Some people fall under the spell of the northern lights simply by hearing stories or seeing pictures as a child. Others may have caught a fleeting glimpse, creating the desire to pursue them further. Undoubtedly the allure of the aurora is strong and even for those lucky enough to have seen the lights, once is never enough!For ancient peoples, auroral skies created wonderment and fear. Naturally, in the absence of a scientific explanation, much legend and lore surrounding the lights built up over the centuries. Vikings believed the glowing lights were reflections from the shields of the Valkyries, maidens who transported fallen warriors to Valhalla. Scandinavian fishermen called the sightings Herring Flash as they saw them as a sign of rich catches, believing them to be caused by light reflecting off vast shoals of lively herring. An ancient Finnish fable tells how a great fox would hurry over the fells swishing his bushy tail creating sparks as it struck the snow, hence their name for the lights - Revontulet, which means foxfires. The Sami firmly believed the displays were the energies of their ancestors flying across the heavens. Other indigenous people held a great respect for the northern lights which remains to this day - many older people in northern Sweden still remember to stay silent when the lights begin to dance, something passed down by generations The Northern Lights4 visit discover-the-world.co.uk/northernlights Iceland Sweden

before them. Modern day myths exist too - the Japanese, one of the most scientifically advanced nations in the world, believe that babies conceived under the northern lights will become intellectuals. The northern lights are typically seen between the months of September and March (but also possible in late August and early April), preferably under a clear, cloudless sky. Being away from large areas of artificial light helps too, however sightings over cities such as Reykjavik have proved just as spectacular as those over wilderness areas in deepest Lapland. Unpredictable to say the least! Displays can vary in intensity and duration, shape and form having no regulation, with each display totally unique. This remarkable phenomenon seems too otherworldly to have any natural explanation but here goes. When solar flares erupt from the sun's surface, the atomic particles in the 'solar wind' travel into space, reaching Earth within a few days. These protons and electrons collide with gas molecules in our upper atmosphere, Earth's magnetic field, between 100km and 1000km above sea level. The energy created by these collisions creates light and causes the ionosphere to glow, the colours depending on the distribution of various gases and varying altitudes. Some people today seek to understand the science behind the northern lights. Others prefer the more mystical approach. With holidays to four fantastic destinations, each with a distinct flavour, we give you the best possible opportunities for sightings in the hope you can fulfil your dreams, whatever they may be.talk to the experts 01737 218 804 5 Finland Norway