BRIGHTEST LIGHTS. BIGGEST SKY.

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) show that’s been on since this past December, is the most spectacular we have seen in over a decade, and, according to NASA, it will be the best we see for a while.

Solar activity, from solar winds, hit Solar Maximum -- the peak of an 11-year cycle at the end of the year -- and that means it is peak time for a totally magnificent, and intense, Aurora display.

The Auroral Zone is a band of space where the vast majority of Aurora’s occur. The best position for viewing is between 66 and 69 degrees north -- parts of northern Canada, Russian, Scandanavia, Alaska, and Greenland fall within that range.

Electromagnetic activity in the atmosphere helps us to see the lights better. Check the kp index to pick your optimal time to go. Higher is better.

While the Northern Lights are the most well known to us northerners, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) are pretty amazing too. They have just begun to shimmer and shine just now.

One of the best tour agencies to guide you, simply named Aurora Zone, specializes in Northern Lights adventures.

Founder, Alistair McLean created a series of experiences, all designed to maximize your viewing pleasure. One example, called Aurora Quest, visits the tiny Finnish Lapland village of Nellim (Population 150) at 68°N, to view 3 nocturnal excursions, including an Aurora “stake-out” on Lake Inari.

Local guides and photographers will accompany you so you can get the most out of it. You can even go Aurora “hunting” via sleigh! The “best spot,” (90% chance of success), is the "Paatsjoki Bridge,” according to Markku Inkila, an Aurora photographer and guide, on the Aurora Zone blog.

Aurora Zone also offers these way cool Aurora Bubbles, aka your satellite hotel room. What better way to bed down in Finnish Lapland, under it’s glorious shimmering sky?

Sure, it’s close quarters, but it can hold a double bed, where you can lie down and gaze up at the most incredible light show you will likely ever see in your life.

The Aurora Bubbles are situated close to the main hotel so you aren’t too far from more creature comforts whenever you want them.

Another wonderful place for viewing the Northern Lights is at the Hotel Rangá, set in a rural area, so there's no pesky light pollution to dull your experience.

Choose from 51 luxurious and cozy rooms, including the renowned continental suites, decorated and themed after the continents, and a master royal suite.

And check out our post Beautiful Places to Love Together, for more info on igloos and bubbles that can make your Aurora adventure beyond beautiful.

Read more about Beautiful Spring, it relates to Arts/Design, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Place/Time, Mind/Body, and Soul/Impact including 10 Beautiful Spring Things Books, Beautiful New Life Emerging Now, The Most Beautiful Eggs Right Now, and Emerging Talents Now.

Also see some of our past Spring posts, such as Resurrection of Spring Cottage. Just search “spring” in our site search bar and you’ll find this, as well as lots of other Beautiful Spring stories and images.

Enter this week’s BN Photo Competition. Our theme this week is Beautiful Spring Things. Deadline is 03.23.14.

Photo Credits:

1. Photo by Chad Blakely. View of the Northern Lights on Aurora Zone tour.
2. Photo: by  Visit Finland. Northern Lights in Finland.
3. Photo: Courtesy of NASA.
4. Photo: by Colin Nowra. Northern Lights.
5. Photo: by Timo Newton-Syms. Northern Lights.
6. Photo: by Visit Finland. Northern Lights in Finland.
7. Photo: Courtesy of Aurora Zone. Aurora Bubble hotel room.
8. Photo: Courtesy of Aurora Zone. View from the interior of the Arctic Bubbles.
9. Photo: Courtesy of Aurora Zone. Arctic Bubble.
10. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Ranga. Northern Lights over Hotel Ranga.
11. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Ranga. Northern Lights over Hotel Ranga.
12. Photo: Courtesy of Image Editor. Northern lights.