Whether you’ve read about the majestic northern lights in books or watched them dance across the night sky in movie scenes, chances are you’ve caught wind of this incredible natural phenomenon, also known as the aurora borealis. After all, the northern lights have captivated mankind since ancient times, even playing a role in Norse mythology and Inuit legends.
But as amazing as the northern lights may be (and believe us, they are), this aurora isn’t the only celestial light display to stoke the imagination. The Southern Hemisphere boasts its own spectacular blaze of glory called the southern lights, or aurora australis.
So, in weighing southern lights vs. northern lights, which is better? Aurora borealis or aurora australis? Our travel guide explains everything you need to know, from the differences between the two to the most compelling corners of the earth to witness—or even chase—these elusive, unpredictable auroras in real life. Some vantage points are a world away, while others may be closer to your own backyard.
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Is It Easier to See the Northern Lights or the Southern Lights?
One of the key differences between aurora borealis and aurora australis centers around where each phenomenon takes place. The northern lights streak across the heavens in remote destinations close to the North Pole, especially those near the Arctic Circle, and far away from cities (where light pollution occludes visibility). Aurora borealis has earned more of a reputation because the light dance is more visible from expansive prime areas, including Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Scandinavian countries of Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and Norway, which tops the list.
While the southern lights are just as mesmerizing as the northern lights, aurora australis occurs in less-accessible places near the South Pole, including Antarctica and Down Under in Australia, Tasmania (an island state of Australia south of the mainland), and New Zealand. Though fantastic, viewing conditions aren’t as ideal, and given the capriciousness of auroras, it may be more of a gamble than the northern lights.
What Causes Aurora Borealis and Aurora Australis?
Though rare, auroras are natural interactions that occur when electrically charged solar particles crash into atoms of oxygen and nitrogen from the Earth’s atmosphere. As they travel along the magnetic field between the North Pole and the South Pole, the particles wind up trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere. When the gasses release energy, voila! The night sky is illuminated by shimmering auroras near the poles, around 60-620 miles (97-1,000 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. The stronger the solar wind, the more intense the auroras.
Northern Lights vs. Southern Lights: Colors
The fascinating tableau you see also depends on the gasses released into the night sky. Oxygen emits a red or greenish-yellow light. The higher the altitude (about 300 km or 186 mi), the more likely pinks and reds will appear. Nitrogen flashes blue and purple, a less common color story, at different altitudes. The spectral spectacle of southern lights and northern lights may last for mere minutes or several days.
Best Places to See the Northern Lights vs. Southern Lights
Northern Lights
- Tromsø, Norway: Known as the “Arctic Capital,” Tromsø is surrounded by mountain peaks and is a gateway to the Arctic Circle.
- Yellowknife, Canada: Located in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is dubbed the “Aurora Capital of North America” due to its prime location under the Auroral Oval.
- Grótta, Iceland: This nature reserve near Reykjavík offers minimal light pollution, making it a magnet for aurora-gazers.
- Churchill, Canada: Perfectly situated in the Auroral Oval, this small Manitoba town boasts over 300 nights of aurora activity a year.
- Aurora Sky Station, Sweden: Located in Abisko National Park, this mountaintop perch offers one of the best views of the northern lights.
- Nuuk, Greenland: Greenland’s capital offers awe-inspiring mountains and fjords, making it one of the most scenic spots to observe aurora borealis.
Southern Lights
- Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania: This coastal town offers incredible cliffs and rugged landscapes, perfect for spotting aurora australis.
- Mount Wellington, Tasmania: With its 4,100-foot peak, Mount Wellington offers panoramic views of the southern lights.
- South Georgia Island, British Overseas Territory: A remote sub-Antarctic island that rewards intrepid adventurers with glimpses of humpback whales and auroras.
- Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania: This national park in the Central Highlands is a premier perch for spotting the southern lights.
- Stewart Island, New Zealand: Home to Rakiura National Park, this secluded island offers rainforests, beaches, and unique birdlife as a backdrop for the southern lights.
- Ushuaia, Argentina: Known as the “Gateway to Antarctica,” this southernmost city is easier to reach than other southern lights destinations.
Prime Time for Southern Lights and Northern Lights
You can catch auroras almost any time of the year, but you’re more likely to see them when the night skies are clear, dark, and cloudless, which means wintertime. For northern lights, that window is August through late February, and for southern lights, March to September, with May offering the most light show potential. Timing your adventure to a new moon, when the sky is its darkest, may work in your favor, too. However, pollution, clouds, starlight, and moonlight can obstruct visibility.
How to Take Photos of the Southern Lights and Northern Lights
Plenty of smartphone apps let you track the northern lights in real-time, such as My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts. That said, nothing can replace the expertise of an experienced tour guide.
If your patience pays off, you can also capture the fickle spectacle with smartphone apps like Northern Lights Photo Taker, NightCap Camera, and Cortex Camera. For DSLR cameras, bring along a tripod, wide lens, and spare batteries for the best results.
How to Dress for the Southern Lights vs. Northern Lights
Once you pinpoint your destination, it’s essential to dress for the elements. Warm clothing is a no-brainer, especially in the wintertime. Think long johns, layers of fleece or woolen sweaters, warm socks, a waterproof jacket and pants, plus boots that keep your feet toasty in frigid temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or the southern lights, both phenomena offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s worth the effort. While the northern lights are more accessible and have a broader range of viewing locations, the southern lights offer their own unique charm and mystique.
So, which is better? Aurora borealis or aurora australis? The answer lies in your sense of adventure and willingness to embrace the unknown. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a celestial spectacle that will leave you in awe of the natural world.
Keep reading and, always, keep exploring!
See Also: Northern Lights Tours
See Also: How to Photograph the Northern Lights with a Smartphone
See Also: The Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Norway
