5 GREAT-TO-KNOW
FACTS ABOUTTHE NORTHERN LIGHTS
- The northern lights are also
termed the Aurora Borealis,
named after the Roman goddess
of the dawn (Aurora) and
the northerly winds (borealis). - They are caused when charged
particles from the sun are
magnetically deflected to
the Earth’s polar regions,
releasing light as they collide
with the atmosphere – resulting
in a fireworks-like display
across the winter sky. - The best places to see the northern
lights fall at latitudes north of
60° N, on clear, cloudless nights
between September and April.
These include spots in northern
Sweden, Norway, Finland,
Iceland, Russia, Alaska and
Canada, and, sometimes, Scotland.- The northern lights have had their
place in history and mythology.
Viking sailors are reported to have
thought they were the Valkyries
(Odin’s fair maidens) galloping
across the heavens. To the Inuit,
the lights represented the spirits of
friends and family in the next life. - Increase your chances of seeing
the aurora by picking a clear, starry
night, and a good vantage point
like a lakeside or hilltop. Head
away from urban areas to reduce
the risk of pollution hindering
your view. And, of course,
ask your hotel reception desk
to wake you if the lights appear.
Spotted Dick, Britain
citrus zest and currants,
and served with hot custard.
It used to be so much a part of
the British dinner menu that it
also found mention in Charles
Dickens’s A Christmas Carol.Despite the intriguing name,
there is nothing giggle-worthy
about spotted dick – it’s just
an Old School British dessert,
a fruity steamed pudding
traditionally made with suet,TRAVEL WITH FOOD45 April 2017 April 2017^39