Witnessing the Northern Lights in the Austrian Alps: A Spectacular Phenomenon

A few weeks ago, we all experienced an extraordinary natural wonder: the Northern Lights illuminating the skies over the UK and Austrian Alps. This breathtaking spectacle, typically associated with the polar regions, graced the alpine landscape, providing an unforgettable experience. Let's explore what makes the Northern Lights so special, why altitude enhances their visibility, and what the future holds for witnessing this awe-inspiring display.

`Webcam Capture from Flying Mozart (10th May 2024) - Courtesy of Snow Space Salzburg`

The Northern Lights: A Brief Overview

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth's atmosphere. These collisions excite the atmospheric gases, causing them to emit light and create the dazzling, multicoloured displays we see in the night sky. The phenomenon is typically visible in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic Circles, making their appearance in the Austrian Alps particularly remarkable.

Why Altitude Matters

High altitudes offer several advantages for observing the Northern Lights. The thinner atmosphere at higher elevations reduces the scattering of light, providing clearer and more vivid views of celestial events. Additionally, being at a higher altitude means you're closer to the upper atmosphere, where the auroral activity occurs, enhancing the visibility and intensity of the lights. The Gernkogel Peak in Alpendorf reaches 1,780m above sea level, providing optimal viewing conditions for nature’s spectacular show.

Light Pollution: Cities vs. Alpine Peaks

One of the primary obstacles to viewing the Northern Lights is light pollution. Urban areas like London and Newcastle are saturated with artificial light from streetlights, buildings, and vehicles, which can obscure the night sky. In contrast, places like Alpendorf and the high peaks of the Austrian Alps offer minimal light pollution, creating an ideal environment for stargazing and aurora viewing. According to data from the Zenith sky brightness info (2015), London has a brightness reading of 11.3mcd/m² compared to just 0.229mcd/m² in Alpendorf. The dark, clear skies of the Alps provide a stark contrast to cityscapes, allowing the Northern Lights to shine in their full glory.

Future Sightings: What to Expect

The occurrence of the Northern Lights in the Austrian Alps is rare but not impossible. While predicting exact dates for future displays is challenging, periods of high solar activity, such as solar maximums in the sun's 11-year cycle, increase the likelihood of auroral events. Keeping an eye on space weather forecasts and geomagnetic activity reports can help enthusiasts plan for potential sightings.

As for the UK, sightings of the Northern Lights are also rare but can occasionally occur during strong geomagnetic storms, especially in northern regions like Scotland. Although generally speaking Austria has much less light pollution than the UK, the latitude of the UK is closer to the Arctic Circle compared to Austria, which increases the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights - just by being simply further north.

The Colours of the Aurora Borealis

The stunning colours of the Aurora Borealis result from different gases in the Earth's atmosphere and the altitude at which the collisions occur:

• Green: The most common auroral colour, green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the Earth.

• Red: Less common, red auroras are also caused by oxygen, but at higher altitudes above 150 miles.

• Blue and Purple: These hues come from nitrogen molecules and can appear when solar particles collide at lower altitudes.

• Pink and Yellow: These colours often result from a mix of red and green light, or from nitrogen and oxygen interactions.

Each colour adds to the mystical beauty of the Northern Lights, creating a dynamic and mesmerising light show across the sky.

A Night to Remember

The recent Northern Lights phenomenon across the Northern Hemisphere was a reminder of nature's ability to surprise and inspire. For those lucky enough to witness it, the event was a profound and memorable experience. At North47, we're dedicated to sharing these extraordinary moments with you, ensuring every adventure is filled with wonder and discovery.