The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Greenland

In the sky over Greenland you can sometimes see a very special phenomenon, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The beautiful flickering curtains of green, yellow, red and white light swirl and dazzle. You can't help but be overwhelmed by the fleeting experience when the Northern Lights dance in the sky.

It’s no wonder there are so many myths and legends associated with this magical phenomenon. Greenlandic children are told, that when they see the Northern Lights, it’s the spirits of their ancestors kicking a walrus skull across the sky in a game similar to football. Children are also told that if they whistle or clap their hands, it will disturb the spirits and the children might not go to heaven.

In Latin the Northern Lights are called "Aurora Borealis". The Northern Lights occur when the Sun’s electrically charged particles collide with molecules and atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. This meeting results in the incredible phenomenon in which curtains of different colours flutter across the sky. Attracted to the magnetic poles, the particles produce dazzling curtains of Auroral light when they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms: North Pole = Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis and South Pole = Southern Lights / Aurora Australis.
It is strongest and most frequent in connection with magnetic storms on the Sun.

It takes patience to hunt for Northern Lights, as clear skies are not always enough. There are many variables and the strength also depends on solar storms and other factors.

The Northern Lights occur year-round, but can only be seen in the dark months and when the sky is clear. The best period for viewing the Northern Lights is September to April, which is the time of the dark and beautiful polar nights. You’re most likely to see them around midnight. During summer there is too much light in the sky for the phenomenon to be visible.

You can observe the Northern Lights throughout Greenland, but the further north you travel, the better. Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in the world to see them due to relatively stable weather offering a clear sky. Most visitors to Greenland travel via Kangerlussuaq, so this is a great opportunity to join a Northern Lights spotting excursion.
Near Kangerlussuaq there is also an American scientific station, "Kellyville", which researches the Northern Lights.
As mentioned, the Northern Lights can only be seen on dark and clear evenings, and it is highly recommended that you avoid any kind of artificial light pollution. If you head outside town, the northern lights will look more vivid in a dark sky.

Who doesn't want to capture this amazing natural phenomenon? If you’re throwing yourself into the art of photography, be sure your camera is at the optimum settings for night photography. The best Northern Lights photos are taken with long exposure times and high ISO settings. It makes the colours stronger and clearer because the camera's sensor has a much more dynamic darkness than what you can see with the naked eye. Don’t forget to use a tripod for stability, to avoid camera shake.