August 14, 2024
This Year is Your Best Shot at Seeing the Northern Lights
Travelers are heading north – far north – in 2024 since the odds of witnessing the ethereal glow of aurora borealis have skyrocketed.
This year, scientists have noticed that increased activity from the sun (forcing a solar wind of particles toward Earth, which reacts with the planet’s magnetic field) is causing a bumper crop of beautiful skies at the most extreme latitudes.
There’s never been a better time to book this adventure of a lifetime, where wintery fun such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and glacier hiking while away the daytime hours.
In the U.S., head north to Fairbanks, Alaska, and consider Canada, which has more northern regions to get your glow on—Whitehorse in the Yukon or Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, and Churchill, north of Manitoba. Light shows can also appear in the Canadian Rockies when the solar activity is strong.
If you’re drawn to unique accommodations and sky watching, expand your adventure to include staying in igloos in Sweden and visiting ice hotels in Finland, alongside cruising up to Tromso, Norway, and Lapland. Experience the Arctic from a cozy igloo under the Swedish stars or from the frosty elegance of a Finnish ice hotel, both offering unparalleled views of the aurora.
Hurtigruten’s ships, sailing directly under the Aurora Oval through Norwegian and Lapland waters, are so confident in their Northern Lights sightings that they offer a money-back guarantee for each sailing. This combination ensures a mesmerizing journey through the Arctic’s most magical winter landscapes.
Don’t forget the South Pole, where the Southern Lights (as they are called here) glow in their winter months, between March and September. Consider Tasmania, off the south coast of Australia, and southern cities such as Dunedin, New Zealand, or book passage on a “moving observatory” to cruise around Antarctica. Adventure tour companies such as White Desert also offer a fly-over-the-Drake-Passage option to explore the continent.
Let’s make this the year you witness the aurora
Unforgettable Astronomical Adventures
Want the VIP celestial experience? Dive into the lap of luxury at the Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland. They’ll even throw in expert stargazers to make the moment pure magic! Alternatively, chic accommodations in places like Mexico, Texas, Cleveland, and the rejuvenating Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas offer their own curated eclipse experiences.
Stargazing Paradises
Deserts, with their vast expanses and pristine silence, have a unique charm that has long beckoned travelers. As night descends, places like the Atacama in Chile and the Namib Desert in Namibia transform into celestial theaters, displaying a symphony of stars. Align your journey with meteor showers such as the Perseids or Geminids, and the experience becomes nothing short of magical.
Moving from sandy terrains to the heart of the Pacific, the Mauna Kea observatories in Hawaii emerge as monumental gateways to the universe. In this secluded paradise, you can dive deep into the mesmerizing wonders of the cosmos and explore the intricate science of astronomy. The feeling here is unparalleled; it’s a profound connection between our Earth and the vastness that lies beyond.
The allure of the night sky isn’t limited to secluded deserts or Pacific islands. Across the globe, sanctuaries like the renowned Jasper Dark Sky Preserve in Canada draw in astronomy enthusiasts. In these special places, a blend of collective wisdom and shared telescope views bridge the gap between humanity and the starlit mysteries of the universe.
Sailing the Starry Seas
Can’t decide between serene seas and scintillating skies? Why not both? Cruise liners like Princess and UnCruise Adventures mix a pinch of saltwater with a dash of stardust. With exclusive eclipse voyages on the horizon, the open sea promises a viewpoint like no other.
Whether you’re eager to chase eclipses, stargaze from pristine deserts, or immerse in Northern Lights magic, I can tailor your trip to these spectacular phenomena. Let’s co-create an astronomical adventure that aligns with the stars and your travel dreams.
