Northern Lights Viewing
December 15th, 2013 at 3:16:34 PM
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Once before I die I want to see the northern lights. I may be in London in January or February, and am thinking of making a side trip to see the northern lights. Based on a cursory search, it seems like Tromso, Norway, is the most logical spot. At 69.7 degrees north latitude, it is the second largest city on the planet north of the arctic circle. Compare the latitude to Barrow, Alaska, at 71.3 degrees. I'm thinking of trying to go around the new moon on Jan 30, 2014.
Here are some questions I have:
1. If I stay three nights, what are my odds of seeing the northern lights?
2. Lots of web sites mention excursions to see them. If I'm already in Tromso can't I just walk out my hotel door and see them? Does it help if I get away from the city lights? Might the viewing be better in one spot than another just a few miles away? What do you really get with these excursions?
3. Can anyone recommend a better spot than Tromso? Keep in mind I'll be traveling out of London.
4. I also considered Longyearbyen, at 78.1 degrees north latitude, but it would necessitate an extra transfer, and it doesn't look like there is much else to do there (population 2040).
I welcome all comments and advice from those who have seen the northern lights. Thanks in advance.
Here are some questions I have:
1. If I stay three nights, what are my odds of seeing the northern lights?
2. Lots of web sites mention excursions to see them. If I'm already in Tromso can't I just walk out my hotel door and see them? Does it help if I get away from the city lights? Might the viewing be better in one spot than another just a few miles away? What do you really get with these excursions?
3. Can anyone recommend a better spot than Tromso? Keep in mind I'll be traveling out of London.
4. I also considered Longyearbyen, at 78.1 degrees north latitude, but it would necessitate an extra transfer, and it doesn't look like there is much else to do there (population 2040).
I welcome all comments and advice from those who have seen the northern lights. Thanks in advance.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 15th, 2013 at 3:27:26 PM
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Quote: Wizard
I welcome all comments and advice from those who have seen the northern lights. Thanks in advance.
My brother in law lives in Moose Jaw Canada and
see's them so often they don't even look at them
half the time. He took this in Oct. This was a 10sec
exposure from a tripod with a Nikon, but he says
they're almost this bright in person.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 3:34:19 PM
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Quote: EvenBobMy brother in law lives in Moose Jaw Canada and
see's them so often they don't even look at them
half the time.
I see Moose Jaw (typical name for a Canadian city) is not far from the U.S. border with Montana. Not to diminish your brother's experience, but I hear the lights are more vivid as you travel north.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
December 15th, 2013 at 3:41:31 PM
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Quote: WizardI see Moose Jaw (typical name for a Canadian city) is not far from the U.S. border with Montana. Not to diminish your brother's experience, but I hear the lights are more vivid as you travel north.
I've seen the lights. It's not as great as you think
it is, unless you're easily entertained. Kinda like
Mt Rushmore. Once you've seen it, you've seen
it. In other words, I wouldn't go a great way just
to see them.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 3:54:45 PM
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This thread asks exactly your question, with 43 replies; I think you might find it useful if you've not already seen it:
Tromso for the Northern Lights in Late Jan-Early Feb
IMHO, the Northern Lights are very much worth seeing; I've only seen them from Canada and Alaska, not from Europe. It doesn't get old, and it's very good for your sense of perspective and place in the world. Go for it.
Here's another from within that thread; they went last year. NL blog
Tromso for the Northern Lights in Late Jan-Early Feb
IMHO, the Northern Lights are very much worth seeing; I've only seen them from Canada and Alaska, not from Europe. It doesn't get old, and it's very good for your sense of perspective and place in the world. Go for it.
Here's another from within that thread; they went last year. NL blog
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
December 15th, 2013 at 4:15:10 PM
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Quote: beachbumbabsIt doesn't get old,
Everything gets old. I had a mountain view in
SB, got old. I had the ocean 50' from my lanai
in Hawaii for a year, got real old real fast.
Grand Canyon, old. Fireworks, old by the time
I was 12. A beautiful painting on the wall,
who even see's it anymore. What doesn't get
old is new experiences.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 4:20:36 PM
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deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 15th, 2013 at 4:21:43 PM
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Quote: IbeatyouracesWinning the casinos money doesn't get old :-)
Not if you move around. Seeing the same faces
all the time is boring as hell.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 5:28:20 PM
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Getting laid never gets old.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
December 15th, 2013 at 5:36:36 PM
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Quote: WizardOnce before I die I want to see the northern lights.
Seeing the northern lights is at the very top of my 'to do' list as well. I've been thinking about taking one of those cruises out of Alaska, but I am pretty sure I am not a 'cruise type guy'. I don't think I would care for anything about a cruise. I hate traveling, and have never even left the United States and am kind of afraid to do so. With Ireland and Canada also in the top three spots of my list, I will have to get past that fear.....someday.
