MNN - Mother Nature Network

One of nature's most spectacular phenomena is the aurora borealis, colloquially referred to as the northern lights. Caused by geomagnetic storms in the outer sections of the Earth's atmosphere, these amazing light shows are most visible in the autumn and winter, when the Northern Hemisphere’s nights are at their longest.

 

Depending on conditions and visibility, the aurora borealis can be seen as far south as the northern United States. Alaska is the American northern lights destination of choice. Around the world, other hotspots like northern Scandinavia and Greenland draw serious aurora-seekers because of their consistently clear skies and the brightness of the lights. 

 

If you want to see the aurora borealis at their most spectacular this year, try one of these six destinations.