2024 is the year of northern lights

Scientists predict that 2024 will be a particularly good year for seeing northern lights. The lights that paint the Nordic skies with unexpected colours that dance as if they were moving through the air will, they say, reach places where they are not normally seen, which means that in the places where they are usually sighted, they will have unprecedented power.

Northern lights occur when particles emitted by the sun's radiation collide with the earth's magnetic field. These particles are attracted by the magnetic force towards the poles and on their way collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, which produce flashes of light that human eyes perceive in brilliant colours ranging from green to pink.

Approximately every 11 years, the sun completes a cycle and a phenomenon called solar maximum occurs, where the sun's activity is greater and more powerful. This means that many more particles reach the Earth's atmosphere, creating even more spectacular aurora borealis than usual.

Astronomers estimate that the solar maximum will be so strong that aurora borealis may even be seen in Madrid, as the sun's energy storm may be so strong that the auroral zone (the region around the Earth's magnetic pole) expands to the 40th parallel, which is even further south of the Spanish capital.

But of course, there are some areas of the world where the spectacle will be particularly striking.

Iceland

This Nordic island will probably have one of the best aurora borealis shows in 2024. Although the country is not very large, practically all of it is still wilderness, which makes for beautiful scenery to appreciate the northern lights.

From Reykjavík you can take one of the many tours offered for this event. Since it is not so easy to find where they are seen and they happen in (very) cold months, it is important to go with those who know where and how to find these light phenomena.

Another option is to stay in one of Iceland's specialised northern lights hotels. As this is one of the country's biggest attractions and brings many tourists eager to see these fantastic lights, dedicated infrastructure has been created.

A very good option is the (Hótel Húsafell) [https://www.booking.com/hotel/is/husafell.es.html?aid=1279306], far from light pollution, which can prevent the auroras from being seen.

Finland

The Finns divide their country into four regions (which they call the Fantastic Four). From south to north, there is the Helsinki Region, where the capital is located; then Lakeland, with lakes; the Coast and the Archipelago, facing the Baltic Sea; and the northernmost region is Lapland.

The latter is one of the ideal destinations for viewing astral phenomena. Here, in addition to being able to enjoy the spectacular northern lights of 2024 - which are estimated to be seen about 200 days of the year - the magic of the midnight sun also happens, as it is so close to the Earth's north pole that the day becomes, on a summer's day, infinite. It is a destination, then, to see the sky.

Its natural, wild richness has made it a region adored by lovers of outdoor activities, especially those in the snow. It's also, by the same token, the epicentre of luxury ski resorts.

The further north you go, the better your chances of seeing the northern lights, but in this country you don't have to battle too hard. All it usually takes is a bit of luck and clear skies. A great way to do this is to stay in a dedicated hotel, and there are some really spectacular ones, such as the Wilderness Hotel Muotka.

Canada

Well, Canada is a huge country and you can't see the northern lights from everywhere, but some of its regions are downright stunning, and if in any given year it offers great northern lights shows, this 2024 will have the best aurora borealis ever.

Whitehorse is the aurora borealis capital of Canada, in the Yukon province. One of the wonders of seeing it from there is that you can also learn about the traditions of the Canadian Indians, the first settlers of these regions, whose idiosyncrasies are intimately related to the northern lights and other natural phenomena.

Another option is to head to the Canadian Rockies, from where it's also possible to see them - though less likely than from Whitehorse.

If you like life on the move (and luxury), you can venture from the mountain range to the northern region aboard the Rocky Mountaineer on a 13-day trip.

Norway

Some say Norway is the best country to see the northern lights, especially as the strength with which they arrive in this part of the world generates unique colours and movements.

Tromsø is the third largest city in the Arctic Circle, making it an excellent base for aurora spotting. Also, although it is one of the northernmost regions inhabited by humans, its climate is less cold than others, so bones may freeze a little less during polar light viewing.

One of the advantages of this destination for aurora sightings is that they can be seen from mid-April to August. The darker the better, so between 6pm and 2am is ideal, and of course, clear skies.

Scotland

Unlike the other countries on this list, Scotland is not usually noted for its northern lights, although they can be seen from here. In fact, they can be seen almost anywhere in the country, as long as there is no light pollution.

However, there are better places to see the polar lights. One option is from the Shetland Islands, the most northerly archipelago in the UK. Its high mountains and low human concentration make it an ideal place to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

The disadvantage of this location is the weather, as it is more common than not that the sky is very cloudy, which makes it impossible to see them. However, it is a matter of checking the weather and waiting for it to clear.

Another option is the Isle of Skye, which is well known for its fishing villages and medieval castles, but where you can also see magnificent northern lights.

Wherever you decide to go, be sure to check the weather during the season, and learn about each region's auroral traditions.