Page 48 - CSC Newsletter

TRAVEL CIVIL SERVICE CLUB 46

Photo credit: Adele Lim

NORTHERN LIGHTS:

A PHENOMENON THAT HAPPENS

ONCE EVERY 50 YEARS!

The Northern Lights have long been a subject of fascination for travellers. This
atmospheric phenomenon occurs most frequently near the magnetic north
pole and the coasts of Norwegian countries. On every other clear night, the Living in Singapore, we are used to a balmy
sky is illuminated, not only by the blanket of stars, but also dancing displays weather. Here are some tips on keeping warm
of greens, reds, yellows and violets! The curtains of luminous light appear in even in the Arctic winter.
many forms: arcs, rolling smoke, patches and scattered clouds.
Underlayers made of wool, silk or synthetic polypropylene
The Northern Lights go by a few other names, including Aurora Borealis and layers are ideal for cold conditions.
Dawn of the North. So mesmerising this phenomenon is that many inspired Outerlayers: Do not leave home without packing a well-
artists and poets have written about it and stories of myths and legends insulated jacket and a pair of insulated trousers.
were borne out of it. Your fngers may swell so protect them with not one but
two pairs of gloves.
What causes it? Bring a pair of glasses the cold and dryness make lens-
Though like magic, there is a scientifc explanation behind this phenomenon. wearing uncomfortable.
Electrons are thrown from the suns atmosphere. These released particles The northern air is very dry, so be sure to pack lip balms as
then stream towards the Earth along a magnetic feld. The formation of the well as water-based moisturisers.
auroras occurs when gaseous particles in the Earths atmosphere collide with
the charged particles from the suns atmosphere.

All this is happening in the ionosphere, some 100 to 130km above us.

Best place to watch the Northern Lights? PLAN YOUR ITINERARY NOW!
A few ideal viewing locations would be Tromsø, Alta, Svalbard and Finnmark. Make use of the upcoming Chinese New Year or March holidays to
In the northern town of Tromsø is where Aurora Borealis activities abound. witness the spellbinding beauty nature has gifted us!
Known as the capital of the Arctic, it is located above the Arctic Circle and
nestled within the Northern Lights zone. There are also many attractions to
visit here, including the Polar Musuem and Polaria Centre, where you can The article is contributed by Stamford Discovery Cruise Center, a fully
glimpse into the Arctic life over the centuries. accredited IATA agency and member of NATAS. For more enquiries
on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage, please contact them at 6225 1322,
What temperatures should you expect? 6225 2322 or cruise@stamfordtravel.net.
Be sure to take into consideration the cold temperatures when you visit. Here
are the average daily temperatures in Tromsø, a town in Norway.
Nov -1.2%C / Dec -3.4%C / Jan -4.4%C / Feb -4.3%C / Mar -2.8%C