Waning Sun by Alex Wides, Senja, Norway
A 300-degree panorama featuring the setting sun and an intense northern lights display. The photographer writes: ‘Embarking on a three-month journey from Italy to the great north, you anticipate witnessing incredible sights, but this trip surpassed all my expectations. Arriving at Senja Island we encountered the most powerful northern lights of the year, exactly as predicted. The horizon is glowing with the light of the setting sun – in September it sets at 11pm – painting the sky in vibrant shades of green, purple, and red.’
Photograph: Alex Wides/NLPOTY23
The Red Flame by Laura Oppelt, Wadden Sea national park, Germany
‘What a crazy night it was in northern Germany on 25 September! It’s still hard to believe that I witnessed such a strong aurora show this far south from the polar circle. It began with a faint glow on the horizon around 10pm and intensified over time. The live view of my camera displayed the greens quite well, though they weren’t visible to the naked eye. Later, as the reds and pinkish/purple tones emerged, the colours became clearly visible to the human eye. At a certain point, everything in the sky seemed to explode.’
Photograph: Laura Oppelt/NLPOTY23
The Platform by Virgil Reglioni, Otertinden, Norway
‘On 23 March 2023, Earth experienced the strongest geomagnetic storm in six years. Maria and I had significant doubts about this climb. We started the ascent of this 47-degree steep snowy slope during the blue hour, enduring -21C temperatures, while the northern lights lit up the southern sky. After overcoming the steepest part, Maria, ahead of me, spotted the tip of the cliff and exclaimed: “I see the cliff!” I’ll remember the adrenaline kick it gave me for a while. All I could think was: no way, we made it … now, how is the sky?’
Photograph: Virgil Reglioni/NLPOTY23
The Arctic Dance by Vincent Beudez, Tromsø, Norway
‘As northern lights photographers, this is the moment we live for, the strongest solar storm of the year. That particular night, the northern lights were so strong that they were even visible from France, my home country. At that time I was in northern Norway, which meant I could see an incredible show even facing south. I was able to see the most colourful northern lights I’ve ever witnessed.’
Photograph: Vincent Beudez/NLPOTY23
Red Alert by William Preite, Dolomites, Italy
‘I was in the right place and at the right time during my usual autumn tour in Italy’s Dolomites. That Sunday, I never thought I would witness such a rare spectacle. There was a strong magnetic storm in the north, which partly spread to southern Europe. Scientists call this event SAR (stable auroral red) arcs, which is even more rare than the aurora itself.’
Photograph: William Preite/NLPOTY23
Lost Who I Want To Be by Jordan McInally, Moke Lake, New Zealand
‘I was pretty lucky this night to have a few friends message me a heads up that a big aurora australis was forecast, so I had just enough time to rush to this local spot with a painfully steep ascent, watching beams start to dance across the horizon as the sunlight was fading! I spent around five hours up here and had this whole ridge to myself, shooting over 300 frames of all manner of beams and colours as the show was constantly changing!’
Photograph: Daniel Zafra Portill/NLPOTY23
Storm Over Sukakpak by Nickolas Warner, Alaska, US
’Approximately 70 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Sukakpak is one of the most beautiful peaks in the Brooks mountain range. While I have photographed the northern lights in this area on numerous occasions, the most photogenic angle typically faces south, making it a bit challenging for auroras to align with the mountain. That night, there was an expectation of an X-class flare hitting, so I knew we needed to head somewhere great. We took our chances and decided to drive an hour north to capture Sukakpak mountain in all its glory.’
Photograph: Nickolas Warner/NLPOTY23
Lady in Pink by Kenneth LeRose, Death Valley, US
‘I didn’t believe I’d see the aurora at the lowest altitude point in the US. When I saw the aurora forecast, I was in Vegas. The decision to drive to Badwater Basin was a last-minute one. When I arrived, I started to second guess myself once I saw all the atmospheric particles sinking into the basin. I parked just before blue hour and gathered a tripod and camera. I thought there would be no need to carry my second camera and tripod, but as I got halfway to my destination I started seeing some faint lights in the sky. I couldn’t believe my eyes.’
