emmely
If you want to experience the Northern Lights in Iceland, I recommend dressing warmly. Temperatures can be freezing, so it’s wise to wear several layers. Also, bring a hot tea or cocoa to make yourself comfortable while watching this fascinating natural spectacle. With the right clothing and a warm drink, the experience becomes even more intense and enjoyable!
I hope you’ll be as fortunate as I was in witnessing so many incredible displays!
Emmely
Text & photos by: Emmely
