Northern Lights in Greenland: a Miracle of the Largest Island on Earth

Once again we return to the story of the unique phenomenon bestowed upon us by the cosmos, Aurorae. This year, nature is particularly spoiling us with this marvellous light show, thanks to unprecedented solar activity, so many people are witnessing this grotesque celestial wonder. This article offers a detailed travel guide to the Northern Lights in Greenland — the Earth’s largest and northernmost island. You will learn features, myths, legends, best places and times to observe Greenland’s aurora borealis.

Can You See the Northern Lights in Greenland?

Many aurora borealis hunters wonder, does Greenland have Northern Lights? We assure you: that Greenland is one of the best places on Earth to observe the phenomenon. The island is located at latitudes from 59° N. to 84°N. This means that it extends from subarctic to high arctic latitudes, making it one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world. Yes, the area is inhabited, even though three-quarters of its territory is covered with permanent ice.

Geographically, the island belongs to North America, but de jure it is part of the Danish kingdom. About 60 thousand hospitable residents live there, so you won’t have any problem visiting Greenland. Just keep in mind that there are almost no roads between settlements there. Transport communications are carried out mainly by sea and air.

What Causes the Northern Lights in Greenland?

Greenland’s aurora, like any other, is caused by the luminescence effect, which occurs due to the interaction of charged particles of the solar wind with atoms and molecules of the Earth’s atmospheric gases. These are mainly oxygen and nitrogen. When solar wind particles reach Earth, they are directed by the planet’s magnetic field towards the poles. The particles collide with gas molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, which excites the gas molecules, causing them to emit photons, which we see as light. The closer we are to the Earth’s poles, the richer and brighter this light is.

What Colour Is the Northern Lights in Greenland?

Aurora borealis in Greenland comes in a variety of colours but is most often green. This happens because at an altitude of 100 to 300 km, oxygen atoms predominate, which, when interacting with charged particles of the solar wind, emit green and, less often, red shades of the visible spectrum. At lower altitudes, the atmosphere is dominated by nitrogen, which emits blue and violet colours.

The colours and intensity of the northern lights can also change depending on the strength of the solar wind and the effects of light pollution. The island’s far northern location, coupled with the high annual number of days with clear skies, most often gives us a green glow over the region, but other colours can be seen depending on circumstances.

What Affects the Way We Aee Aurora Borealis in Greenland? 

The visibility of the Northern lights in Greenland is influenced by the following factors:

• solar activity: the more disturbances happen on the Sun, the more charged particles from the solar wind rush towards the Earth, causing disturbances in its magnetic field. We call these disturbances geostorms;
• geographical position: the island is located exactly within the boundaries of the Arctic Circle, in the so-called auroral oval, where the luminescence effect from the interaction of the solar wind with atmospheric gases is strongest;
• time of year and day: aurorae are visible only on dark nights, since during the day everything is obscured by the light of the sun, and in the summer the nights are shorter than in winter, so the period of visibility of this phenomenon is significantly reduced.
• light pollution level: places far from populated areas are better suited for observation, as city lights reduce the effect of the light show;
• weather: cloudy skies and precipitation may reduce visibility, so check the weather forecast for a clear night.
• Moon phases: on a full moon, the night can be full of light, which also negatively affects aurora visibility.

The combination of these factors makes Greenland one of the best places on Earth to watch the celestial light show if you pick the right time.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Greenland for Northern Lights?

Aurora on Earth’s largest island is visible throughout the year, but the best time when to see Northern Lights in Greenland is from late August to early April.

Ideally, your observation should take place in:

• winter months, as well as the equinoxes in September and March, when the nights are longest and darkest.
• night time: aurora borealis in Greenland is best visible after complete darkness and before 2.00.
• new moon: at this time, moonlight is minimal and the nights are especially dark, creating an optimal environment for observing the aurora.

It is important to remember that aurora usually lasts no more than two hours, and its peak brightness is observed from 15 to 30 minutes. Northern Lights Greenland forecast service can help you pick the ideal observation time.

Where Are the Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Greenland?

On the northern island, the phenomenon can be observed not only all year round, but also from almost everywhere, but we have handpicked the 5 best locations where to stay in Greenland to see the Northern Lights best.

