Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Pack Warm Layers Even in Spring
Even when chasing the aurora borealis in springtime, it's absolutely essential to pack plenty of warm layers. While temperatures may be warmer than the bitter cold of winter, they can still drop well below freezing at night when viewing the northern lights. Being outside for hours in frigid conditions makes dressing appropriately critical.
Torsten Jacobi, founder of Mighty Travels, recalls nearly freezing during an April auroras adventure in northern Norway. "It was about 35°F at midnight when we headed out to an isolated viewing spot away from town. I made the mistake of not having enough insulating layers and the wind chill soon cut through me." Shivering uncontrollably, he had to head back early while the rest of his group stayed to enjoy the dazzling light show.
Outdoor enthusiast Jessie Stephens warns that letting your guard down because calendars say spring can be dangerous. "The aurora belt region stays cold even when winter transitions to spring. I've been on trips where it snowed in May! Always prepare like it's winter - thermal base layers, thick insulating mid-layers, wind and waterproof outer layers, hats, gloves, scarves, and the warmest boots you've got."
While bulkier clothes may seem like overkill, tour guide Aksel Hansen insists they're a small price to pay for aurora viewing comfort. "We provide guests with snowsuits, snow pants, extra socks, even hand and foot warmers. People are always grateful at midnight when standing outside watching the northern lights that they can enjoy the experience instead of just gritting their teeth and bearing the cold."
Portable heat sources like hot water bottles or pocket warmers can also be invaluable for keeping extremities from freezing. As Hansen reminds, "Fingers and toes get cold fastest. If your hands are numb, you'll struggle operating a camera. And you don't want to cut an incredible trip short just because you lose feeling in your feet."
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Leave City Lights Behind for Best Views
To fully experience the magic of the northern lights, it's essential to get as far away from city lights as possible. The radiance of urban areas significantly diminishes the visibility of the aurora borealis. Venturing into remote wilderness settings offers the best chance to witness the dancing glow stretching across the night sky in all its glory.
Aurora guide Mikkel Nilsen explains that the key is reducing light pollution. "City lights drown out the natural light show. The colors appear fainter and any flickering or movement is harder to discern. It's simply not the same stunning phenomenon that inspires awe when viewing the undiluted aurora in dark skies."
Nilsen recalls one of his most memorable client trips. "We drove about an hour outside of Tromsø to a secluded lake. The city lights were like a distant glow over the mountain ridge. Yet above us, the northern lights shimmered in rippling greens and magentas from horizon to horizon. My guests were brought to tears by the overwhelming beauty."
Photographer Leif Eriksson notes the challenges of shooting the aurora borealis amid urban light pollution. "Your camera tries to balance exposure between the bright cityscape and the darker sky. This typically results in overexposed buildings and underexposed stars or northern lights." He says remote locales allow properly exposing for the lights and capturing subtle colors and movement.
Eriksson fondly remembers a remote farmstead in northern Sweden. "We were miles from anything and the Milky Way shone brightly. When the aurora flared up, muted purples and greens reflected perfectly on the snow and ice around us. Being detached from civilization let me photograph the true radiance and scale of the lights."
Of course, venturing into untamed wilderness risks the possibility of dangerous weather or animal encounters. Aurora guide Lise Dahl insists proper precautions are key. "Tour operators should check weather forecasts to avoid blizzards. They should also equip groups with emergency supplies." For animal concerns, Dahl says, "Making noise while walking deters curious bears or moose. Avoid surprising any wildlife, especially protective mothers with young cubs or calves in spring."
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Scout Solar Activity for Ideal Aurora Conditions
To boost your chances of catching the northern lights in their full glory, it pays to keep tabs on solar activity leading up to your trip. The aurora borealis occurs when solar flares and coronal mass ejections send charged particles hurtling toward Earth that interact with gases in our atmosphere. When these particles collide with oxygen and nitrogen, the energy emitted produces the colorful glowing lights.
“More active storms on the sun equate to more vivid and frequent light shows,” explains aurora guide Viktor Nilsson. He regularly monitors space weather forecasts from NOAA and NASA to have an idea of upcoming solar activity. “High solar wind speeds combined with disturbances in the magnetosphere increase both the occurrence and intensity of the aurora. I check forecasts so I can alert travelers to prime viewing nights.”
While intense solar storms ramp up the dazzling display, photographer Ida Lind cautions that solar activity follows cycles. “Don’t expect blazing auroras every night, even during solar maximum. And during solar minimum, there can still be great shows when conditions align just right.” She uses a combination of forecasts and real-time geomagnetic readings to know when to venture out into the night.
