From the winding lanes of glistening stars to the velvety waves of plum-colored skies, the Aurora Borealis has been mesmerizing us with its breathtaking beauty since time immemorial. A tantalizing journey into the mystical night sky, hunting Aurora Magic takes viewers on an awe-inspiring venture that captures the raw beauty of this unearthly phenomenon. Through this article, you’ll experience a rare glimpse into the spellbinding aura of the Northern Lights that will open up possibilities of a lifetime exploring its captivating splendor.
1. Guiding Lights of Aurora: Exploring the Magic of Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular spectacles in nature. Lit up the night sky in shades of green, pink, blue and purple, the Northern Lights is truly magical.
Aurora is caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The lights are only visible in certain places in the Northern Hemisphere, allowing travelers to glimpse this awe-inspiring show.
- Where to See the Northern Lights
The best places to see the Northern Lights are in Northern Scandinavia, Iceland, the Yukon in Canada, Scotland and even some parts of Alaska.
- How to See the Northern Lights
The best time to view the Northern Lights is between September and March, during the peak viewing time. Determine when and where to travel by checking websites that forecast the Aurora’s visibility.
- How to Photograph the Northern Lights
For those who wish to take a snapshot of this natural phenomenon, the most essential equipment will include a camera, tripod, lens, and a warm jacket. When attempting to capture the Aurora on camera, it’s important to select a low ISO setting, keep the shutter speed between four and eight seconds, and shoot continuously to improve the chances of your photos turning out amazing!
2. Treasury of Nature’s Wonders: Aurora Sightings Throughout History
Aurora sightings have long been a source of wonder, beauty, and mystery. From historical references to present-day occurrences, auroras have left an imprint on civilizations the world over. Here is a brief overview of some of the most remarkable sightings of the Northern Lights in history.
Aurora Borealis: Ancient Wonders
Ancient communities in Siberia, North America, and Northern Europe would regularly witness the ethereal lights of the aurora in the night skies. Historical accounts date back to the records of Chinese observers who gazed upon the aurora in 2557 BC. These reports indicate the ancient belief that the aurora represented the souls of their ancestors, delicate tapestries illuminating the sky.
- Hesiod, the 8th-century BC Greek poet, wrote of the aurora in his poems.
- 211 BC: Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder noted the aurora in his writings.
- 781 AD: astronomer/scholar now called Chavannes recorded the aurora.
Modern Sightings
The aurora continues to mesmerize viewers in our modern age. In 2005, a severe geomagnetic storm burst over the United States, resulting in thousands of reports flowing in of sightings stretching across the nation. However, the beauty of the aurora does not traditionally adhere to geographic borders or even timeframes, and over the last 200 years it has been spotted all over the world.
- 1859: the ‘Carrington Event’ was recorded, the most severe geomagnetic storm ever to have occurred.
- 1955: President Eisenhower viewed a green aurora radiation burst during a tour through Fairbanks, Alaska.
- 2016: a crimson aurora and the Aurora Australis lit up the skies of Tasmania, Australia.
3. Into the Night: Surveying the Arctic Skies for Mystical Activity
In the Arctic night sky, the stars feel close enough to touch. The winter sky is full of captivating constellations, shimmering glowing arcs, and majestic nebulae.
One of the more mystical celestial events visible in the Arctic region is the aurora borealis, or northern lights. These unbelievable cosmic displays can range from light bursts dancing in the night sky to shimmering ribbons, sheets, and curtains of light. These mesmerizing displays occur when solar particles collide with the Earth’s atmosphere.
The Arctic also experiences a variety of meteors, orbiting pieces of rock and dust that appear as streaks of light when they hit the atmosphere. It’s easy to spot more meteors as you move away from urban light pollution, so the Arctic’s dark skies make the perfect backdrop for viewing them.
What to Bring on a Night of Stargazing
- Warm clothes
- A telescope
- A star chart
- Binoculars
- A flashlight
The night sky of the Arctic is an enchanting vista, and can easily transport you to a whole new realm, full of secrets and starlight. Spending a few hours stargazing in the Arctic can be an unforgettable experience.
4. Taking in the Beauty of the Heavens: Capturing Aurora on Camera
The royal blues, purples, pinks and greens of the Aurora Borealis can be transfixing. For photographers dedicated to capturing this incredible phenomena, the challenge can be even more rewarding than the end result. While most of the images on the internet are incredibly beautiful, we need to look beyond the inherent majesty of an Aurora to really capture a breathtaking image.
For starters, find a location that can offer both a clear night sky and some interesting foreground elements. Northern Scandinavia and Iceland might be the obvious answers, but great Aurora Borealis shots can come from nearly any remote area blessed with high elevations and no light pollution. Searching out large bodies of water, such as a fjord or an ocean, can allow you to capture colorful reflections or silhouettes of the Aurora.
Next, prepare your camera for the conditions. Use a telephoto lens to pick up distant auroras, and manually focus the lens for best results. Taking shots with a wide aperture will help with exposure – depending on the location, an exposure of between 20 and 30 seconds would be suitable. If you’re in an area with extreme weather – be sure to keep your camera and lens in the best possible condition.
Finally, experiment with your composition. Foreground elements such as trees, mountains and lakes, are great additions to any Aurora Borelalis shot, adding depth and perspective. Creativity can also come through when post-processing your images – ghostly silhouettes, star trails or light paths can all add a unique touch.
- Find a suitable location with a clear night sky.
- Use a telephoto lens and manually focus.
- Wide aperture and suitable exposure.
- Experiment with composition and post-processing.
5. Touching the Heavens: Gaining a Greater Appreciation for Nature’s Gifts
From sprawling mountain ranges to glimmering sunsets over a majestic ocean – the world contains natural wonders that can’t help but make us stop and marvel. While Mother Nature’s beauty can sometimes be fleeting and hard-fought to appreciate in our increasingly hectic lives, carving out time to take in some of these magical places is a great way to find solace.
Here are a few tips to help make the most of your journey around these awe-inspiring places:
- Allow yourself time to appreciate your surroundings.
- Focus your attention on one or two things and really concentrate on them.
- Notice how nature changes in daylight and different weather conditions.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the grandeur of these places. But diving deeper and really engaging with nature can bring true peace of mind. Whether you’re visiting a surreal national park or just relaxing in your own backyard, being mindful of the omnipresent beauty of nature can help lift the spirit and generate a sense of deeper appreciation.
Go out and explore the world, find new adventures and uncover new stories. Step outside of your comfort zone and make every moment an opportunity to connect with nature – you’ll soon be touching the heavens!
The night sky is an enchanting place to explore. The thrill of hunting the mysterious phenomenon of Aurora Magic can be addicting, and the rewards are surprising and unique. Whether it be for the photography, the science, or simply the pleasure of looking at something beautiful, be sure to take the chance to venture into the unknown and witness true Aurora Magic!
