* . *
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Earth-News
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    Penn State-Themed Restaurant and Entertainment Spot Happy Valley Live Set to Open in State College – StateCollege.com

    Penn State-Themed Restaurant and Entertainment Spot Happy Valley Live Set to Open in State College – StateCollege.com

    The Police Made Chart History With This 1979 Hit Nearly 50 Years Ago – Yahoo

    How The Police Changed Music Forever with Their Iconic 1979 Hit Nearly 50 Years Ago

    Good Deed Entertainment Acquires Worldwide Rights To Liza Mandelup’s Documentary ‘Caterpillar’ – Deadline

    Good Deed Entertainment Lands Global Rights to Liza Mandelup’s Captivating Documentary ‘Caterpillar

    Danielle Fishel Explains Why Being on “DWTS” Makes Her Feel ‘Like It’s 1994 Again’ Filming “Boy Meets World” (Exclusive) – Yahoo

    Danielle Fishel Explains Why Being on “DWTS” Makes Her Feel ‘Like It’s 1994 Again’ Filming “Boy Meets World” (Exclusive) – Yahoo

    Jussie Smollett Claims He Was ‘Disrespected’ on the ‘Special Forces’ Season Premiere – Yahoo

    Jussie Smollett Opens Up About Feeling ‘Disrespected’ During the ‘Special Forces’ Season Premiere

    TicketSmarter Fall Entertainment Guide – Eastern Illinois University Athletics

    TicketSmarter Fall Entertainment Guide – Eastern Illinois University Athletics

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as Chief Technology Officer – Yahoo Finance

    STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as New Chief Technology Officer

    Saving Energy and Money with Smart Technology – Terms of Service with Clare Duffy – Podcast on CNN Podcasts – CNN

    Saving Energy and Money with Smart Technology – Terms of Service with Clare Duffy – Podcast on CNN Podcasts – CNN

    Four Strategic Signals Technology Leaders Are Tuning In To – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM ARM – Harvard Business Review

    Four Essential Strategic Signals Every Technology Leader Should Watch

    Virginia Tech hosts annual New Music + Technology Festival this week – Cardinal News

    Virginia Tech Kicks Off Exciting Annual New Music and Technology Festival This Week

    Why I gave the world wide web away for free | Tim Berners-Lee – The Guardian

    Why I Decided to Make the World Wide Web Free for Everyone | Tim Berners-Lee

    From shale to steam: Fossil fuel technology boosts clean geothermal energy – Washington Examiner

    From Shale to Steam: How Fossil Fuel Technology is Powering a Clean Geothermal Energy Revolution

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    Penn State-Themed Restaurant and Entertainment Spot Happy Valley Live Set to Open in State College – StateCollege.com

    Penn State-Themed Restaurant and Entertainment Spot Happy Valley Live Set to Open in State College – StateCollege.com

    The Police Made Chart History With This 1979 Hit Nearly 50 Years Ago – Yahoo

    How The Police Changed Music Forever with Their Iconic 1979 Hit Nearly 50 Years Ago

    Good Deed Entertainment Acquires Worldwide Rights To Liza Mandelup’s Documentary ‘Caterpillar’ – Deadline

    Good Deed Entertainment Lands Global Rights to Liza Mandelup’s Captivating Documentary ‘Caterpillar

    Danielle Fishel Explains Why Being on “DWTS” Makes Her Feel ‘Like It’s 1994 Again’ Filming “Boy Meets World” (Exclusive) – Yahoo

    Danielle Fishel Explains Why Being on “DWTS” Makes Her Feel ‘Like It’s 1994 Again’ Filming “Boy Meets World” (Exclusive) – Yahoo

    Jussie Smollett Claims He Was ‘Disrespected’ on the ‘Special Forces’ Season Premiere – Yahoo

    Jussie Smollett Opens Up About Feeling ‘Disrespected’ During the ‘Special Forces’ Season Premiere

    TicketSmarter Fall Entertainment Guide – Eastern Illinois University Athletics

    TicketSmarter Fall Entertainment Guide – Eastern Illinois University Athletics

  • General
  • Health
  • News

    Cracking the Code: Why China’s Economic Challenges Aren’t Shaking Markets, Unlike America’s” – Bloomberg

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Trump’s Narrow Window to Spread the Truth About Harris

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    Israel-Gaza war live updates: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh assassinated in Iran, group says

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    PAP Boss to Niger Delta Youths, Stay Away from the Protest

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Court Restricts Protests In Lagos To Freedom, Peace Park

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Fans React to Jazz Jennings’ Inspiring Weight Loss Journey

    Trending Tags

    • Trump Inauguration
    • United Stated
    • White House
    • Market Stories
    • Election Results
  • Science
  • Sports
  • Technology
    STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as Chief Technology Officer – Yahoo Finance

    STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as New Chief Technology Officer

    Saving Energy and Money with Smart Technology – Terms of Service with Clare Duffy – Podcast on CNN Podcasts – CNN

