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The northern lights and the southern lights are two sides of the same spectacular coin. These luminous displays of color across the night sky—known scientifically as the aurora borealis and aurora australis—have captivated humankind for millennia. But what exactly causes these glowing ribbons of light? And what is the difference between the aurora borealis vs the aurora australis?
Here at Hotel Rangá in South Iceland, we are lucky to regularly witness the northern lights. Join us as we explore what makes the aurora so special—and how both hemispheres share in this celestial wonder.
What are the Auroras?
Both the aurora borealis and aurora australis are caused by the same phenomenon: the interaction between charged particles from the Sun and Earth’s magnetic field. When these solar particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere—mostly oxygen and nitrogen—they release energy as light. The result? Curtains, arcs, and spirals of glowing color that shimmer and dance across the sky.
Though the physics are the same, the aurora borealis occurs near the northern magnetic pole, while the aurora australis occurs near the southern magnetic pole. The patterns are mirror images of each other, appearing simultaneously on opposite sides of the planet.
So, when guests at Hotel Rangá are watching vibrant greens sweep across the Icelandic night sky, there’s a matching light show happening above Antarctica—though far fewer people are there to see it! This symmetry is what makes the aurora borealis vs aurora australis comparison so fascinating.
Geography: Aurora Borealis vs Aurora Australis
One of the biggest differences between the two auroras is accessibility. The northern lights are visible from populated regions near the Arctic Circle—places like Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, and Alaska. This makes aurora viewing relatively easy and comfortable for travelers who want to witness the show without trekking into the wilderness.
By contrast, the southern lights appear over some of the most remote places on Earth, including Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Occasionally, they can be glimpsed from Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand’s South Island, and parts of southern Argentina or Chile. However, these regions rarely enjoy the clear, dark winter nights that make northern lights viewing so convenient.
In short: the aurora australis is every bit as beautiful, but far harder to see. That’s why Iceland—and Hotel Rangá—remain top destinations for aurora enthusiasts.
Colors and Shapes: The Science of the Aurora
Both auroras display an enchanting spectrum of colors, but the hues depend on altitude, atmospheric composition, and solar activity.
- Green is the most common color, produced when oxygen molecules about 100 kilometers above Earth are struck by charged particles.
- Red appears at higher altitudes—over 200 kilometers—also due to oxygen, but under lower energy collisions.
- Purple, pink, and blue occur when nitrogen molecules are excited.
- Under especially strong solar storms, the aurora may even ripple with multiple colors at once, forming a dazzling gradient from deep red to shimmering violet.
While the aurora borealis and aurora australis share the same palette, local atmospheric conditions can slightly alter the tones. For example, colder polar air in the south may cause the aurora australis to appear softer and more diffuse, while northern lights displays in Iceland often burst with vivid greens and pinks that pulse dramatically across the horizon.
The Rhythm of the Sun
Both auroras follow the same rhythm—the solar cycle, which lasts about 11 years. During solar maximum, when the Sun is most active, solar flares and coronal mass ejections send out massive waves of charged particles. These increase the intensity and frequency of auroral displays around both poles.
Right now, we are entering the peak of Solar Cycle 25, meaning that both the northern and southern lights are expected to be more vibrant than they have been in years.
For travelers, this is the perfect time to visit Iceland. With long winter nights, minimal light pollution, and a front-row seat under dark skies, Hotel Rangá offers ideal conditions for aurora viewing—often right from our geothermal hot tubs.
Myths and Legends: Aurora Borealis vs Aurora Australis
Cultures around the world have long created stories to explain the mysterious glow of the aurora. In the northern hemisphere, the Norse believed that the lights were the reflections from the armor of the Valkyries as they guided fallen warriors to Valhalla. Finnish folklore called them revontulet—“fox fires”—believing a magical fox brushed its tail against the mountains, sending sparks into the sky.
According to Icelandic folklore, expectant mothers were once warned not to look at the northern lights, as doing so might endanger their unborn child or cause the baby to be born cross-eyed. Yet, other tales told a different story—some believed that the aurora could ease a woman’s pain during childbirth. In fact, a few legends even claimed that babies born beneath the shimmering northern lights would be blessed with a lifetime of good luck.
In the southern hemisphere, Indigenous Australians saw the lights as fires from the spirit world or signals of celestial ancestors. The Maori of New Zealand interpreted them as reflections from torches or campfires of their southern kin.
Though the legends differ, they share a common thread: awe and respect for the power and mystery of the natural world.
When and Where to See the Auroras
- Aurora Borealis:
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- Best locations: Iceland, Norway, Finland, northern Canada, Alaska
- Best months: September through April
- Best time of night: Around midnight, though displays can occur anytime in darkness
- Best conditions: Clear, cold, and away from city lights
- Aurora Australis:
- Best locations: Tasmania, Australia, South Island of New Zealand, southern Chile or Argentina, Antarctica
- Best months: March to September (Southern Hemisphere winter)
- Best time of night: Late evening to early morning
- Best conditions: Clear skies, southern-facing view, minimal moonlight
Because the auroras occur simultaneously, a geomagnetic storm that triggers a bright aurora borealis will also energize the aurora australis. The main difference? Far more people are around to photograph and enjoy the aurora australis.
Why See the Northern Lights in Iceland?
There’s a reason travelers from all over the world journey to Iceland in winter—it’s one of the most accessible and reliable aurora-viewing destinations on Earth. Our island’s location right beneath the auroral oval means that the northern lights are visible on many clear nights from late August through early April.
At Hotel Rangá, guests can enjoy this spectacle in unparalleled comfort. Located far from light pollution, our rural setting in south Iceland offers crisp, dark skies. Step outside your room or slip into our hot tubs and gaze upward—you might see a green ribbon unfurl across the heavens.
We also operate the Rangá Observatory, equipped with two high-powered telescopes. When skies are clear, local astronomers help guests to explore far-off stars, planets, and constellations.
There’s something magical about watching the lights shimmer above the snow-covered fields, with the faint sound of the Rangá River flowing nearby. It’s an experience that combines science, serenity, and pure Icelandic wonder.
The Same Sky, Different Stories
Though separated by thousands of kilometers, the aurora borealis and aurora australis are mirror images—each a glowing signature of the Sun’s energy interacting with our magnetic planet. Whether you stand beneath the northern lights in Iceland or dream of the southern skies above Antarctica, both displays remind us of Earth’s delicate connection to the cosmos.
Here at Hotel Rangá, we celebrate that connection every night. When the lights appear, guests gather outside, their faces illuminated by green and pink waves of light. Conversations fade to whispers, cameras click, and for a few perfect moments, everyone looks up—united by awe under the same magnificent sky.
More Blogs About the Northern Lights in Iceland
- Science Behind the Northern Lights: Expert Interview
- Is Iceland A Good Place to See the Northern Lights?
- The Northern Lights in Iceland: What’s Ahead