Mikkel Svensson, lead guide for Northern Trek Aurora Expeditions, relies on technology to receive alerts when the lights may dance. “Our guides carry satellite-connected devices that ping them when solar activity spurs aurora activity. This gives us a chance to wake our guests so they don’t miss out on seeing nature’s light show.”
Yet veteran storm chaser Olav Helgesen notes that the lights remain unpredictable. “Even with all our tracking technology, the aurora can still surprise you. Some of the best shows I’ve seen came out of the blue when activity was supposed to be low.” He cautions travelers not to feel disappointed if forecasts don’t match reality. “Don’t obsess over solar data. Just appreciate any glimpse of the northern lights you’re fortunate enough to experience.”
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Find Local Guides to Take You to Prime Viewing Spots
Connecting with knowledgeable local guides can make all the difference for viewing the northern lights in their full splendor. Those experienced with the area's terrain, weather patterns, and optimal vantage points help ensure you see nature's dazzling display under the best conditions possible.
Aurora guide Aksel Hansen notes most travelers aren't familiar with the remote wilderness where the lights shine brightest. "Visitors getting to northern Norway or Sweden for the first time have no concept of where to see the aurora. People assume anywhere dark is fine, but ideal spots escape them." He recounts leading tourists just outside town their first night only to see faint glow partially obscured by mountains. When he took them to an open valley with no light pollution the next night, their jaws dropped as vibrant colors danced overhead.
Photography mentor Ida Lind tries to take her groups to lesser-known locations away from crowds. "Popular aurora viewing points get very busy, especially on weekends. All the headlamps and noise distract from the peaceful experience of watching the northern lights." She scouted curving frozen inlet accessible only by snowmobile that perfectly frames the glowing night sky reflecting off the ice. "No one else bothers making the trek out here. My clients get front row views of nature's show in near silence."
Dog musher Mikkel Nilsson relies on generations of ancestral wisdom to find prime spots. "My family has lived here for over a century. My great-grandfather passed down places known for amazing shows on the fjord and in the forests. Things haven't changed that much." He takes travelers via sled to family cabins far from interference where the crashing, colorful waves of light provide an almost spiritual encounter.
Viktor Nilsson also stresses local guides' ability to ensure safety. "We know potential hazards - thin lake ice, hidden ravines, snow-covered cracks, and more. We steer clear of perilous areas and have necessary rescue gear." Guides provide security against both environmental risks and wildlife encounters while traveling in remote wilderness after dark.
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Photograph the Lights Using Manual Camera Settings
To truly capture the splendor and magic of the northern lights, photographers need to manually adjust their camera settings. Aurora guide and photography mentor Ida Lind explains why programmed auto modes rarely get great shots: “Cameras try to expose for something visible like the ground or trees. So skies either turn out overexposed and detail-less or the aurora appears dim.” She insists that manually setting ISO, aperture, and exposure time is the only way to properly expose for the lights.
Lind always shoots in manual mode and uses a remote shutter release or self-timer to eliminate blurring from touching the camera. She typically sets her ISO between 1600-3200 to boost light sensitivity and allow shorter exposures. Her f-stop is usually around f/2.8 to f/4 for maximum light intake through the lens. Shutter speeds vary based on aurora activity, but often range from 5-20 seconds. Lind suggests bracketing exposures to ensure getting the perfect shot.
Landscape photographer Viktor Nilsson also emphasizes the value of manual settings for northern lights images. “You need to balance exposing for the band of light in the sky while still capturing foreground interest like mountains or lakes reflecting the colors.” He prefers using very wide angle lenses and keeping ISO under 1000 when possible. Nilsson photographs at f/2.8 and varies shutter speeds from 10-25 seconds based on aurora intensity. He recommends taking multiple exposures and checking histograms when possible to nail the right formula.
Mikkel Hansen, Aurora Trek guide and novice photographer, reminds newcomers that trial and error is essential for Aurora photography. “Don’t expect to see your photos while out in freezing darkness! Review shots on your camera display and make adjustments to settings as needed for subsequent shots.” He encourages travelers not to get discouraged. “With persistence, you’ll get that jaw-dropping shot for your wall at home!”
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Experience the Auroras by Boat, Snowshoe, or Dogsled
Venturing out on the fjord's frigid waters, weaving through snowy forests on snowshoes, or zipping across the tundra on a dogsled offers adventurous ways to experience the northern lights that create lasting memories. Instead of standing in one spot, actively exploring transforms witnessing the aurora borealis into an immersive experience.
Gliding across the lake at night by boat as the reflection of the dancing lights shimmers in the ripples around you provides an unforgettable perspective. Mikkel Nilsson, owner of Tromsø Aurora Tours, takes travelers out on the fjord in a specially designed heated boat to view the lights. He says, "Seeing the glowing colors illuminate the water and mountainsides as we gently float through the darkness is truly magical. People are mesmerized, overcome by the combination of lights above and below."