Nuuk 

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland, located south of the Arctic Circle. Greenlanders lovingly call it Nuuk-York, although the population here is 100 times smaller than in its American namesake. Aurora can often be seen here, sometimes quite significantly, since light pollution from streets and houses has little effect on the overall view. If you visit this Arctic metropolis in autumn or winter, you’ll be able to say that you stood in the city centre and looked at the heavenly lights right above your head.

Ilulissat

This small town on the west coast is famous for its impressive icebergs, which can reach the size of a skyscraper. The main attraction in Ilulissat is the famous ice fjord, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a fjord cruise or take a dog sleigh, snowshoe or snowmobile tour to see the Ilulissat Northern Lights in full glory.

Kangerlussuaq

Situated in a valley on the western part of the island, the small town of Kangerlussuaq enjoys a stable climate and 300 clear nights a year (for this reason, the international airport is located here rather than in Nuuk). If you’re short on time, hop on a plane to Kangerlussuaq (a direct flight from Copenhagen takes just 4.5 hours). This location will boost your chances as the Northern Lights can be visible here even in August.

If you come to the island with a camera in search of stunning views, book a tour, the guide will give you some photography tips and show you the immense Greenland Icesheet or the impressive Russell Glacier, which is no less impressive a sight than the aurora.

Tasiilaq

The largest city on the east coast offers beautiful views of the open sea, surrounding mountains, and, of course, the lights. Here you can book a helicopter tour to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the majestic mountain landscapes or go by boat to watch icebergs and whales. Connoisseurs of history and culture will appreciate a visit to the Ammassalik Museum.

Kangertittivaq

Kangertittivaq, also known as Scoresby Sund, is the longest fjord system on Earth, located on the east coast of the island. It extends approximately 220 miles inland from the Greenland Sea and is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering cliffs and icebergs.

The only residential settlement in Scoresby Sund is Ittoqqortoormiit. Only 450 residents live there, so there is virtually no light pollution. You can stop here and start excursions from this location. Hire a helicopter or boat to experience rugged and dramatic coastal scenery. The Aurora at Scoresby Sund reflects off huge icebergs, doubling the effect of the spectacle.

What Are the Myths About the Aurora in Greenland?

For centuries, aurora has challenged the imagination of the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the world’s Arctic regions, and has become the subject of myths and legends. The most common Eskimo legend is that aurora borealis in Greenland occurs when the souls of the dead play football with a walrus skull in heaven. The Greenlandic expression for “Northern Lights” is “Arssarnerit” and means “those who play with the ball.”

According to other myths, the magical glow in the sky represents the souls of unborn children and the fires of the gods. There is also a belief that if you whistle during an aurora, it may approach you out of curiosity or even dance for you. Others believe that whistling during a light show can lead to contact with the dead, and the light will take you straight to them.

These myths and legends are part of the island’s centuries-old cultural heritage and reflect the relationship between nature and the Inuit spiritual world.

Main Competitor: Is It Better to See the Northern Lights in Iceland or Greenland?

Iceland is a small island country located at approximately 65°N, 174 miles southeast of Greenland across the Denmark Strait. Curiously, when comparing the climate and landscapes of Iceland and Greenland, it seems that someone made a joke by mixing up their names. Iceland, with its green landscapes, is much more suited to bear the name Greenland, and vice versa, Greenland with its ice would be perfectly suited to the name Iceland. Despite this joke, no matter where you go to hunt for sky lights, you will get beautiful views in any of these countries. But if you’re looking for a more convenient and affordable trip, Iceland may be preferable. This small northern country has a better-developed tourism infrastructure, it is easier to move between different places, and there are many tours and excursions specialising in observing the aurora borealis.

On the other hand, Greenland offers wilder and more untouched nature, allowing for a more immersive experience of viewing Greenland’s Northern Lights against a backdrop of unique landscapes. The choice is yours. But we can assure you that a trip to any of these places will be a dream journey that will offer an unforgettable experience. Just don’t forget to stock up on warm clothes, take a thermos with warm tea, a reliable partner, and a good camera.

References and Additional Information:

• What are the Northern Lights? And how can you see them?
  https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-26381685
• Aurora
  https://irishastro.org/aurora-current-conditions/
• Aurora Reach, Greenland, North Americа 
  https://aurorareach.com/places/gl
• Iceland and Greenland – What’s the Difference Between the Countries? https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/iceland-and-greenland
• Of Legends and Folklore: Greenland’s Northern Lights
  https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/blog/of-legends-and-folklore-greenland-s-northern-lights