Description

THERE'S an old, much-loved song that suggests the Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen are a wonderful sight that make the heavens bright.

That's true, of course, but if you want to see nature putting on a spectacular light show this winter, then you may have to travel out of the Granite City to see the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, at their best.

This natural phenomenon, which has fascinated generations of people, can best be seen in January and the start of February, providing the weather conditions are right.

Nature's light-fantastic show is caused when particles from the sun react with the Earth's magnetic field.

As a result, the dark night skies can become electrified with a rainbow of glowing colours which fill the skies with shimmering flashes of red, green, violet and gold.

For those in search of the Aurora Borealis, the north of Scotland is the ideal location as it has the same latitude as Stavanger, in Norway, and Moscow, but is a lot cheaper and easier to reach.

While a sighting is never guaranteed, it does provide the opportunity to get off the beaten track and enjoy the great outdoors.

Those who are lucky enough to experience this truly magical experience will find it is one they never forget.

The natural beauty of Orkney, with its spectacular coastline, stunning cliffs and beautiful countryside, makes for an extraordinary backdrop to view the lights, which are known locally as the merry dancers.

Thurso, the northern Highlands, Dunnet Head and Skye, are also good locations.

In Thurso, Liz Sutherland, owner of the Pentland Lodge Guest House, offers guests the opportunity to register an interest in visiting during the Northern Lights and will contact them when an alert is issued to signal that the lights will be visible.

The Hebrides - the group of islands off the north-west coast - is another good place to enjoy a break and perhaps see the Northern Lights.

The Atlantic winds ensure relatively clear skies on crisp winter nights - perfect for stargazing and for seeing the lights.

Over on the east coast, the Moray Firth is widely regarded as one of the best places to see the lights, especially from the seaside town of Nairn.

All these areas are rich in history and wildlife, so even if you aren't treated to a light spectacular you can enjoy yourself watching seals, puffins and a plethora of other birds flocking there.

While there is no guarantee of seeing the Northern Lights, on a crisp, clear night and under a really dark sky, you may be able to see more than 1,000 stars.

You can even see our own galaxy, The Milky Way, stretching out across the sky.

While it is good to have binoculars or a telescope, if the skies are clear you can see the stars, and perhaps a meteor or two, with the naked eye.

Wrap up warmly and, if you intend being in the same spot for any length of time, bring along a reclining deck-chair so you don't have to stand all night.

Today, January 5, is the day the Earth comes closest to the sun all year, so it's an ideal date to learn more about the glorious constellations of winter and the Aurora Borealis.

The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, and its visitor centre website, is a good starting point.

The observatory has been upgraded and now welcomes small groups and school bookings for those who would like to attend one of its regular public astronomy evenings.

Upcoming events there include: Light From the Early Universe (January 9), a public astronomy evening (January 13) and The Formation of Structure in the Universe (January 16).

For further details call 0131 668 8404 or visit or visit www.roe.ac.uk

On Friday, January 20, a free Stargazing Live session run by Sigma, Moray's Astronomy Club, will take place at Lhanbryde Community Centre.

Visitors can observe the night sky using club members' astronomical telescopes. If the weather is bad, there will be a programme of talks, telescopes and tea.

The Highlands Astronomical Society has an observatory located at the far end of the Culloden Battlefield NTS visitor centre car park, which is open to the general public at certain times.

If you are interested in attending an observing session, or would like some pointers on making the best of your own sessions, visit the website, http://www.spacegazer.com

Those who wish to find out when the northern lights will be visible can sign up for e-mail updates from AuroraWatch at http://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/