The Northern Lights – Aurora Borealis - the best in 50 years!

Due to a special combination of circumstances, experts at NASA are predicting the forthcoming winter's Northern Lights will shine at the brightest levels seen for 50 years!

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights is a common name for the Aurora Borealis ("northern dawn") in the Northern Hemisphere, a natural light display in the sky particularly in the high latitude Arctic region, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. The charged particles are ejected from the sun in solar wind and, if reaching Earth, are directed by its magnetic field around the atmosphere, where collisions with atoms and molecules give rise to amazing light displays. The type of gas the solar particles collide with affect the colour of the Lights, oxygen giving off a green colour and nitrogen crimson.

Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis - When to see?

The Northern Lights are generally best seen between September and April. Spend a holiday in the right destination and hopefully you'll be in luck - and especially so during 2013!

Where are the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis?

There are two things that obscure or dull the Aurora Borealis; cloud and light pollution.  The nearer the Arctic Circle and away from artificial light, the better the chances of visibility. Of course we can't guarantee the brightness of the lights or cloud free skies but we can provide great opportunities to see the Lights with our holidays in Finland / Lapland.

About the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis in 2013!

The solar activity cycle of the sun is measured by the number of visible sunspots. More sunspots mean more energy is released into space and the greater and brighter the occurrences of The Northern Lights.

Solar cycles usually take a few years to build, taking between 9 to 14 years for any given solar cycle and on average 11 years to go from one solar maximum (when the sun's magnetic field on the solar equator rotates at a slightly faster pace than at the solar poles) to the next.

The last Solar Maximum was in 2000 and due to "Sunspot 981" which has been growing since its solar minimum in January 2008, NASA scientists have predicted that Solar Cycle 24's in 2012-2013 will be the greatest since 1958.

Northern Lights Holidays

Inghams offers 3 types of holidays during which you might be able to see the Northern Lights.

7 night ski holidays

are available in Finland / Lapland in these resorts:

Levi - In the midst of an unspoilt Arctic wonderland and renowned as one of Finland's best and most extensive ski areas. Ski holidays in Levi >

Saariselka - Located in the north of Lapland close to Russia, Saariselkä has magnificent Arctic wilderness scenery on the doorstep and is an exceptionally friendly uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere. Saariselkä skiing is a particularly good choice for beginners and cross country, and visiting Santa too! Ski Holidays in Saariselka >

Yllas - Has stunning unspoiled natural scenery, Finland's longest ski slopes, an excellent network of cross country ski trails and a superb choice of accommodation including idyllic luxury log cabins. The skies this far North are especially clear, ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights. Ski Holidays Yllas >

But you don't have to ski to have a Northern Lights holiday!

7 Night Winter Wonderland Holidays

are also available in the Lapland resorts of Levi, Saariselka and Yllas where you can enjoy an abundance of activities including:

Husky, reindeer or snowmobile safaris

Overnight in a Luxury Glass Igloo

Overnight in a glass igloo, SnowHotel or Icehotel

Visits to Santa and his elves

Icelandic horse-riding

Ice karting and Ice-fishing

- Just click to the resort pages and view the "activities" tab for further information! Levi, Saariselka, Yllas

Finally, you don't have to stay 7 nights to witness the Aurora Borealis!

Santa Breaks & Short Breaks

Holidays to the Northern Lights can also be combined with a visit to Santa, on one of our short breaks to Levi or Yllas.

With plenty of time to take part in optional excursions and activities such as mentioned above, plus opportunities to meet with Santa in his magical workshop (elves and all!) and have dinner with Santa, you'll be able to experience the magic of Lapland and a northern lights holiday in 3 or 4 nights.

For additional information, you may like to view these videos from Visit Finland:

Unbelievable Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Lapland, Finland

Snowboarding & Freestyling in Finaland