Shooting stars and Polar Lights
The Stockholm Archipelago is an unbeatable place to experience both shooting stars and northern lights.
In Stockholm city, streetlights often diminish the experience. But suppose you venture just a little further out, for instance, to one of the many islands in the Stockholm Archipelago. In that case, you’ll have a much better chance of witnessing shooting stars, northern lights, and other celestial phenomena.Away from the city's noise, the conditions are especially favorable – and if you're lucky, you might enjoy spectacular displays across the night sky.
One of those Moments
Lying on a sleeping mat under a starry sky can become one of the most beautiful experiences of the year. Bring someone you care about and settle down at sea level on a beach, rock, or cliff. Be sure to think about safety and tread carefully to avoid ending up in the water.
Enjoy the Sky’s Performance
Did you know that as many as 12–20 shooting stars occur every hour? During certain periods, the numbers can be even higher. Legend has it that if you see a shooting star, you should make a wish – silently to yourself. Perhaps your wish will come true?
Favorable Conditions
The northern lights can appear as an arc, ribbon, crown, or glow and may be blue, red, or green, constantly changing. The colors depend on which gas is struck, at what angle, and at what altitude – green is the most common, but strong northern lights can appear red, resembling diffuse forest fires in the north. In recent years, we’ve been treated to an unusually high number of northern lights, even in the Stockholm area.
Time and Patience
To truly experience something spectacular, you’ll need both time and patience. Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes, and you’ll perceive both colors and nuances more vividly. If you spot a faint northern light haze, it can be worth waiting a while to see it transform into pillars and draperies across the sky before fading away.
Myths and Legends
The northern lights phenomenon has inspired myths and legends for centuries. Nordic legends describe the aurora as the breath of fallen warriors, but also – in ancient folklore – as something dangerous, meant to be witnessed only by shamans and men. People were cautioned against whispering, singing, or waving near the aurora to avoid drawing the attention of departed souls.
Merry Dancers or Arctic Fox Fire
In Scotland, the northern lights are known as the "Merry Dancers," while in Finland, they’re called "revontulet," literally meaning "fox fire." The name originates from a legend where arctic foxes dashed so swiftly across the sky that sparks were created as their tails swept up snow. What all aurora myths share is the understanding that the northern lights should be met with respect, fascination, and reverence – just as we welcome them today.
The Northern Lights
Latin name: Aurora Borealis – meaning northern dawn.
You can witness the southern lights, Aurora Australis, in the southern hemisphere.
3 Tips to Experience the Northern Lights:
1. Follow Facebook pages and groups for forecasts.
2. Venture into the archipelago.
3. Be patient.