[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Tour CTA & Information Section” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|54px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Tour CTA & Information Row” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”463px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_cta title=”What Are The Main Types of Northern Lights?” button_url=”#TOP” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ header_font=”Noto Serif|700|||||||” header_font_size=”44px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” body_text_align=”right” body_line_height=”2em” use_background_color=”off” button_alignment=”right” text_orientation=”right” background_layout=”light” max_width=”480px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”left” header_font_size_tablet=”” header_font_size_phone=”34px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” button_text_color_hover=”#ffffff” button_border_color_hover=”#ff9e59″ button_bg_color_hover=”#ff9e59″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#ffffff” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_border_color__hover=”#ff9e59″ button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”off” button_bg_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_bg_color__hover=”#ff9e59″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”]<\/p>\n
By Chris Ayliffe, <\/span><\/i>Arctic Meta<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Image1.jpeg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”JOIN US ON A NORTHERN LIGHTS EXCURSION” button_url=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/northern-light-tours\/” button_text=”BOOK NOW” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”135px” custom_margin=”-40px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Northern Lights are one of nature\u2019s most captivating light shows, illuminating the night skies with dazzling displays of colour and movement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These lights have fascinated humans for centuries, inspiring countless myths, scientific explorations, and even artistic endeavours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Witnessing them in person is an unforgettable experience, often described as humbling, awe-inspiring, captivating, and often just all the superlatives combined!<\/span><\/p>\n Despite their enchanting beauty, not all auroras are created equal. They come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and charm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This guide delves into the main types of Northern Lights, explains the science behind their differences, and offers tips for maximizing your chances of seeing them at their most spectacular.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/nl720-x-480.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPERJEEP EXCURSION” button_url=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/project\/northern-lights-superjeep-tour\/” button_text=”BOOK NOW” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id=”autumn” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Northern Lights appear in a variety of forms and shapes, which can change depending on <\/span>solar activity<\/span><\/a>, atmospheric conditions, and the location of the observer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Below are the primary types of auroras, each offering a unique visual experience. And, often the more you see the Northern Lights, the more you start to predict the transitions – but, we will come onto that a little later:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/\u00deingvellir-3-of-3.jpg” alt=”arc shaped green northern lights over distant mountains. A lake and shore are in the foreground” title_text=”\u00deingvellir-aurora-arc” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Arc-shaped Aurora over \u00deingvallavatn, in the Golden Circle<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Arcs are the most common form of the Northern Lights, especially during periods of <\/span>low solar activity<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These graceful, elongated bands stretch across the sky, often from horizon to horizon, creating a serene and continuous curve.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Their appearance is typically steady, with minimal movement. However, during increased solar activity, arcs can become more dynamic, distorting and dancing across the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n In the <\/span>Aurora Reykjav\u00edk museum<\/span><\/a> we have an Aurora arc on display with the common luminosity <\/span>you\u2019ll see outside with the naked eye<\/span><\/a> – it\u2019s the perfect place to practice both your <\/span>Northern Lights photography skills<\/span><\/a>, and your sharpness in spotting the lights on <\/span>your Aurora hunts<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them:<\/b> Arcs are often visible under moderate conditions, making them ideal for first-time aurora watchers.<\/span> Notable Features:<\/b> They exhibit a calm, ribbon-like quality, often glowing green due to the interaction of solar particles with oxygen molecules in the atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_id=”winter” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”566px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Bands are similar to arcs but exhibit more pronounced curves and undulations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike the smoother appearance of arcs, bands showcase greater variability and dynamic behaviour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These forms can shift and transform rapidly, adding an element of unpredictability to the auroral display.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them: <\/b>Bands frequently appear during heightened solar activity.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/b>Notable Features:<\/b> They can display a variety of colours, including pink, red, and purple, depending on the altitude and type of atmospheric gas involved.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A friendly tip: <\/b>When you start to see pink just below the green colours of the Aurora Borealis, the show is usually really ramping up!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Aurora-at-Grotta-00001-of-9.jpg” alt=”Aurora Reykjav\u00edk – Northern Lights at Langj\u00f6kull Glacier” title_text=”Aurora Reykjav\u00edk – Northern Lights at Langj\u00f6kull Glacier” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”] Purple and green band dancing over Langj\u00f6kull glacier<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_id=”spring” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Aurora-Crown-April-20-2-of-4.jpg” alt=”crown-shaped green and purple aurora in the night sky” title_text=”Aurora Crown April 20 (2 of 4)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Spectacular crown-shaped Aurora lights up the Icelandic night sky<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans|700|||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The corona is one of the most awe-inspiring types of Northern Lights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n This type of aurora forms directly overhead, converging into a point that resembles a crown of light – hint: it\u2019s in the name!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Coronas are typically the result of intense solar activity and often display a vibrant palette of colours, including greens, purples, blues, and whites.<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll know you\u2019re seeing an Aurora Corona when that neck ache kicks in just enough as you fully tilt your head to the skies above.