If you’re flying near the North Pole in the coming hours, make sure to get a window seat!
A powerful solar storm is on the way, and it could disrupt communications, GPS systems but also produce rare auroras across parts of the United States, Canada and Europe early next week, according to weather experts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a G4 (on on a scale of 5) Geomagnetic Storm Watch for Monday, June 2, after a coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on Friday, May 30.
What are the best commercial flights to see aurora borealis?
Departing early in the evening in Europe, these flights align with peak auroral activity between 10 PM and 2 AM, providing excellent opportunities for in-flight aurora viewing.
Finnair’s flight paths from Helsinki often traverses aurora-rich regions over Canada and the North Atlantic, especially on westbound flights.
Icelandair operates flights from Reykjavik often passing through aurora-prone areas. Their fleet includes aircraft with special liveries celebrating the Northern Lights, such as the Boeing 757-200 “Hekla Aurora.”
Norwegian Air offers direct flights from the UK to Tromsø, Norway, and Reykjavik, Iceland, both renowned for their aurora displays.
SAS Airlines operates flights to northern destinations like Tromsø and Kiruna, Sweden, which are within the auroral zone, increasing the chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during the flight.
Domestic flights to Alaska frequently offer passengers views of the Northern Lights, especially on routes to Anchorage and Fairbanks, which are situated within the auroral oval.
