For many people, seeing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is a lifelong dream - bucket list stuff.
Yes, there is an element of luck involved in witnessing the breathtaking sight, but if conditions are right then the Northern Lights are an unforgettable, other-worldly experience never to be forgotten.
And one hotel in Iceland is making the whole thing even more special. They're offering stays in a see-through bubble that boasts uninterrupted views of the night sky - the perfect chance to spot the Northern Lights.
A description of the experience on the hotel's website reads;
"As close to nature as you can possibly get the bubble concept combines innovation, luxury and the magnificence of the iconic Icelandic landscape.
"The perfect antidote to the everyday chaos of work and city life, our unique accommodation creates a space to unwind and recharge under the night sky. Unlike any other hotel in Iceland, our transparent bubble stays offer you the experience of a lifetime as we situate you within the nature of the land of fire and ice. Whilst of course we cannot guarantee you will see the northern lights, if the conditions are right you will experience the most magical of nights under the breath-taking aurora borealis and a sky full of stars."
The aptly named 5 Million Star Hotel is the perfect chance to get out and reconnect with nature - in the summer guests can expect to enjoy a world of bird-life, butterflies, and the stunning landscape in the midst of the ever-present midnight sun, the website explains.
With its stunning natural landscapes, incredible history and culture, and diverse wildlife, there is no doubt Thailand is one of the greatest countries in the world to visit. Whether you're traveling for a few months or just looking for a relaxing vacation from work, there is a good reason more than 39 million people visited Thailand in 2019.
And now, I can only imagine that number is going to rise, because the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort in northern Thailand is offering what must be one of the greatest experiences available on the planet.
The gorgeous resort is being added to every traveler's 'to-do list' after offering the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in a luxury 'Jungle Bubble' in an area that is frequented by local elephants. This means guests will be able to sleep under the stars and wake up with some of nature's most spectacular creatures.
Per Anantara, the unique 236-square-foot bubbles were designed by Eye in the Sky and were constructed with high-tech polyester fabric to ensure their integrity and longevity.
Inside, the Jungle Bubbles are air-conditioned to maximize comfort, and feature a large bedroom with a king-size bed and living space with a living area. The bubbles also include a full en-suite bathroom (thankfully, not transparent), meaning you won't have to risk being stepped on by a passing herd as you're taking a leak.
Staff will also deliver a dinner basket right to your dome, meaning you never have to leave the tranquil pod. Just imagine tucking into a delicious meal, underneath the stars, as a group of elephants strolls by.
Check out the amazing moment a heard o elephants defended a calf from a pack of wild dogs:
To make things even better, the 60 elephants on-site were rescued from the streets of Thailand's cities and brought to the resort to live out the rest of their years in peace.
And if you'd like to learn more about these incredible creatures, the resort also offers a 'Walking With Giants' tour, during which, guests will be joined by either a biologist or vet to learn about "how these intelligent creatures think and behave," Etienne De Villiers, Anantara's cluster director of public relations, told Apartment Therapy.
De Villiers added: "Guests can observe the elephants’ social interaction in their native habitat. The fun of either a river bath or mud playtime demonstrates just how cheeky these graceful animals can be."
A stay in one of the Jungle Bubbles will cost $585 per night for two people - but that's nothing for memories I'm certain will last a lifetime. For more information, following the link HERE.
I've always found that the weirdest thing about humans is that we love sleep, but so many of us are terrible at it.
I spend about 90% of my time awake thinking about how much I cannot wait to get back to sleep. However, when the time comes to crawl under my duvet and finally nod off, for some reason, I just can't. Perhaps my boring bedroom just isn't relaxing enough for me to finally relax and fall asleep?
Speaking of sleep, this woman has been dubbed a real 'Sleeping Beauty' as her condition causes her to sleep for days on end:
And if you're like me, then what you need is something that will transport you away from your day-to-day life and make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere sleeping under the stars, then this nightlight is for you.
The BlissLights Sky Lite, available on Amazon, works by "projecting a field of drifting green stars against a transforming blue nebula cloud" - and the results look mesmerizing and relaxing.
"Bring a galaxy indoors! The SKYlite instantly projects a field of drifting stars against a transforming blue nebula cloud. Simple button controls make it easy to cycle through light effects, adjust brightness, or start/stop the motion. A unique way to light up parties, revitalize your workspace, or light a romantic dinner for two. It also works as a unique nightlight. An excellent gift for adults and kids alike! Includes AC adapter.
"Use either SKY as a unique night light, enjoy dining under the stars, create a relaxing spa, or accent your home and entertainment areas!
"As an industry leader in laser lighting, BlissLights uses only the highest quality lasers and superior holographics, the same energy efficient technology found in theme park lighting."
And the Sky Lite isn't just great to fall asleep to, as the projector can be used in any room in the house. Why not make that romantic dinner even more romantic. Or add some atmosphere to movie night?