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These displays can cover the full sky and we regularly see the jaws of travellers drop and the \u2018whoops\u2019 begin – always a wonderful experience.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them:<\/b> Coronas occur during the peak of auroral activity and are most common near the magnetic poles – <\/span>we experience them in Iceland very regularly<\/span><\/a>. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”29px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Aurora-3-von-15.jpg” alt=”The sky turns green and purple as a glowing aurora lights up a snow-covered mountain range and reflects in the shoreline ” title_text=”Aurora-glow-over-vestrahorn” url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=CXjhtWLyc1I” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Diffused northern lights glow over Vestrahorn<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-129px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Diffuse auroras are a rarer and more subtle type of Northern Lights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unlike arcs, bands, or coronas, diffuse auroras do not have a defined shape or structure. Instead, they appear as faint, cloud-like patches of light that spread across the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n Diffuse Aurora\u2019s often occur either early in the night, or simply <\/span>when the solar density is lower<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Keep your patience though if you spot a diffuse Aurora – this can be a good indication the show performance is about to begin – <\/span>all our top guides would agree<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them:<\/b> Diffuse auroras are more likely to be seen during periods of low solar activity or at lower latitudes.<\/span><\/p>\n Notable Features:<\/b> Their subdued appearance makes them <\/span>harder to spot with the naked eye<\/span><\/a>, but <\/span>long-exposure photography can capture their ethereal beauty<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/nl720-x-480.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_cta title=”NORTHERN LIGHTS SMALL GROUP EXCURSION” button_url=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/project\/best-northern-lights-minibus-tour-reykjavikvkout\/” button_text=”BOOK NOW” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_cta][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”27px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”Noto Sans||||||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Rays are slender, vertical streaks of light that often form when thin arcs or bands curl up into narrow filaments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n They can appear as short, flickering columns or extend dramatically upward into the sky.<\/span><\/p>\n More often than not they appear in a pale shade of purple and can linger as towering elements in the night sky for quite some time, making them a fun test for your long exposure photography skills.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them:<\/b> Rays are common during periods of high solar activity and are often part of larger auroral displays.<\/span><\/p>\n Notable Features:<\/b> Their intricate details and rapid movement add depth and complexity to the auroral experience.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Webside-600-00-00009-of-17.jpg” alt=”Pale green and purple northern lights rays dance over a cone-shaped mountain in the snowy landscape. In foreground, a small frozen waterfall” title_text=”aurora-rays-kirkjufell” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern lights rays over Kirkjufell<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/c-aurora-Reykjavik-2017-20-of-31.jpg” alt=”green and purple northern lights flickering over a farm in the Icelandic countryside, with the ocean in backdrop” title_text=”c aurora Reykjavik 2017 (20 of 31)” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Northern lights flickering in purple and green above an Icelandic farm<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Flickering auroras are another dynamic variation, characterised by rapid changes in intensity and brightness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These auroras give the impression of pulsing or flickering lights and can occur in conjunction with other auroral types, such as bands or rays.<\/span><\/p>\n In our experience, these bizarre flickerings can dance all around the sky late in the night after 3am. I don\u2019t have a scientific reason for this, at present, but it\u2019s just the experiences of many nights out under the dark Icelandic skies – <\/span>you\u2019ll have to find out for yourself<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n When to See Them:<\/b> Flickering auroras are most visible during turbulent <\/span>geomagnetic conditions<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> Notable Features:<\/b> Their rhythmic patterns are thought to result from localised turbulence in the magnetosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Noto Sans||on||||||” header_font=”||||||||” max_width=”800px” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The differences in the types of <\/span>Northern Lights are primarily caused by variations in solar activity<\/span><\/a>, Earth\u2019s magnetic field, and atmospheric conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a deeper dive into the factors at play:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Sun releases charged particles into space through solar winds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When these particles collide with Earth\u2019s magnetosphere, they create auroras. Intense solar storms can result in more vibrant and diverse auroral displays.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Earth\u2019s magnetic field channels solar particles towards the poles. Variations in the strength and orientation of the magnetic field influence the shape and movement of the auroras.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n For instance, oxygen produces green and red lights, while nitrogen contributes to blue and purple hues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The height at which the auroral activity occurs also determines its appearance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIntroduction<\/span><\/h2>\n
Main Types of Northern Lights You Can Expect to See<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. Arcs<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\n2. Bands<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n3. Corona<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span>
<\/span>Notable Features:<\/b> Their rapid movement and convergence into a central point create a dramatic visual effect, making coronas a favorite for photographers and enthusiasts. But, make sure you have your camera ready, so you can just be in the moment and enjoy the canvas splash of colours with your own eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n4. Diffuse<\/span><\/h3>\n
5. Rays<\/span><\/h3>\n
6. Flickering<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Causes the Different Types of Northern Lights?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Solar Activity<\/span><\/h3>\n
Magnetic Field\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Atmospheric Composition<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/span>The <\/span>specific colours of the auroras<\/span><\/a> depend on the type of gas molecules that are energised by the incoming particles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAltitude\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n