25 Worldwide Photos Of The Aurora Borealis 

There’s something almost mystical about the Northern Lights. Seen from different corners of the world, they turn the sky into a mesmerizing canvas. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of 25 breathtaking photos that capture the aurora borealis at its finest. Ready to see it all?

Aurora Over Iceland’s Skies

Iceland is among the most magical places on Earth, and its skies light up with a vibrant green glow that’s simply unforgettable. The aurora here often dances over volcanic terrain to create a surreal contrast of fire and ice. It’s no wonder so many flock here to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand.

Norway’s Arctic Glow

Here, the aurora light is caused by charged particles from the sun that hit the atmosphere, and Tromso’s location within the auroral oval makes it one of the best places to witness this phenomenon. The best viewing season runs from September to early April, with peak visibility on clear nights. 

Sweden’s Frozen Light Show

In Sweden, the aurora borealis dances across the sky above a winter-white terrain of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes. The northern parts of Sweden, like Abisko National Park, offer incredible views of the Northern Lights. A popular aurora tourism spot that gives you a chance to experience the lights in pure, untouched wilderness.

Finland’s Dancing Colors

In northern Lapland, especially in Utsjoki, the aurora can be visible for up to 200 nights a year, depending not only on solar activity but also on cloud cover and season. The best time to view it is from late August to early April. Finland also offers glass igloos and aurora cabins for cozy viewing experiences.

Canada’s Northern Wonder

Canada’s vast northern territories are an aurora lover’s dream. In places like Yukon and the Northwest Territories, the lights fill the sky with dazzling displays of color. The crisp air enhances the experience, making the auroras seem even more vivid. It’s a place where the natural world truly takes your breath away.

Alaska’s Vibrant Night Sky

Alaska’s winter skies light up with the Northern Lights to make it one of the best places in the world to view the aurora. Fairbanks, in particular, is known for its frequent displays. While Fairbanks itself isn’t surrounded by snow-covered mountains, many other areas of Alaska offer that stunning backdrop for aurora viewing.

Greenland’s Ethereal Display

Thanks to minimal light pollution and dark winters, the aurora often appears brighter and more vivid in Greenland than in more populated Arctic destinations. The best time to see them is between September and April, with Kangerlussuaq offering the clearest skies while Ilulissat and Nuuk may experience more cloud cover. 

Scotland’s Rare Aurora Sight

Due to Scotland’s lower latitude, the auroras often appear faint or as a greenish glow rather than vivid displays. The best chance to catch a glimpse is in the far north, particularly in the Orkney Islands or the Isle of Skye, though weather conditions like cloud cover and rain can sometimes hinder visibility. 

Russia’s Arctic Light Show

Russia’s Arctic regions, particularly around Murmansk, offer an incredible view of the Northern Lights. However, Murmansk itself is a city, so light pollution can be a factor. To get the best aurora experience, you’ll need to travel outside the city to rural areas like Teriberka or Lovozero, where the natural beauty of the lights shines brighter.

Denmark’s Faroe Islands Glow

With minimal light pollution, the Faroe Islands offer a secluded and spectacular setting for witnessing the Northern Lights at a remote location in the North Atlantic. While the views can be stunning, frequent cloud cover and unpredictable weather can sometimes obscure aurora sightings. The best time to see them is from September to March.

Antarctica’s Southern Aurora

While the Northern Lights get most of the attention, the Southern Hemisphere has its own version—the Aurora Australis. Seen from Antarctica, this dazzling display of green and purple light stretches across the endless polar sky. The continent’s extreme isolation and clear, dark skies create one of the most breathtaking aurora-watching experiences on Earth. 

Svalbard’s Polar Brilliance

Located halfway between the mainland area of Norway and the North Pole, this place offers one of the most unique locations to watch the Northern Lights. A polar night here can last for several months, giving you ample opportunity to witness the aurora borealis in all its glory. 

Quebec’s Northern Glow

In Quebec, the Northern Lights shine brightly in the province’s northern regions, closer to the Arctic Circle. While Quebec City is too far south for reliable sightings, the remote wilderness further north offers dazzling aurora displays. The crisp, cold air enhances the colors against the snowy backdrop to create a truly magical experience.

Montana’s Northern Nightscape

Montana isn’t the first place that comes to mind for the Northern Lights, but sightings do happen on rare occasions. The state’s wide-open spaces provide an unobstructed view when conditions are right. During geomagnetic storms, the aurora may appear as faint green streaks or arcs, though not as frequently or vividly as in Alaska or Scandinavia.

Maine’s Rare Light Show

In the far north of Maine, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. While not as common as in other regions, the lights do appear from time to time, especially in the winter months. The remote nature of Maine creates an experience that feels both rare and special.

Newfoundland’s Northern Glow

Newfoundland is another excellent location to see the Northern Lights. Its isolated nature and clear skies make it a prime destination for aurora viewing. The lights seem to dance across the night sky to create a mesmerizing spectacle that complements the island’s rugged stretch of coastlines.

Churchill’s Arctic Light Show

Known as the “polar bear capital of the planet,” Churchill is a great spot for viewing the Northern Lights. The town offers clear skies and plenty of opportunities to witness the auroras in their full glory. It’s a place where the beauty of nature is on full display, day or night.

Nunavut’s Polar Light Show

Canada’s northernmost territory is an excellent place to witness the Northern Lights. It has dark, cold nights that combine with the crystal-clear air to make it an ideal setting for seeing the aurora borealis. The stunning natural beauty of Nunavut only enhances the experience of seeing the lights in all their glory.

Kamchatka’s Fiery Aurora

The region’s volcanic scenery provides a stark contrast to the swirling colors of the aurora. Watching the lights over the snowy volcanic peaks feels like witnessing nature at its most powerful and unpredictable. Kamchatka is home to some of the most dramatic and beautiful views of the Northern Lights.

Tromso’s Unforgettable Skies

Tromso, often called the “Gateway to the Arctic,” offers some of the best aurora sightings in Norway. The lights here are so vivid they almost seem to reach out and touch you. Standing beneath the swirling green and purple lights in the Arctic air is a surreal experience, one that’s truly unforgettable.

Yukon’s Winter Light Show

If you want to find some of the most spectacular Northern Lights displays in North America, go to Yukon. It is recommended for the sights thanks to its pristine wilderness and minimal artificial light. The best time to catch the aurora is between late August and April. Unlike busier aurora destinations, the Yukon provides a peaceful, immersive experience.

Siberia’s Arctic Brilliance

Siberia’s frozen wilderness provides a stunning stage for the Northern Lights, with its remote location ensuring some of the clearest, most vivid displays. The best places to witness the aurora include Yakutsk, Norilsk, and the Yamal Peninsula, where the long winter nights stretch for hours.

The Northern Lights From Space

Ever wondered what the Northern Lights look like from space? Thanks to satellite imagery, we now have the chance to see the auroras from a perspective few people ever will. From space, the swirling lights are even more magnificent, stretching across the Earth like a natural wonder painted in neon hues.

Iqaluit’s Northern Night Magic

As the capital of Canada’s Nunavut territory, Iqaluit offers a rare urban vantage point for seeing the Northern Lights without the typical glow of big-city glare of lights. Situated on Baffin Island along the shores of Frobisher Bay, this remote Arctic town provides fantastic views of the aurora dancing across the frigid skies.

Minnesota’s Lakeside Aurora

Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is one of the few U.S. national parks where you can regularly witness the Northern Lights. As an International Dark Sky Park, it has minimal light pollution, perfect for stargazing and aurora viewing. In winter, the aurora often reflects off the park’s frozen lakes.