The aurora, visible near the poles of both hemispheres, is known as the aurora borealis in the north and the aurora australis in the south.
These mesmerizing northern and southern lights have inspired awe and wonder for centuries, capturing the imagination of people worldwide.
More recently, photographers have worked tirelessly to capture the beauty of these celestial displays.
What Causes the Northern Lights?
The aurora borealis is a stunning visual result of solar activity. Solar storms on the Sun’s surface release massive clouds of electrically charged particles into space. Some of these particles travel millions of miles and reach Earth, where most are deflected by the planet's magnetic field. However, some particles are drawn toward the poles and interact with the atmosphere.
"These particles collide with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, heating them up in a process known as excitation,” explains Royal Observatory astronomer Tom Kerss. This interaction creates the glowing lights we see in the sky, with their wavy, curtain-like patterns shaped by the Earth’s magnetic field. Aurorae typically occur around 80 miles above the Earth's surface, but their dazzling displays can reach thousands of miles into space.
What Creates the Aurora’s Colors?
The colors of the aurora come from different gases in Earth’s atmosphere. The most common green glow is caused by oxygen, while nitrogen produces purples, blues, and pinks. High-altitude oxygen interactions can even create rare scarlet red auroras, a phenomenon that occurs during particularly energetic displays.
Do Other Planets Have Aurorae?
Aurorae aren’t exclusive to Earth. Any planet with an atmosphere and magnetic field can experience similar phenomena. Stunning aurorae have been captured on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. On Mars, aurorae appear more widespread due to its lack of a global magnetic field, making them behave differently from those on Earth.
The Role of Solar Flares and Geomagnetic Storms
Aurora activity is linked to solar flares—massive explosions on the Sun that release streams of charged particles. These particles take about two days to reach Earth, where they can trigger auroras. Particularly intense displays occur after coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are powerful bursts of plasma traveling at incredible speeds. When these reach Earth, they interact with the planet’s magnetic field, creating geomagnetic storms and spectacular auroral activity.
How to Capture the Aurora: Tips from an Expert
Monika Deviat, winner of Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2023 for aurora photography, shares her insights:
Be Prepared for Unpredictability: Aurora displays are unique every time, with constantly changing features and movements.
Camera vs. Eye: Cameras can capture colors invisible to the human eye, so don't rely solely on what you see.
Choose the Right Location: Scout for interesting foregrounds and clear skies to enhance your photos.
Plan Around Weather: Aurora hunting often means driving long distances to avoid clouds, rain, or snow—but the effort is worth it.
Use the Right Gear: Low-light photography skills and equipment are essential. Started with concert photography, which prepared for capturing night skies.
The aurora remains one of nature’s most captivating wonders, a blend of science and beauty that continues to inspire astronomers, photographers, and stargazers alike. Whether you’re watching from a northern peak or capturing its colors through your lens, the aurora offers an unforgettable connection to the cosmos!