December 15th, 2013 at 5:39:57 PM
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deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 15th, 2013 at 6:07:39 PM
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Awesome! I saw them by accident on an airplane flying from New York to Las Vegas. Two days before, there was a Class X3 burst from the sun. I regularly watch these things because they interest me. An X3 is a whopper! On the trip, I was sitting in a window seat on the north side of the plane when I noticed a curtain of lights over the darkness of Nebraska. I pointed it out to my traveling buddy and he had never seen them before, then I got a stewardess' attention and she had never seen them before either. I think it was a Southwest flight from Islip but no matter. I thought this was something stewardesses might see all of the time. Apparently, it's not.Quote: WizardI welcome all comments and advice from those who have seen the northern lights. Thanks in advance.
Now I don't recommend waiting for an X3 solar burst and then go flying around the country at night a few days later but it sure helps.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
December 15th, 2013 at 6:31:46 PM
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Quote: kewljSeeing the northern lights is at the very top of my 'to do' list as well.
You know what's at the top of my list right
now? Stay at the Ritz London for 3 nights
and pay for it all from winnings at their
casino.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 6:49:36 PM
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Maybe the Wizard can get some consulting gigs in Europe and have the vacation pay for itself.
Also a much cheaper alternative would be this:
Comes with 1 free order of Steamed Hams.
Also a much cheaper alternative would be this:
Comes with 1 free order of Steamed Hams.
December 15th, 2013 at 7:26:51 PM
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Been out west here for 5 years working in the oil patch... which means about half my time I work nights. Have seen the light show a few times while working in northern BC at night. The one show was brought the job to a stop for about 15 minutes as everybody took it in
Yes its better being away from the city lights to see it.
Yes its better being away from the city lights to see it.
December 15th, 2013 at 8:28:21 PM
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I think you should go to Svalbard. You can say you visited the northernmost inhabited place in the world, which would add to your geography-nerdness cred.
I've always dreamt of going to some place like that. I was going to redeem my frequent flier files to go to Barrow, Alaska a while back but didn't.
I've always dreamt of going to some place like that. I was going to redeem my frequent flier files to go to Barrow, Alaska a while back but didn't.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
December 15th, 2013 at 8:31:45 PM
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deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
December 15th, 2013 at 9:20:14 PM
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I grew up in the interior of BC and can see them periodically but they vary tremedously in quality this far south.
I canoed 250 miles down the Yukon river in late August several years ago and saw them everynight for 2 weeks. We were by ourselves every night and the only light was the campfire and they were amazing. The colours were more vibrant than at home but still not the variety of colours that most people imagine. The feature that amazed me the most was the speed of the dancing. The first night we tried watching them standing up but kept losing our balance as they shot across the sky. We laid on the ground to watch them after that. They would show up about the same time every night, about 1 1/2 hours after sunset and put on a show for about an hour and then they would die down. We always went to bed shortly after that and I don't know how many other cycles there might have been during the night.
We talked to a women who had spent her whole life living in a rather remote spot on the river. She had been there when the paddle wheelers were still running. When we asked her about the lights and if they were always that vibrant she said yes but that she was scared of them and didn't like to watch them.
I canoed 250 miles down the Yukon river in late August several years ago and saw them everynight for 2 weeks. We were by ourselves every night and the only light was the campfire and they were amazing. The colours were more vibrant than at home but still not the variety of colours that most people imagine. The feature that amazed me the most was the speed of the dancing. The first night we tried watching them standing up but kept losing our balance as they shot across the sky. We laid on the ground to watch them after that. They would show up about the same time every night, about 1 1/2 hours after sunset and put on a show for about an hour and then they would die down. We always went to bed shortly after that and I don't know how many other cycles there might have been during the night.
We talked to a women who had spent her whole life living in a rather remote spot on the river. She had been there when the paddle wheelers were still running. When we asked her about the lights and if they were always that vibrant she said yes but that she was scared of them and didn't like to watch them.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
December 15th, 2013 at 11:14:10 PM
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I want to see the Southern Lights. :)
Fighting BS one post at a time!
December 15th, 2013 at 11:17:59 PM
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Quote: Beethoven9thI want to see the Southern Lights. :)
I wanna see the red light district in Amsterdam.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 15th, 2013 at 11:29:20 PM
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Quote: EvenBobI wanna see the red light district in Amsterdam.
LOL
Fighting BS one post at a time!
December 15th, 2013 at 11:44:21 PM
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They're due to have the best viewing opportunities soon, can't be more precise than soon though.
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/technology/2013/12/16/15/05/the-sun-will-flip-upside-down
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/technology/2013/12/16/15/05/the-sun-will-flip-upside-down
A photon without any luggage checks into a hotel, he's travelling light.
