Northern Lights
A practical travel guide
📘 About This Book
An updated third edition of Bradt's practical guide to the best places to view the Northern Lights, the only guidebook that caters to the large number of people whose dream is to see the aurora borealis. Included is information on everything from how to photograph the aurora to what to wear, and how to understand northern lights forecasting, as well as the science behind the aurora and the auroral oval. Also detailed are the best locations from which the aurora can be viewed, covering, in Europe, Scandinavia, Lapland, Iceland and Greenland, and in North America, Canada and Alaska. In addition, the guide provides information on tour operators offering northern lights packages. New for this third edition is coverage of Ivalo / Inari (Nellim & Muotka) and Iso Syöte in Finland; in Sweden both the permanent and seasonal ice hotels, as well as Kiruna Town Hall; in Canada Blachford Lake; and in Iceland new accommodation options. The Northern Lights are one of the major tourist draws of the Arctic and sub-Arctic winter and the world's most spectacular natural phenomena, arguably the greatest light show you'll ever see. olly Evans is an award-winning journalist and writer. She is the author of Bradt's Yukon, as well as five narrative travel books, including Mad Dogs and an Englishwoman, in which she tells of learning to drive sled dogs in northern Canada. When not on the road, Polly works as a teacher at Wellington College in England.
📖 Summary
Polly Evans's Northern Lights, presented in its updated third edition published by Bradt in 2017, serves as an essential, practical guide dedicated entirely to fulfilling the dream of witnessing the aurora borealis. Spanning fifty-two pages, this concise yet comprehensive book bridges the gap between the fascinating science of the night sky and the practical realities of Arctic travel. At its core, the guide is designed to transform a vague travel aspiration into an actionable, well-prepared itinerary. It begins by demystifying the natural phenomenon itself, explaining the science behind the aurora and the auroral oval so that readers can truly appreciate the mechanics of what they are viewing rather than just enjoying the visual spectacle. Understanding how solar activity translates into glowing ribbons of green and violet light adds a layer of depth to the travel experience. Beyond the scientific foundations, Northern Lights acts as an indispensable manual for outdoor preparation. It provides clear, actionable advice on what to wear to survive and remain comfortable in extreme sub-zero environments, ensuring that travelers can stay outside long enough to catch a glimpse of the shifting lights. Additionally, the book covers the technical side of the experience, offering expert tips on how to properly photograph the aurora so travelers can bring home lasting memories of a notoriously difficult-to-capture subject. Readers also learn how to navigate and understand northern lights forecasting tools, empowering them to interpret weather patterns, solar wind data, and cloud cover predictions to maximize their chances of a successful sighting. The heart of the guide lies in its extensive geographic coverage, detailing the absolute best locations across the globe from which the aurora can be viewed. In Europe, the book surveys prime viewing spots in Scandinavia, Lapland, Iceland, and Greenland. For those looking toward North America, it highlights the top destinations in Canada and Alaska. This third edition introduces valuable new coverage, expanding its regional recommendations to include specific locations such as Ivalo, Inari, Nellim, and Muotka, as well as Iso Syöte in Finland, alongside updates for Sweden. To complete the travel planning process, the guide also outlines various tour operators that offer specialized northern lights packages, making it easier for readers to book hassle-free excursions tailored to their comfort levels and budgets. Ultimately, this compact volume equips travelers with all the knowledge, scientific insight, and logistical tools required for a successful and awe-inspiring northern expedition.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Provides practical advice on winter clothing and photography
Explains the science behind the aurora and forecasting
Covers top viewing locations in both Europe and North America
Includes helpful details on specialized tour operators
⚠️ Cons
Brief length may leave readers wanting more deep-dive stories
Tour operator details can change over time
❓ FAQ
Who wrote Northern Lights? +
The book was written by Polly Evans and published by Bradt.
What edition is covered in this summary? +
This covers the updated third edition published in 2017.
How many pages is the book? +
The guide spans 52 pages.
Which regions are covered for viewing the aurora? +
It covers Scandinavia, Lapland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Alaska.
What new locations are included in the third edition? +
New coverage features Ivalo, Inari, Nellim, Muotka, and Iso Syöte in Finland, plus updates for Sweden.