Photograph: Kenneth LeRose/NLPOTY23
Island of Aurora by Kat Lawman, Wales, UK
‘I never expected to capture an incredible aurora like this just a 15-minute drive from my door. Upon reaching the location, the aurora was exceptionally powerful. I worried that by the time I had sorted all my equipment and scouted my composition, I might miss the main show. I set up my tripod next to a small pool of seawater, focusing on capturing reflections. The aurora had slightly diminished and I had to endure a few rain showers, however perseverance paid off around 9.30 pm when huge green and pink light pillars shot out of the sky.’
Photograph: Daniel Zafra Portill/NLPOTY23
Green Snakes by Filip Hrebenda, Vikten, Norway
‘This photo was taken at one of the lesser-known beaches in Lofoten, Norway. As with my other shots, I aimed to capture something new and different. During low tide at Vikten beach, numerous small pools emerge in the rocky paths carved by the ocean. So the first crucial step was to wait for the low tide. I sought the ideal composition with a foreground pool to create a leading-line effect. I had to wait for the ideal aurora shape and allowed it to become a part of the leading lines, resembling green snakes.’
Photograph: Filip Hrebenda/NLPOTY23
Infinity by Giulio Cobianchi, Lofoten Islands, Norway
‘In the last few years in Lofoten, I’ve captured several “double arc” panoramas, but each time is a complex endeavour as many factors must align, and in the Arctic it’s no easy feat. The aurora needs to be visible only to the north, it has to be a moonless night, and clear skies are essential. Additionally, the conditions must allow you to reach the peaks without excessive risk. Picture yourself at the summit of a mountain, positioned between the northern lights and the Milky Way, aware that this ephemeral moment may last only seconds or minutes.’
Photograph: Giulio Cobianchi/NLPOTY23
Goleuadau’r Gogledd by Mathew Browne, Wales, UK
‘Goleuadau’r gogledd translates to northern lights in Welsh. Finding the accurate translation proved challenging as this phrase isn’t commonly used in everyday conversations here in south Wales. Witnessing the aurora borealis this far south is a rare occurrence, and capturing it at an iconic location like Paxton’s Tower adds to its uniqueness. The hilltop folly with a history spanning over 200 years overlooks the Carmarthenshire countryside. For a brief moment, the sky came alive with impressive pink pillars, visible to the naked eye.’
Photograph: Mathew Browne/NLPOTY23
Gatklettur Northern Lights by Stefano Pellegrini, Gatklettur, Iceland
‘I spent a week in Iceland chasing the northern lights. Opting for total freedom of movement to track clear skies each night, I lived in a car, planning my itinerary day by day instead of booking hotels in advance. The strategy paid off and I captured the aurora on four of seven nights. This photo is from the first night. Arriving at the location after dark, I parked the car and prepared my sleeping bag. Despite being up since 4am, I set my alarm clock to wake me every hour in anticipation. The final image is my second attempt.’
Photograph: Stefano Pellegrini/NLPOTY23
Circle of Life by Frøydis Dalheim, Lapland, Finland
‘This is a magical place in the forests of the Finnish Lapland that I was fortunate to capture during an evening in late March. A pair of swans were further down the river and occasionally I could hear them singing. Even though it was freezing cold, at almost -30C, I enjoyed being embraced by the peace and harmony of this beautiful night!’
Photograph: Frøydis Dalheim/NLPOTY23
Bakers Oven Aurora Australis by Josh Beames, Bakers Oven, Australia
‘I just recently noticed that the sun had emitted a massive solar flare which looked to be heading in Earth’s direction. I kept an eye on the charts and was excited to see that it would be a direct hit, granting a great opportunity to capture the elusive southern lights! As I checked the weather forecast, I saw we were going to have the perfect conditions, combined with the possibility of capturing a strong aurora australis. We made our way along the Great Ocean Road to Bakers Oven where were treated to a show after sunset.’
Photograph: Josh Beames/NLPOTY23