    Saving Energy and Money with Smart Technology – Terms of Service with Clare Duffy – Podcast on CNN Podcasts – CNN

    Four Strategic Signals Technology Leaders Are Tuning In To – SPONSOR CONTENT FROM ARM – Harvard Business Review

    Four Essential Strategic Signals Every Technology Leader Should Watch

    Virginia Tech hosts annual New Music + Technology Festival this week – Cardinal News

    Virginia Tech Kicks Off Exciting Annual New Music and Technology Festival This Week

    Why I gave the world wide web away for free | Tim Berners-Lee – The Guardian

    Why I Decided to Make the World Wide Web Free for Everyone | Tim Berners-Lee

    From shale to steam: Fossil fuel technology boosts clean geothermal energy – Washington Examiner

    From Shale to Steam: How Fossil Fuel Technology is Powering a Clean Geothermal Energy Revolution

    Trending Tags

    • Nintendo Switch
    • CES 2017
    • Playstation 4 Pro
    • Mark Zuckerberg
No Result
View All Result
Earth-News
No Result
View All Result
Home Science

How to photograph the Northern Lights, according to an expert

December 23, 2023
in Science
How to photograph the Northern Lights, according to an expert
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

ByNori Jemil

Published December 22, 2023

• 10 min read

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Experiencing the Northern Lights in all their majesty is a dream for most travellers. Caused by solar-charged particles reacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, the mostly green dancing lights of this natural phenomenon are often spectacular. Seeing auroras is a thrill in itself, but getting a great photo might just be the crowning glory. Given their ethereality, this takes patience, the right kit and a fair bit of forward planning. And, with 2024 expected to bring some of the brightest Northern Lights displays in over 20 years, thanks to the approaching ‘solar maximum’ (a peak in the Sun’s activity), there’s never been a better time to try to capture them.

When and where to travel

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Aurora Borealis is often stronger around the autumn and spring equinoxes in late September and April. From November to January, longer nights mean more hours of darkness and an increased chance of sightings — but bear in mind that inclement, wintry Northern Hemisphere skies might obscure the view. You should also aim to avoid any periods of full, bright moonlight, which will diminish any light shows.

Displays do occur in the UK and Ireland (recently more so because of the period of high solar activity we’re currently in) but across sparsely populated parts of Alaska, Canada, the Nordic countries and inside the Arctic Circle, the lack of light pollution and closer proximity to the north magnetic pole combine to intensify these mesmerising bursts of light.

Although auroras are never guaranteed, Norway is one of the best places to see them, with the Lofoten archipelago, Tromsø and Kirkenes all picturesque, accessible and perfectly positioned in the far north. Cruise ships also sail along the Norwegian coastline, offering even darker viewing conditions. Be warned, though — while ships often provide a more comfortable experience, it’s harder to control framing and focus while on a moving vessel.

Iceland, with its spectacular waterfalls, geothermal activity and glaciers, is another of the most popular short-haul adventure destinations for Europeans — and superb for aurora chasing, too. Darkness is key, so if staying in Reykjavík, book a night tour away from the glare of the city. Better still, opt for a more remote location like Hotel Rangá, on the south coast, or the westerly Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Starkly beautiful Greenland, inside the Arctic Circle, is another option. Harder to get to than Iceland and therefore less crowded, its rural landscapes and remoteness make it a special destination for photographers seeking adventure.

Location is everything, so aim to stay in a good spot and for long enough to maximise the photographic opportunities. And don’t forget that where you stay can also become part of the frame. Glass domes, ice hotels and tree-top accommodations are great photographic subjects and place you close to the action. At the Aurora Sky Station in Sweden’s Abisko National Park, you can gaze at the heavens on your way to the observation tower from an open-air chairlift, then use the structural shapes in your compositions. Similarly, mountain ranges like the snowy sawtooth topography of Spitsbergen provide dramatic backdrops.

The north of Finland has a number of winter sports activity centres that double as dark sky reserves — situated in areas of wilderness, these are perfect for proximity when aurora alerts start pinging.

(6 places to see the Northern Lights in Europe.)

How to travel safely and smartly

Waiting for the lights can often be a long, cold affair, as they usually occur well into the small hours, so ensure you bundle up and think about travelling with others for safety. Keep extra camera batteries or your phone warm in an interior clothing pocket, too — below-zero temperatures will zap them of energy. A good pair of photography gloves ensures you can still grapple with the dials and buttons while keeping your fingertips from freezing.

Pack a tripod for stability

Even if you’re heading to a remote area and need to travel light, one thing you mustn’t leave behind is a tripod. Stability is everything when photographing the night sky because the shutter needs to be kept open to let light in — trying to rest your camera on a snowy ledge just won’t cut it. A carbon fibre or other lightweight but sturdy tripod is essential, along with a remote shutter-release cable to avoid camera shake. Failing that, use the timer and stand still — moving around will make the ground shift, even if it’s imperceptible to you, resulting in a blurry shot.

