Sky spectacles such as the blood moon or the supermoon never cease to fascinate. The Northern Lights are also one of these popular phenomena. Many people travel to Scandinavia especially to hunt for them. However, this is not absolutely necessary, as we can also enjoy them in Austria from time to time. Today is one such day when there is a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. We’ll tell you where and when you can see it.
What are auroras?
Auroras are colorful bands of light that appear in the sky near the Arctic Circle. In the northern hemisphere they are also called aurora borealis or northern lights, in the southern hemisphere aurora australis or southern lights. They occur when charged particles from the sun, the so-called solar wind, hit the Earth’s magnetic field and are directed to the poles. There, these high-energy particles penetrate the upper atmosphere and collide with gas atoms, mainly oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions stimulate the atoms energetically, which then release the excess energy in the form of light, which we see as a colored glow in the sky.
Currently, there is an increase in solar flares, which favor the formation of the aurora borealis. The more intense the eruptions and the resulting winds, the greater the chance that the auroras will also be visible in Central Europe. Between November 11 and 13, two solar storms are on their way to Earth, which could ensure that we in Austria also get to see the dreamlike play of colors.
Where you can best observe the Northern Lights
To be able to watch the spectacle, you need a clear view to the north after dark. Ideally, you should be in a place with little light pollution outside the city. The chances are best in the Alpine regions, as long as there are no other mountains blocking your view of the horizon.
If you live in Vienna, you should go to the outskirts of the city and climb one of the surrounding mountains. The Bisamberg, Kahlenberg or Leopoldberg, for example, are ideal. Roof terraces or the Danube Island are possible vantage points within the city. If you’re not lucky, you can also watch the celestial spectacle around the world online via livestream.