Why it's peak period for spotting northern lights

If you want to experience breath-taking displays of northern lights pirouetting across the sky, it’s no secret that Shetland is one of the best UK locations for witnessing the “mirrie dancers”.

Located at 60ºN, Shetland is the northernmost archipelago in the UK, closer to the Arctic Circle than London. That geographical location, and the lack of intense light pollution, make the islands an ideal location for spotting the remarkable natural phenomenon.

It's never guaranteed, but as we enter the peak period in the solar cycle for northern lights, there's never been a better time to witness Shetland’s stunning mirrie dancers.

If you want to experience a natural phenomenon that will take your breath away, then the aurora borealis – the northern lights – is right up there. Witnessing this stunning display of colourful light dancing over Shetland is a bucket-list wish for many people. And we have pulled together the information you need to give yourself the best chance of observing it.

Awe-inspiring beauty

Shetland is the perfect destination for a winter break. With crisp fresh air and dramatically wild coastlines, it is a place where you can truly exhale and feel free. The peaceful, surroundings provide a stunning backdrop, and you may get the chance to watch a spectacular night-time display.

Although you shouldn’t book a trip specifically to see the northern lights – there is never any guarantee when they will be visible – but it’s worth learning more about the phenomenon to ensure you’re prepared if the mirrie dancers do make an appearance.

The Northern Lights have captivated humans for centuries, and Shetland has a rich history of folklore and mythology surrounding the aurora borealis. Known as the "mirrie dancers" in Shetland's dialect, the northern lights have been interwoven into the culture and identity of the islands for generations.

But how much of this folklore holds up to scientific scrutiny? Despite the mystical aura surrounding the Northern Lights, there is a lot of scientific research and understanding behind this phenomenon.

For example, we know that the northern lights are caused by charged particles from the sun colliding with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These collisions can produce breathtaking colors, from the classic green hues to vibrant pinks and purples.

While the science is amazing, it doesn't diminish the cultural significance of the mirrie dancers in Shetland's identity. In fact, understanding the science behind the Northern Lights can deepen our appreciation for the way these natural wonders have inspired human imagination for centuries.

So, when you visit Shetland take the time to explore the stories and traditions associated with the mirrie dancers. Who knows, you may even be inspired to create your own story to pass on to future generations.

The aurora borealis, or mirrie dancers as it is known in Shetland, is the result of solar particles colliding with the Earth's magnetic field, creating a dazzling array of colours in the night sky.

The role of the solar cycle

It’s amazing to think that the northern lights are created by the Sun, a star that is 93 million miles away but solar activity determines how often the aurora appears. When energy is released by solar flares or big storms called Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which erupt from near sunspots, charged particles are spewed into space and if they are earth directed, these storms manifest themselves as auroras.

The good news for anyone wanting to see the northern lights is that sunspots’ activity is rising and is expected to peak in 2025.

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the sun's photosphere that appear as dark spots, and they indicate areas with intense magnetic activity. The sun goes through an 11-year solar cycle, where the number of sunspots increases and decreases over time.

When the sun's magnetic fields twist and turn due to sunspot activity, they can generate solar flares. These flares can expel charged particles, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), into space. When these CMEs hit the Earth's magnetic field, they cause it to oscillate and create a shockwave that moves particles towards the poles. The charged particles then collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere, producing the northern lights.

During the peak periods of the solar cycle, the number of sunspots and solar flares increases, leading to more frequent and intense Northern Lights displays. The current solar cycle, known as solar cycle 25, is expected to reach its peak around 2025, which means that we are currently entering a prime period for spotting the aurora borealis in Shetland.

While the Northern Lights can theortetically occur throughout the year in Shetland, the best time to see them is during the northern hemisphere winter months, from October to March, when the night sky is at its darkest. Even then it's not always easy, as even if there is significant solar activity, clear skies are needed to witness the northern lights.

Shetland offers great opportunities for witnessing the elusive Northern Lights, but some locations are better than others.

It’s worth remembering that light pollution can reduce your chances of seeing the mirrie dancers. Thankfully, in Shetland it’s not too difficult to find a dark spot with a clear view to the north, and sometimes the northern lights are even visible in Lerwick, the main town.

It’s also important to remember that as it is a natural phenomenon, you need patience, and the ability to drop everything and find a dark spot if there is aurora borealis activity.

With the current solar cycle in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan a trip to the Shetland Islands to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Northern Lights.