The mesmerizing dance of the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights, is a spectacle many dream of witnessing. But what if you're planning a flight during this celestial display? Can you fly during the northern lights? The short answer is: yes, you absolutely can, but there are a few interesting factors to consider.
Understanding the Northern Lights and Aviation
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with atoms in the Earth's atmosphere. This happens high above the Earth's surface, typically between 60 and 600 miles (97 and 966 kilometers) altitude. Commercial airplanes, even at cruising altitudes of around 30,000-40,000 feet (9,144-12,192 meters), are still significantly below this atmospheric phenomenon. Therefore, the aurora itself poses no direct threat to flight operations.
Potential Indirect Impacts on Flights
While the aurora doesn't directly affect aircraft, certain related factors could influence flight plans:
1. Geomagnetic Storms:
Intense solar activity that creates spectacular auroras can also trigger geomagnetic storms. These storms can, in rare instances, interfere with radio communications and navigation systems used by aircraft. However, modern aircraft are equipped with robust backup systems, and air traffic control closely monitors geomagnetic activity. Any potential disruption is usually minor and handled effectively.
2. Weather Conditions:
Auroral displays often coincide with periods of high-latitude winter weather, such as snow, ice, and strong winds. These weather conditions are the main factors that might cause flight delays or cancellations, not the aurora itself. Pilots prioritize safe flying conditions above all else.
3. Flight Routing and Viewing Opportunities:
Pilots aren't typically going to change their flight path to improve passenger viewing of the Northern Lights. Flight routes are carefully planned for efficiency and safety, based on factors like wind currents, air traffic density, and fuel economy. However, if a flight path happens to align with an auroral display, passengers might be treated to a stunning view from the window.
4. Darkness:
The best time to see the aurora is during the darkest hours of night, when the sky is clear. This naturally coincides with overnight flights, offering potentially amazing viewing opportunities for passengers on those flights.
Maximizing Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights During a Flight
While you can't guarantee seeing the Northern Lights from a plane, you can increase your chances by:
- Flying at night: This is crucial, as the aurora is only visible in darkness.
- Choosing a high-latitude route: Flights that travel closer to the Arctic Circle (Northern Hemisphere) or the Antarctic Circle (Southern Hemisphere) have a higher probability of encountering auroral activity.
- Checking aurora forecasts: Numerous websites and apps provide real-time aurora forecasts, allowing you to plan your flight strategically.
- Sitting by a window: This offers the best viewing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, flying during the Northern Lights is perfectly safe. While geomagnetic storms associated with intense auroral activity could theoretically impact flights, the likelihood of significant disruption is extremely low. The aurora itself presents no danger to aircraft. The beauty of the aurora is an added bonus, making a flight in the right conditions a truly unforgettable experience.
