From time immemorial the northern lights have fascinated and inspired mankind. The celestial phenomenon is the source of myths and legends from many countries and the inspiration for numerous artistic interpretations. Seeing the northern lights is an overwhelming, enchanting experience. More and more tourists travel in winter to the areas north of the Arctic Circle to experience this spectacle of nature, since this is the place and season where it can most often be observed.

From the end of January until the end of March, the Norwegian Embassy and the research center Andøya Rocket Range in the province of Nordland are presenting an exhibition showing how scientists have been attempting to solve the enigma of the northern lights for more than one hundred years. The Hamburg-based geologist and photographer Dr. Hinrich Bäsemann caught “northern lights fever” already back in the 1970s. The exhibition presents 30 of his photos in different formats.

Today our knowledge about the northern lights is comprehensive, but there are still aspects which remain elusive. Thanks to international cooperation and modern satellite technology it is possible today to observe the northern lights even from above. Furthermore, using research rockets and weather balloons it is possible to take measurements and make observations in the midst of the northern lights – at a distance of 100 kilometers from the earth.

29 January – 28 March 2010

The Phenomenon of the Northern Lights – Fascination and Facts
Information and facts presented by Andøya Rocket Range/Norway |
Photos by Dr. Hinrich Bäsemann, Hamburg/Tromsø
Nordic Embassies | Felleshus
Free Admission