The world's first permanent observatory for northern lights was established on Mount Halde in Norway in 1899 by physicist and Arctic explorer Kristian Birkeland. This pioneer facility allowed early 20th-century scientists to study the mesmerizing auroras that illuminated the Arctic skies. Norway is recognized as the birthplace of aurora research, having been the site where these phenomena were scientifically observed and documented. The rich history of aurora studies in Norway underscores its significance in the field of atmospheric sciences.

Living on the windy Mount Halde during winter was challenging, and research operations were relocated to Tromsø in 1926, where solar event measurements and studies of the Earth's magnetic field have continued robustly. This shift allowed for the advancement of aurora research with better facilities, ensuring that studies could be conducted in an environment more conducive to work outside severe winter conditions.

A century after the closure of the original observatory, a sophisticated radar system is set to become operational in Skibotn, a location strategically situated between Tromsø and Halde. This new network of 10,000 antennas aims to deepen the understanding of auroras and their connections to solar activities and Earth’s magnetosphere, potentially leading to significant advancements in both scientific knowledge and practical applications in space weather forecasting.