I'd even put mine in the bathroom and pretend I'm at a fancy spa.
One happy customer who left a five-star review wrote: "I’m totally addicted to this thing. If I’m going to spend a significant amount of time in a room I’ll bring it with me. It’s great for really anything, even watching tv or enjoying a magical bath. It’s quite beautiful and relaxing.
"It’s easy to use and small, my only complaint in the placement of the buttons: whenever I pick up the unit or try to adjust it, I inevitably push one and have to figure out which one it was and then cycle through them again to get to where I was. And, this has become more minor as time goes on, I do wish the stars were blue or white instead of green. Some of the seller’s images make them look more along this spectrum, but, it’s still enjoyable. For the price this can’t be beaten, I’m seriously tempted to get one for every room."
While another wrote: "Probably the coolest purchase I’ve made in a while. This skylight adds a unique almost Hypnotizing view where ever you put it. I’ve have bought 2 so far. It has a few settings. I’m still learning how to use it properly. There is a timer and brightness option included. It’s a must if [you're] looking to kick up a room a notch TrUst mE!!"
Overall, the Sky Lite has a rating of 4.6 out of 5, so it certainly sounds like a quality product you can trust.
Each unit costs $49.99 - which is a decent price for introducing an entire nebula into your home.
With so many of us stuck indoors a lot more these days, there's never been a better time to develop a newfound appreciation for the natural world.
Maybe you're thinking about stargazing or taking long walks out in the woods where it's peaceful and quiet, or even just tending to your own yard, if you're lucky enough to have one.
So if you're in the mood to begin appreciating nature properly, then I have good news for you: the incredible Northern Lights will be visible from many parts of the United States tonight, giving viewers a jaw-dropping view of one of the world's most amazing natural phenomena.
According to a recent report by The Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC), G1 and G2 geomagnetic storms are due in the night skies between September 27-29, which will give Americans living in the northern United States a good view of the aurora borealis.
"Isolated G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm conditions are likely to continue through [September 27-28] ... A much larger coronal hole is expected on [September 29] further enhancing the solar wind conditions. A G2 (Moderate) storm watch has been issued for [September 29]."
The report goes on to mention that the states where the Northern Lights will be visible include: northern Idaho, northern Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as Alaska and the whole of Canada.
According to NASA, although they might look magical and mystical, auroras are actually caused by the sun, which can eject large bubbles of electrified gas as a result of solar flares and storms.
While you're at it, take a look at another incredible natural phenomenon; a blood-red moonrise:
These gas bubbles travel through the vacuum of space at great speeds, and then interfere with the planet Earth's natural magnetic fields when they reach our world. These magnetic fields are strongest at the Earth's north and south poles, which is why the lights can be seen so clearly the closer the observer is to them.
So there you have it: if you want to witness something more spectacular than any fireworks show, then step outside tonight and look upwards.
For those of you who haven't been bombarded with photos and videos on social media today, the Northern Lights put on a dazzling display on Friday night.
For thousands of people across the US, UK, and Europe, it was the first time they had ever witnessed the Northern Lights - also known as aurora borealis.
Per BBC News, the phenomenon was the result of one of the strongest geomagnetic storms for years hitting the Earth.
When charged light particles from the Sun collide with our planet's atmospheric gases, they energize atoms and molecules, causing them to emit light.
It's time to tick the lights off your bucket list! Credit: NurPhoto / Getty
The distinct colors of the aurora are a result of different gases in the Earth's atmosphere being energized by the incoming charged particles. Nitrogen and oxygen are the two most abundant gases in the atmosphere, with oxygen atoms emitting predominantly green light - the most common color observed in the Northern Lights.
Nitrogen atoms, on the other hand, emit hues of purple, blue, and pink.
In the US, the lights were visible as far south as Alabama and northern California, while in Europe, countries like Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Denmark, and Poland were treated to the awe-inspiring sight.
But don't worry if you missed Friday night's spectacular, because experts are hopeful that the aurora borealis will be visible on Saturday night (May 11) into Sunday morning.
The Northern Lights attracts a crowd in England. Credit: Ian Forsyth / Getty
Elizabeth Rizzini from BBC Weather described the conditions as "fantastic," with a high likelihood of sightings not only on Friday night but also possibly extending into Saturday.
Meanwhile, Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon anticipated continued favorable conditions for Saturday night.
“Conditions could continue on Saturday night, but we still have to work out some details on where exactly that will be,” he said, per The Independent. "The combination of clear skies and enhanced activity from the sun reaching Earth would improve the chances of seeing the display."
Additionally, the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update: "Overnight, aurora were visible across much of the United States. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight."
The southern lights were also visible over areas of Australia and New Zealand. Credit: NurPhoto / Getty
So, what are the best tips for seeing the Northern Lights? Well, here's what the experts have to say...
Check the Forecast
And we mean both the weather and aurora activity forecasts.
