C14_24_digital | Page 32

The Northern Lights are seen in polar destinations from October through March .

The Aurora Borealis

A cinematic display on Earth ’ s biggest screen , the Aurora Borealis paints the night sky in shimmery curtains of red , purple , blue and green . Commonly referred to as the Northern Lights , this solar sensation has delighted and fascinated observers since , according to the Library of Congress , it was first recorded by ancient Babylonian astronomers around 567 BC . Interested in catching this otherworldly light show ? While the phenomenon has been observed as far south as Hawaii , one ’ s chances of witnessing it start to skyrocket the closer they are to the North Pole . Take for example , popular polar destinations like Alaska , Norway , Finland and more , which enjoy this magical , yet perfectly scientific , exhibit from October through late March as the Earth ’ s magnetic field redirects fast-moving solar particles toward the planet ’ s northern and southernmost points .
JANE RIX / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
32 / THE COMPASS / SPRING 2024 vaxvacationaccess . com / thecompass