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Reindeer steals the limelight at Aurora Borealis Observatory

Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory

Recent video shot at the Aurora Borealis Observatory in Norway shows a magnificent reindeer, seemingly unfazed by either the spectacular lime-green light-show above nor the camera in front of him.

Reindeer steals the limelight at Aurora Borealis Observatory

Despite its somewhat official-sounding title, the Aurora Borealis Observatory is in fact a small, family-run resort located at Senja Island in Northern Norway. The resort is owned and operated by Anders Hanssen, Kristine Hanssen Kjosnes and Magnus Hanssen. Anders is a keen photographer and videographer of the world-renowned phenomena in the skies above the region. 

On Sunday 14 December, Aurora Borealis Observatory uploaded a video (scroll down past a breathtaking selection of Aurora images) to Facebook showing a reindeer, its magnificent antlers clearly visible against the backdrop of an electric-green night sky. All Aurora content in this article was filmed/photographed by Anders Hanssen at Aurora Borealis Observatory.

This still image was captured on another day, but magnificent nonetheless. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory

The Aurora is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The lights are seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.
What is the aurora borealis? The Aurora is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The lights are seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Auroras that occur in the northern hemisphere are called ‘Aurora Borealis’ or ‘northern lights’ and auroras that occur in the southern hempishere are called ‘Aurora Australis’ or ‘southern lights’.
The Northern Lights. Auroras that occur in the northern hemisphere are called ‘Aurora Borealis’ or ‘northern lights’ and auroras that occur in the southern hempishere are called ‘Aurora Australis’ or ‘southern lights’. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Auroras are the result of collisions between gaseous particles (in the Earth’s atmosphere) with charged particles (released from the sun’s atmosphere).
What causes Auroras? Auroras are the result of collisions between gaseous particles (in the Earth’s atmosphere) with charged particles (released from the sun’s atmosphere). Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
The most common aurora colour which is green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the earth.
Variations in colour are due to the type of gas particles that are colliding. The most common aurora colour which is green, is produced by oxygen molecules located about 60 miles above the earth. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
The connection between Auroras and sunspot activity has been suspected since about 1880. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Thanks to research conducted since the 1950′s, we now know that electrons and protons from the sun are blown towards the earth on the ‘solar wind’. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
However, the earth’s magnetic field is weaker at either pole and therefore some particles enter earth’s atmosphere and collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light that we perceive as the dancing lights of Auroras.
When the charged particles are blown towards the earth by the solar wind, they are largely deflected by the earth’s magnetic field. However, the earth’s magnetic field is weaker at either pole and therefore some particles enter earth’s atmosphere and collide with gas particles. These collisions emit light that we perceive as the dancing lights of Auroras. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
The lights of the Aurora generally extend from 80 kilometres (50 miles) to as high as 640 kilometres (400 miles) above the earth’s surface. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
The long periods of darkness and the frequency of clear nights provide many good opportunities to watch the auroral displays. Usually the best time of night (on clear nights) to watch for auroral displays is between 10pm to 2am. Although they can, and quite often are, seen either side of these times.
Winter in the north is generally a good season to view lights. The long periods of darkness and the frequency of clear nights provide many good opportunities to watch the auroral displays. Usually the best time of night (on clear nights) to watch for auroral displays is between 10pm to 2am. Although they can, and quite often are, seen either side of these times. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Not only do they have amazing view. They also have some of the biggest windows, and you can therefore enjoy the aurora the best possible way. Room size varies from 32 m2 – 150 m2. The normal apartments hold a good standard and the luxury units holds a very high standard. Some of the luxury units even have a private outdoor hot tub and fireplace.
All apartments, rooms and suites at the resort have a panoramic view towards the spectacular aurora dance. Not only do they have amazing view. They also have some of the biggest windows, and you can therefore enjoy the aurora the best possible way. Room size varies from 32 m2 – 150 m2. The normal apartments hold a good standard and the luxury units holds a very high standard. Some of the luxury units even have a private outdoor hot tub and fireplace. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
There are times when the sun is very quiet and there are times when it is very active. This is known as the solar cycle. The solar cycle is 11 years. It has a solar minimum period and a solar maximum period, it is the solar maximum period when it is at it’s most active.
Whenever there is a significant event on the sun and it is earth facing, it usually means a great aurora show is in the offing. There are times when the sun is very quiet and there are times when it is very active. This is known as the solar cycle. The solar cycle is 11 years. It has a solar minimum period and a solar maximum period, it is the solar maximum period when it is at it’s most active. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
The rarer red auroras are produced by high-altitude oxygen, at heights of up to 200 miles. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Nitrogen produces blue or purple aurora. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory
Suites, rooms, and even huts are all available to stay in and experience the Northern Lights for yourself. Source: auroraborealisobservatory.com
Incredible being able to film a reindeer posing under the aurora ? Footage by Anders Hanssen on location at Aurora Borealis Observatory. Source: Facebook/AuroraBorealisObservatory

The Aurora Borealis Observatory

For literally hundreds more of Anders’ amazing Aurora images, visit their Facebook Page. For more information on visiting the resort, facilities, what to expect during which seasons, how to get there, prices, etc., visit their Website.

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Aurora Borealis Holiday Senja Norway

For those who really want to experience nature, silence and to get total relaxation, while hopefully enjoying the amazing Aurora Borealis, this is the resort for you. Bar & Restaurant. Suites, rooms and huts, all with a panoramic view of the night sky.