Firstly, make sure that high levels of aurora activity are expected in your area. A great tool for this is the official NOAA website.
Next, you're going to want to hope for clear skies. If your local weather forecast is predicting large cloud coverage, you're going to want to jump in the car and drive somewhere with clear skies.
Head to an area with Low Light Pollution
If you're in a built-up area surrounded by streetlights, it may be best to take a drive to the countryside or other dark, open spaces.
Chris Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, advised: “The best chance you have of seeing the lights is if you are away from street lights and areas with lots of light pollution, as any type of light does have a big effect.”
Charge Your Batteries
One of the best ways to see the Northern Lights is by using your phone or other cameras.
Sometimes, the naked eye just cannot pick up on the dazzling display unfolding above you, but experts say that smartphones are adept at capturing low-light scenes.
Brent Gordon of the Space Weather Prediction Center said on Friday: "Cellphones are much better than our eyes at capturing light.
"Just go out your back door and take a picture with a newer cellphone, and you'd be amazed at what you see in that picture versus what you see with your eyes."
ITV News meteorologist and weather presenter Chris Page also suggests using a long exposure and to "experiment with different exposure times and ISO settings to achieve the best results."
Additionally, Sten Odenwald - an astronomer and educator at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center - told The Verge why your phone's night mode is also perfect for capturing a stunning image of the lights.
"Night mode is typically taking multiple images, like maybe five to ten images at a set speed that it optimizes for. And then it compares the images to find the best ones and basically combines those into your final image," Odenwald said. "It does dark subtraction and flat fielding, which removes distortions, and also removes some of the graininess."
So, make sure you've charged your batteries and maybe bring along an extra power pack.
Look North
The charged particles from the sun are drawn by the Earth's magnetic field, so if you're in the northern hemisphere, you're going to want to look north. (Additionally, if you're in the southern hemisphere, you can see the Southern Lights - known as the aurora australis - by looking south.)
Page adds: "The aurora is drawn towards the polar regions of the Earth. As a result you might not be able to see it directly overhead."
Be Patient
Good things always come to those who wait. The aurora borealis is a must-see event that is on many people's bucket lists.
The display is dependent on a number of different factors, so don't expect to just look up at the sky and see it. Pack a camping chair and settle in for the night - but trust me, it'll be worth it.
Wrap Up Warm
Due to the fact that you may be waiting a while throughout the cold night, make sure you're looking after yourself first and wrap up warm. Wear enough layers to ensure you remain protected from the cold evening - and maybe even pack a flask of coffee or cocoa!
The Northern Lights will shine bright in the UK sky again, but this time has been dubbed a "once in a decade" event.
We seem to have been spoiled by the Northern Lights in recent times, and it seems like there's no need to go to Scandinavia to see them anymore.
The Northern Lights are quite the sight. Credit: Westend61/Getty
While that would still be the trip of a lifetime, the lights keep being visible from our own backyards, and that's pretty cool.
Well, a rare solar event expected to unfold over the coming months could bring more frequent sightings of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, across the UK, reaching as far south as central and southern England, as reported by the Metro.
The sun’s magnetic fields undergo a reversal approximately every 11 years, a process known as the solar cycle.
We are now approaching the peak of this cycle, or “solar maximum,” a phase when the sun’s activity surges, sending increased solar energy and charged particles toward Earth.
The Northern Lights over Stonehenge, England. Credit: Anton Petrus/Getty
“While it’s not possible to know precisely what this means for individual Earth-directed solar events, it does mean there will likely be further chances of aurora visibility in the UK in the coming months,” says Krista Hammond, from the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC).
During solar maximum, the heightened activity on the sun’s surface, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, collides with the Earth's magnetic field.
This interaction excites atoms in the atmosphere, causing them to release light in vibrant colors, depending on the type of gas involved - oxygen produces green and red hues, while nitrogen creates blue tinges.
The Met Office, using data from NASA, has not pinpointed the exact date for the solar maximum, though it’s widely anticipated to happen in 2024.
AuroraWatch UK, which tracks real-time aurora activity, currently indicates no significant chance of Northern Lights sightings today.
However, outside the solar maximum period, spring and autumn remain the most favorable times to view auroras, particularly around the equinoxes.
The UK can expect to see more of the lights. Credit: john finney photography/Getty
As the solar maximum fades, the sun will gradually transition to a “solar minimum” phase, a period marked by reduced solar activity.
During this phase, sightings of the Northern Lights will likely become less frequent, as there will be fewer solar flares or mass ejections energizing Earth’s atmosphere.
“While the total number of sunspots will start to reduce after solar maximum, we will continue to see space weather throughout the solar cycle, even as overall activity declines,” Hammond adds.
“In some solar cycles, the larger events can happen as the Sun transitions back towards solar minimum.”
For those in the US, it can be rare to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights, but stargazers can travel to different destinations like Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and the Scottish Highlands to increase their chances of seeing the breathtaking view.
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