December 15th, 2013 at 11:47:24 PM
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The Norwegian Guide on that site I mentioned said that the best viewing time is at the spring equinox for some reason, and claims he's been booked for the entire month of March for over a year. In my limited experience, I would think the Wiz's time frame should be really good chances as well.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
December 16th, 2013 at 5:59:50 AM
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you should figure out how to see them from an airplane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arf0HgRgTYo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Arf0HgRgTYo
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
December 16th, 2013 at 10:22:30 AM
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Quote: kenarmanI canoed 250 miles down the Yukon river in late August several years ago and saw them everynight for 2 weeks. We were by ourselves every night and the only light was the campfire and they were amazing. The colours were more vibrant than at home but still not the variety of colours that most people imagine. The feature that amazed me the most was the speed of the dancing. The first night we tried watching them standing up but kept losing our balance as they shot across the sky. We laid on the ground to watch them after that. They would show up about the same time every night, about 1 1/2 hours after sunset and put on a show for about an hour and then they would die down. We always went to bed shortly after that and I don't know how many other cycles there might have been during the night.
That sounds like an amazing trip. Do you mind if I ask if you went with an outfit, or organized yourself? How many nights was it? It would require some serious planning ahead for food, right?
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
December 16th, 2013 at 10:23:52 AM
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Quote: EvenBobI wanna see the red light district in Amsterdam.
It's pretty awesome. On my trip through Europe Amsterdam was one of my top 3 cities. Smoke some cheeba (or eat a brownie), wander around the red light district...ride your bike around the canals...get lost trying to get back to your hostel...good times :)
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
December 16th, 2013 at 4:38:06 PM
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I'm not sure what is the best statistical way but have you considered a stop-off in Iceland (you can probably fly onwards afterwards). I've never been there (nor northern Norway) but saw a photographic presentation (David Clapp http://www.lightandland.co.uk/photography-tours/ ) and now want to see them sometime. There also seem to be quite a few excursions around from the UK, and I vaguely remember one that keeps flying onwards (probably to East coast though).Quote: Wizard...thinking of making a side trip to see the northern lights...
December 16th, 2013 at 9:23:12 PM
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We organized it ourselves and with out much planning really. We had be doing one or two relatively remote trips every year for 6 or 7 years at that time so it didn't seem all that onerous. One of differences with this trip was it didn't have any portages so we could take just about anything we wanted including lots of food.
The first canoe trip we did we almost ran out of food, only had oatmeal left the last day. Never came close to running out again after that experience.
We always travelled with my best friend who sometimes had a girl friend with him and sometimes not. My wife was always with me and my 2 boys although that first trip he got to ride inside my wife since she was about 3 months pregnant. The trip down the Yukon my boys were 6 and 10 and my buddy was single that trip so 5 of us 1 dog and 2 canoes.
The first canoe trip we did we almost ran out of food, only had oatmeal left the last day. Never came close to running out again after that experience.
We always travelled with my best friend who sometimes had a girl friend with him and sometimes not. My wife was always with me and my 2 boys although that first trip he got to ride inside my wife since she was about 3 months pregnant. The trip down the Yukon my boys were 6 and 10 and my buddy was single that trip so 5 of us 1 dog and 2 canoes.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
December 16th, 2013 at 9:46:10 PM
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Oh, Bob, I agree with 95% of what you say, but I can't imagine anyone would ever get tired of seeing certain things if they're enjoyable. I've seen the Northern Lights camping on the BC border and loved it. I've lived on the north shore of Lake Superior and the Puget Sound in Washington, and can't imagine living on the water would ever get old. Walking down to collect mussels, oysters and crab never gets old. I've seen hellacious lightning and thunderstorms when I lived in Texas, tornadoes when I lived in Illinois and Minnesota and can't imagine they'd ever get old. How sad you get bored seeing what others think are rare and beautiful.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
December 16th, 2013 at 10:53:31 PM
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Quote: zippyboyOh, Bob, I agree with 95% of what you say, but I can't imagine anyone would ever get tired of seeing certain things if they're enjoyable. I've seen the Northern Lights camping on the BC border and loved it. I've lived on the north shore of Lake Superior and the Puget Sound in Washington, and can't imagine living on the water would ever get old. Walking down to collect mussels, oysters and crab never gets old. I've seen hellacious lightning and thunderstorms when I lived in Texas, tornadoes when I lived in Illinois and Minnesota and can't imagine they'd ever get old. How sad you get bored seeing what others think are rare and beautiful.
I never get tired of watching the sea along the Puget Sound, Juan De Fuca Strait and the Georgia Strait (aka the Salish Sea).