Strapping on snowshoes enables trekking away from crowds into remote forests and valleys for private light shows. Aurora guide Aksel Hansen notes the serenity of witnessing the glimmering hues while surrounded by snow-covered pines. "The silence of the woods, fresh scent of fir trees, and cushioned shuffling steps create a meditative environment. It's just you and the lights dancing overhead as if putting on a performance just for you."
Dog sledding across the tundra or ice encapsulates the spirit of traditional northern cultures. Musher Mikkel Svensson's loyal sled dogs excitedly charge towards the horizon as the shimmering colors paint the arctic landscape. He relays, "Driving the sled through this wilderness, relying on my dogs' ancient instincts, bonds me with ancestors who gazed upward at the very same lights." Nothing connects you more intimately to nature than floating, snowshoeing, or mushing under the flaming auroras.
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Combine Northern Lights Chasing with Winter Adventures
Chasing the northern lights often goes hand-in-hand with experiencing the snowy season in style. From sleigh rides to alpine skiing, winter adventures let you make the most of the magical atmosphere.
As Torsten recounts, “Some of my favorite memories involve combining aurora viewing with other quintessential cold-weather activities. You’re embracing the spirit of the locale and season, not just checking sights off your bucket list.” He tried reindeer sleigh rides on a trip to northern Finland. “Bundling up under blankets, the jingling harness bells ringing as we glided through sparkling snow forests lit by the dancing lights overhead - it was a fairy tale come to life.”
Jessie recommends looking for operators that offer multi-activity tours. “Go dog sledding under the glow of the auroras, then warm up after with a mug of glogg by a cozy fireplace. The next day, strap on snowshoes to hike through winter scenery before spending another evening chasing lights.” She did a four-day tour in Sweden that let her snorkel with seals, cruise the fjords, and hunt for the elusive lights all with the same guide.
Snow sport enthusiasts like Viktor see chasing auroras as the perfect reason to take a ski trip. “I booked a last-minute getaway to these backcountry huts in Norway’s Rondane National Park for prime aurora viewing. Days I explored untouched powder runs, then at night I soaked in the hot tub gazing up as the colors danced overhead.” He’s planning acat skiing trip this winter to Interior British Columbia timed with peak solar activity. “Who needs sleep when you can shred deep snow all day and catch the celestial show all night?”
Photographers like Leif plan entire shoots around auroras and icy environments. “I captured eerie shots of vibrant lights above glowing igloos at a competition in Sweden. And I’ve photographed professional ice carvers working under the surreal glowing bands in Finland.” He suggests looking for winter carnivals and festivals celebrating northern cultures synchronized for aurora seasons.
Chasing the Light: Capturing the Magic of the Aurora Borealis - Don't Just See the Lights - Listen for Their Unique Sounds
While most focus on the stunning visual spectacle, the unique sounds accompanying the aurora borealis create an equally magical multi-sensory experience. Those lucky enough to witness the celestial phenomenon in remote wilderness settings far from human noise pollution can attest to the ethereal sounds that seem to emanate from the dancing waves of light.
Describing the experience, Torsten recalls a frigid February night dogsledding across the tundra outside Tromsø. “As the vibrant lights began rippling overhead, I faintly heard crackling and rustling unlike anything I’d heard before. Our experienced guide immediately gestured for us to stop the sleds and be silent. In the stillness, the mystical sounds grew louder, like static from a radio signal or a delicate veil of tinsel shimmering. Our small group stood transfixed, awestruck expressions illuminated by the alien lights as we immersed in this wholly unearthly moment.”
Fellow traveler Viktor N. had a similar surreal encounter while snowshoeing through the forests near Abisko, Sweden. “It was so quiet with snow blanketing the ground that any small sound felt amplified. When the first hints of green glow emerged, I was stunned to clearly hear faint hissing and whistling. These almost electric noises pulse along with the flickering, shape-shifting lights. The combined sight and sounds sent tingles down my spine. I felt like the only person on Earth privileged to experience this magical phenomenon.”
Aurora guide Aksel H. has led enough remote tours to hear the lights on many occasions. “Veteran chasers say the sounds resemble crackling of cellophane, sputtering of a dying fire, or fizzing of an electrical short circuit. These muted yet audible sounds seem intrinsically tied to the visual display, as if the sight and sound are different manifestations of the same atmospheric energy release.” He stresses staying perfectly still and silent to detect the subtle soundtrack. “Letting your senses fully absorb both elements creates lifelong memories to cherish.”