Astronomy stay :
Northern lights
Tromsø, Norway

A few pictures taken during the stay of february 2024

Astro Evasion, offers you these discovery stays of the polar lights in the far north of Norway in Tromsø (Lat 69°30N, Long 18°58E), beyond the Arctic Circle, further north than Iceland, at the same latitude as the middle of Greenland.

During the stay, you will benefit from "scientific" explanations to understand the very complex phenomenon that results in these magnificent luminous draperies in the polar skies.

You will understand their origin, which is our star, the Sun, and answer questions such as the interest in observing them near Tromsø, why the probability of observing them is higher at certain times than others, and why their intensity can vary so quickly. Solar activity will be at its peak around 2025, so take advantage of these periods to hope to see the most beautiful auroras.

Film réalisé par Xavier Dequévy le 12 février 2025 vers 21h30 durant le séjour proposé par Astro Evasion.

Cette vidéo montre l'évolution très rapide d'un sous orage magnétique en temps réel! Cette vidéo en temps réel permet d'apprécier les différentes couleurs mais aussi la vitesse avec laquelle une aurore peut se transformer.

Ci-dessous les graphiques des magnétomètres terrestres ainsi que la variation de la composante Bz du champs magnétique.

A few pictures taken during the stay of february 2024

Astro Evasion, offers you these discovery stays of the polar lights in the far north of Norway in Tromsø (Lat 69°30N, Long 18°58E), beyond the Arctic Circle, further north than Iceland, at the same latitude as the middle of Greenland.

During the stay, you will benefit from "scientific" explanations to understand the very complex phenomenon that results in these magnificent luminous draperies in the polar skies.

You will understand their origin, which is our star, the Sun, and answer questions such as the interest in observing them near Tromsø, why the probability of observing them is higher at certain times than others, and why their intensity can vary so quickly. Solar activity will be at its peak around 2025, so take advantage of these periods to hope to see the most beautiful auroras.

Depending on the availability of scientists, you can exclusively visit:

- The EISCAT Laboratory (European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association), with clear and precise explanations from Arild STENBERG and Erik VARBERG, who study the effect of auroras in the upper atmosphere. You will discover the giant antennas used for transmitting and receiving radio waves.

- The University of Tromsø (The Arctic University of Norway) with its library and permanent exhibitions. Professor Magnar GULLIKSTAD JOHNSEN from the Norwegian Center for Space Weather (NOSWE) will present a "Planeterrella"; made by BIRKELAND at this University in 1912, which reproduces auroras in the laboratory.

A few pictures taken during the stay of february 2024

And that’s not all! Depending on the weather, you will enjoy beautiful snowy landscapes and the bodies of water all around the city. The slightly mountainous landscape offers stunning views. You will enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island of Sommarøy and an excursion to the highlands of Finnish Lapland.

You will have the option (extra cost) to :

- Learn about Sami culture and feed reindeer with our partner Kilpissafarit.
- Enjoy a beautiful dog sledding excursion on the island of Kvaløya with our partner Arcticadventuretours.
- Take the Fjellheisen cable car and enjoy a magnificent sunset over Tromsø.

- Drink a local beverage in the ice bar decorated with ice structures at the Magic Ice Bar Tromsø.
- Visit the Polaria aquarium with all kinds of fish found in Arctic waters, including sea lions that put on a show.
- Visit the PolarSet Museum, which covers the history of polar region exploration.
- Visit the University of Tromsø museum, which permanently offers three changing exhibition spaces.
For all these activities with our partners, you will benefit from preferential rates thanks to the Astro Evasion group rate.

In these periods, late February, the average temperature is between –7°C and –3°C ; the air is dry. It is normally a snowy landscape that will welcome us upon arrival at the airport, while in late October, temperatures range between -3°C and 0°C with also snow on the peaks.

As you know, Tromsø is north of the Arctic Circle, where you can see the midnight sun or experience a two-month polar night.

In October, the daylight duration is about 7h30, ranging from 8h30 to 16h. In February, the daylight duration is 8h, ranging from 8h to 16h.

A few pictures taken during the stay of february 2024

The next sessions for this Northern lights discovery in Norway:

"Northern Lights winter 2025" stay from Saturday, February 8 to Saturday, February 15 2025

Stay limited to a maximum of 20 trainees.

This stay is open for registration - 11 places remaining.

"Northern Lights Winter 2025" stay from Saturday, February 15 to Saturday, February 22, 2025

Stay limited to a maximum of 20 trainees.

This stay is open for registration - Full

" Northern Lights Winter 2026" stay from Saturday, February 14 to Saturday, February 21, 2026

Stay limited to a maximum of 20 trainees.

This stay is open for registration - 18 places remaining

To avoid missing the next stay and to be contacted as soon as new dates are available, click here.

Astro Evasion strongly advises you to book your flights as soon as possible to get the best rates. For example, a round trip from Nice to Tromsø is around €415 via Lufthansa (rate for February 2024).

Regarding accommodation, there is a little more time, but it is still necessary to book about 4 months in advance to benefit from a group rate. The hotel where the group is accommodated during the stay (subject to change) is:

Clarion Collection Hotel With 3,5 stars

Sjogata 35-37, Tromsø, 9291, Norway

For example, the rates for February for standard double rooms are €1620/stay. It is located on the port and close to the city center, breakfast and dinner are included, and Wi-Fi is free. The hotel has a sauna with a magnificent view of the port.
Renting a vehicle costs around €370 for the duration of the stay (Hertz, Sixt, ...) in the airport terminal.