Use a wide-angle lens 

A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the enormity of the sky— at times of high intensity, the lights will dance around, even flaring into corona, fringed with purples, pinks, blues and reds. But a very wide angle might also pick up unwanted subjects, therefore watch out for distracting vehicle headlights in more built-up areas, or other travellers. Head torches are invaluable for safety in the darkness — get one with a red-light option to maintain your night vision — but be mindful of fellow photographers.

Focus on composition

Strong composition can really lift an image. Look for a tree, body of water or an interesting structure, like a brightly coloured timber-framed house, choosing one that’s subtly lit so that it doesn’t become over-exposed. Alternatively, seek out a strong horizon for background interest, such as a hill or mountain range, or get your companion to stand still for a dramatic silhouette. Consider where to place your focal point, perhaps using the rule of thirds, and don’t be afraid to shoot vertically to include as much of the aurora action as possible.

Camera settings

In addition to using a wide-angle lens and stabilisation, it helps to have a low-light capable lens, with an aperture or F-stop of 4.0 or lower. This means you won’t have to whack the ISO up too high, as this will add noise to your image. Each camera is different, so do some night sky test shots before you travel. Shoot in RAW for extra detail.

Manual settings mean you can control the focus and exposure — keep the shutter open for too long and any stars will become blobs, while a very short exposure will be too dark. It’s a good idea to take a number of varied exposures between five and 30 seconds, checking and adjusting your aperture, ISO and shutter speed according to the strength of the auroras. Don’t forget to switch to manual focus with the lens fixed on infinity, since you’re aiming at the sky and into the far distance.

Using a phone

With recent technological advancements, the unthinkable has happened, and pretty decent aurora images can now be shot on most newer Apple and Android models. Just like using a camera, a phone needs to be held still long enough for light to hit the sensor. A tripod is recommended, alongside a remote, Bluetooth release, or using the phone’s inbuilt timer. Turn off any flash, switch to night mode or use the manual settings, if you have them, to adjust the exposure and shoot in RAW. Aurora alert apps, such as hello aurora, help predict when there’s going to be a strong display, while others can process your shots, saving you the bother of editing or stacking shots for the perfect image.

Nori Jemil is the author of The Travel Photographer’s Way, £18.99, Bradt Guides.

To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : National Geographic – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/how-to-photograph-the-northern-lights-according-to-an-expert

Tags: Northernphotographscience
Previous Post

US intelligence suggests Iran involved in planning attacks in Red Sea

Next Post

Do you wash your meat? Some cooks are divided over the practice.

The sleepy SF neighborhood that just became one of the world’s coolest – SFGATE

The sleepy SF neighborhood that just became one of the world’s coolest – SFGATE

October 1, 2025
The “stuck economy,” tariffs and Wall Street – marketplace.org

How Tariffs and Wall Street Are Strangling the Economy’s Growth

October 1, 2025
LSU Theatre’s season opener: A handkerchief discovered by a lovesick suitor adds up to hilarity – The Advocate

Love, Laughter, and a Lost Handkerchief: LSU Theatre’s Season Opener Promises Hilarious Fun

October 1, 2025
Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS (.gov)

Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS (.gov)

October 1, 2025
Ex-NATO head on Russia: ‘We cannot change Putin’s mind’ – DW

Ex-NATO head on Russia: ‘We cannot change Putin’s mind’ – DW

October 1, 2025
PFAS in East Selah drinking water – Washington State Department of Ecology (.gov)

Alarming PFAS Contamination Discovered in East Selah Drinking Water

October 1, 2025
Science Expo – Northern Public Radio

Discover the Wonders of Science at the Exciting Expo!

October 1, 2025
Science and artificial intelligence could help personalize brain stimulation for smokers – News-Medical

How Science and AI Are Transforming Personalized Brain Stimulation to Help Smokers Quit

October 1, 2025
Review: What’s good at new prime-cuts steakhouse in Virginia Beach – Yahoo

Review: What’s good at new prime-cuts steakhouse in Virginia Beach – Yahoo

October 1, 2025
STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as Chief Technology Officer – Yahoo Finance

STELLA Automotive AI Appoints Fred Seidelman as New Chief Technology Officer

October 1, 2025

Categories

Archives

October 2025
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Sep    
Earth-News.info

The Earth News is an independent English-language daily published Website from all around the World News

Browse by Category

  • Business (20,132)
  • Ecology (845)
  • Economy (866)
  • Entertainment (21,740)
  • General (17,347)
  • Health (9,910)
  • Lifestyle (879)
  • News (22,149)
  • People (868)
  • Politics (877)
  • Science (16,076)
  • Sports (21,366)
  • Technology (15,849)
  • World (849)

Recent News

The sleepy SF neighborhood that just became one of the world’s coolest – SFGATE

The sleepy SF neighborhood that just became one of the world’s coolest – SFGATE

October 1, 2025
The “stuck economy,” tariffs and Wall Street – marketplace.org

How Tariffs and Wall Street Are Strangling the Economy’s Growth

October 1, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 earth-news.info

Go to mobile version