Can you see Northern Lights in Scotland in summer?
During the summer months it’s virtually impossible to see the Northern Lights because summer nights are very light in the north of Scotland (and the rest of the aurora-watching places). The Northern Lights can happen at any time of year but you need dark skies to see them.
Can you see the Northern Lights in summertime?
While technically the Northern Lights are present for much of the year, there aren’t enough hours of darkness to see them during the summer months, even above the Arctic Circle. The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September.
What time of year is best to see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
Autumn and winter seasons, with their long periods of darkness and the frequency of clear nights, are probably the best time of the year to experience the auroral displays. Nights need to be cold and the sky clear of clouds, with limited light pollution and increased solar activity.
Can you see Northern Lights in Scotland in August?
You need dark, very clear skies and no light pollution but in any case it’s very unlikely you’ll see the Northern Lights during the Summer. In August in Scotland it’s only truly dark for a few short hours. You have almost zero chance of seeing the aurora.
Can I see the northern lights in Scotland?
The Outer Hebrides are another favourite place in Scotland to see the northern lights, located north-west off of mainland Scotland. The isles of Lewis and Harris tend to be the most popular places to fall under the auroral spell, however, South Uist, North Uist, Benbecula, Barra and Eriskay are also good spots.
Can you see the northern lights in August?
In order to see the Northern Lights, you need a dark, clear night. They are visible from late August to early April anytime during dark hours, which in places like Abisko or Tromsø can be nearly 24 hours a day in winter. But the fact is, the Northern Lights are unpredictable.
Do the Northern Lights make noise?
The sounds of the auroras People have described the sound of the northern lights as a quiet and almost imperceptible crackling, whooshing or whizzing noise. While best seen at night, auroras are generated thanks to the Sun. They are the result of charged particles reaching our planet.
Where is the best place to see northern lights Scotland?
Orkney and Shetland The most northerly parts of the country are the most obvious place to go to see the northern lights. Both the Orkney and Shetland isles have remote areas that will be perfect for viewing them but stay away from populated areas like Lerwick and Kirkwall due to the light pollution.
Can you see the northern lights from Loch Ness?
If you plan a summer holiday in Scotland, you are out of luck when it comes to seeing the northern lights. Whilst it is a perfect season to enjoy hikes or chasing Nessie through the lochs, it’s not appropriate for chasing Mirrie Dancer. The midnight sun makes it impossible to see the northern lights.
Can you see the northern lights in Scotland in September?
You are more likely to see the northern lights in Scotland between September and March. The reason is that you can better distinguish the colours of the aurora when the night sky is dark. That’s why you should look out for them in autumn and winter, as the nights are longer and darker compared to the summer.
When can you see the Northern Lights in Scotland?
The best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Scotland is the autumn and winter months when the nights are longer and darker. They don’t appear on set dates each year and are only visible in dark skies. We saw them in September in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
What are the Northern Lights?
A natural wonder that has fascinated mankind for millennia, the Northern Lights (also called the Aurora Borealis) are nature’s very own theatrical performance..
What is the aurora borealis called in Scotland?
The aurora is called the Mirrie Dancers in Scotland. The northern lights are created by electrically charged particles of the sun interacting with the atmosphere of the earth and creating an awe-inspiring spectacle of color and movement.
Where can you see the Northern Lights in January?
Even if you don’t see the northern lights, you can attend one of the Up Helly Aa fire festivals in January. The Orkney islands are an archipelago of 70 islands in northern Scotland. Some of the best places to watch include the coast at Birsay, the beach at Dingieshowe, or the top of Wideford Hill.