The Northern Lights, or the aurora borealis, is a spectacular natural light show visible to the naked eye in regions close to the Arctic Circle. Something of a bucket list experience; seeing them is regarded as the ultimate in sky-watching. But did you know that it is also possible to see the Northern Lights from the window of an aircraft?As Icelandair recently said, flying into destinations where the Northern Lights are visible after dark and “you might even get to enjoy some of the best views of the aurora borealis from high altitude.”For most people, experiencing this fantastic natural phenomenon means traveling to places in the very far north. Think Fairbanks or Anchorage, Alaska; Tromsø, Norway; Finnish Lapland; Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and Iceland. But for those flying in commercial aircraft, there is sometimes a unique opportunity to spot them without visiting any of these places.While the dancing waves of light seem captivating, they are caused by a violent event. When energized particles from the sun slam into the Earth's atmosphere at 45 million miles an hour, our planet's magnetic field protects us by redirecting the particles over the poles. This phenomenon happens at the north and south poles and is called the “aurora australis” in the Southern Hemisphere. Simple Flying has published a short YouTube video on the subject which you can see here.

Airlines launch one-of-a-kind offers for explorers

Certain airlines flying in regions that experience Northern Lights are aware of the benefits the auroras can bring in terms of revenues. For instance, Alaska Airlines has been known for offering discounts to travelers interested in seeing this amazing natural phenomenon.

In 2020, Alaska Airlines offered up to 35% off airfare for travel between the lower 48 States and Fairbanks and Anchorage. As the airline said, the more intense the Northern Lights forecast, the more flyers will save on flights.

Icelandair –leveraging on Iceland being one of the most famous destinations to see the lights– has published blogs, videos, photographs, and more, attracting travelers to the North Atlantic country.

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The Northern Lights have mesmerized people for thousands of years

Nature's incredible light show has fascinated civilizations for millennia and had the Vikings believing that it was caused by light shining off the armor of the Valkyrie. The Valkyrie refers to the 12 handmaidens of Odin who escort slain warriors from the battlefield to Valhalla.

The name "aurora borealis" that we use today was first coined by Italian astronomer Galileo in 1619. Aurora was the Roman goddess of the dawn, while Borealis was the Greek god of the north wind.

While there is nothing predictable about when you can see the northern lights, you will have the best chance during late November in the run-up to the winter solstice (shortest day of the year), which for 2022 is December 21st.

Seeing the Northern Lights from a plane

Seeing the Northern Lights from thousands of feet in the air is a unique experience because the lights appear brighter from the sky than from the ground. It is also easier to see the subtle dancing movements that the lights make.

You will need to be on a flight that takes you close to the Arctic Circle at nighttime as the lights are not visible during the day. To improve your chance of seeing the Northern Lights use the following recommendations:

• Fly between late November and the end of December
• Fly on a route that takes you close to or over the Arctic Circle (Flights to Iceland or Fairbanks, Alaska are good choices).
• Only fly at night and on a night with no or little reflection from the moon.
• Check the weather forecast for the day you want to fly as you want as little cloud cover as possible.
• Check for solar activity, as more solar flares increase your chance of seeing the phenomenon.
• Depending on whether you are flying a western or eastern route, book a window seat on the side of the plane, which will be facing the pole.

Even with the best plans, it is still very much down to luck as to whether or not you will see the Northern Lights. However, you can get some help by visiting the Icelandic Met Office and the Space Weather Prediction Center.

It is still all down to luck

I was fortunate to witness the Northern Lights once on a flight to New York from the UK, and I have to say it is something I will never forget!

How about you have you ever seen the Northern Lights from a plane? If so, please tell us about it in the comments.

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  Alaska Airlines

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  AS/ASA

  Airline Type:

  Full Service Carrier

  Hub(s):

  Anchorage International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Portland International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

  Year Founded:

  1932

  Alliance:

  oneworld

  CEO:

  Ben Minicucci

  Country:

  United States

  Region:

  North America