When I do, turn of the life support machine, as I've gone.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
December 16th, 2013 at 11:25:20 PM
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Quote: zippyboyI've seen hellacious lightning and thunderstorms when I lived in Texas, tornadoes when I lived in Illinois and Minnesota and can't imagine they'd ever get old. How sad you get bored seeing what others think are rare and beautiful.
Do those happen every day? Hardly. Everything gets old
if you live with it on a day to day basis. If there were
thunderstorms and tornado warnings every day where
you lived, you'd move in short order. I love a good cut
of prime rib. Every day? I don't think so. I loved seeing
the ocean every day in Hawaii, for about 6 weeks. Then
it disappeared. Why do you think TV remote controls are
so popular.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 17th, 2013 at 9:03:27 PM
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Quote: EvenBobDo those happen every day? Hardly. Everything gets old
if you live with it on a day to day basis. If there were
thunderstorms and tornado warnings every day where
you lived, you'd move in short order. I love a good cut
of prime rib. Every day? I don't think so. I loved seeing
the ocean every day in Hawaii, for about 6 weeks. Then
it disappeared. Why do you think TV remote controls are
so popular.
I feel sorry for you Bob if you have lost that much zest for life. I never get tired of all kinds of different views I have seen for as long as I can remember. The view of the lake from the cabin window. The view of a different lake driving into town. The spectacular views of the Fraser River canyon driving the highway. These and many more I have seen hundreds or thousands of times and never tire of them.
Be careful when you follow the masses, the M is sometimes silent.
December 17th, 2013 at 9:33:01 PM
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Quote: kenarmanI feel sorry for you Bob.
Please don't. I'm just not as easily entertained as some
people. My dog, for instance. He never tires of jumping
all over me even if I was gone for 10min. He's done
it thousands of times.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 17th, 2013 at 11:26:10 PM
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Quote: EvenBobDo those happen every day? Hardly. Everything gets old
if you live with it on a day to day basis. If there were
thunderstorms and tornado warnings every day where
you lived, you'd move in short order. I love a good cut
of prime rib. Every day? I don't think so. I loved seeing
the ocean every day in Hawaii, for about 6 weeks. Then
it disappeared. Why do you think TV remote controls are
so popular.
Why do you think people block your posts?
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
December 18th, 2013 at 12:18:01 AM
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Quote: thecesspitWhy do you think people block your posts?
Hey, why don't you? Now there's a thought..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 18th, 2013 at 3:09:36 AM
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Things to get bored when delivered on a plater. To appreciate the nature's beauty a struggle of a sort might be required. Long journey for example.
December 18th, 2013 at 6:08:15 AM
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"The Northern Lights have seen queer sights
But the queerest they ever did see
Was the night on the marge of Lake LaBarge
I cremated Sam McGee." Robert Service
I seen the northern lights many times in Alaska and Yukon. Gorgeous stuff.
But the queerest they ever did see
Was the night on the marge of Lake LaBarge
I cremated Sam McGee." Robert Service
I seen the northern lights many times in Alaska and Yukon. Gorgeous stuff.
"Quit trying your luck and start trying your skill." Mickey Crimm
June 24th, 2015 at 1:02:24 PM
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The lights as seen from MI last night.
My brother in law in western Canada
had some spectacular ones.
My brother in law in western Canada
had some spectacular ones.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
June 24th, 2015 at 2:42:05 PM
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The Sun is just entering a phase of higher activity with solar flares or so one of the Signal officers I work with told me. Should make for a much more active Aurora.
June 24th, 2015 at 2:55:24 PM
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Quote: EvenBobThe lights as seen from MI last night.
My brother in law in western Canada
had some spectacular ones.
EB, damn man, you're a crotchety old fart! What can you still find wondrous and amazing?
What is still on 'your bucket list' to borrow a tired phrase?
What gets you excited? Pls don't tell me it's the time you spend on this forum.
Do you still play a little roulette?
Do you like to listen to opera, the 3 tenors perhaps!
Do you fish? I'm asking about hooking big fish, make sure you don't fall overboard or lose your rod fish.
Or just little fish with ultra lite tackle so they feel bigger!
And out in the middle of nowhere so you don't converse with anyone unless it's God himself.
There's got to be something, what makes you tick?
It's rude of me to ask, I know, but there is the question.
If I have insulted you in any way, pls advise the Admins, and I will stand down during a suspension.
I had to ask, couldn't help but ask.
Youuuuuu MIGHT be a 'rascal' if.......(nevermind ;-)...2F
October 14th, 2017 at 3:22:54 PM
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From my Canadian bro in law yesterday.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 15th, 2017 at 3:32:23 AM
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did the Wizard ever see them?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
October 15th, 2017 at 5:38:42 AM
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I think it was Finland that during a spectacular display turned out all their streetlights even though those in Finland have generally seen them before. Excursions to see them are usually to get away from city lights but never offer any guarantee.
