The otherworldly Aurora borealis, or northern lights, begin high in the Earth’s atmosphere - at altitudes from 60 to more than 250 miles - when charged particles from the sun become trapped in the Earth's magnetic field. The result is a colorful, dancing light show.
In northern Lapland the lights shine about every other clear night between September and March. Look to the stars. If you notice that the night sky is clear and starry, your chances of seeing the northern lights are good.
