SINGAPORE – People in Singapore will soon be able to get a feel of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, which can usually be seen only in the northern parts of the world, such as Norway, Iceland and Finland.

On May 5, a new light installation called Borealis will make its debut at Gardens by the Bay.

The installation is timely because in 2024, natural occurrences of the Northern Lights will be at an all-time high in more than two decades due to the peak of the solar cycle.

During an exclusive preview on April 22, The Straits Times had a glimpse of how the light experience by Switzerland-based artist Dan Acher is being created in Singapore.

Thirty lasers and cloud machines are mounted on the trunks of the Supertrees to create the visual effect of the Northern Lights shrouding the Supertree Grove. The “aurora” is formed by laser light passing through cloud particles generated by the machines.

The display is accompanied by a dreamy soundtrack scored by French composer Guillaume Desbois.

The immersive experience has so far travelled to 40 cities in Europe, Australia, the US and Asia.

It will run at the Gardens from 9pm to 9.30pm every Saturday and Sunday, and from 8pm to 8.30pm on Mondays. Visitors can view the installation free.

It will join the staple line-up of night activities at Supertree Grove, such as the nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.