ABOUT NORTHERN LIGHT

Iceland: Northern Light

Catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights has been topped a bucket list of things must-see destination for most of the people.

The Northern Lights, also called Aurora Borealis, are one of the most spectacular shows on this Earth and can frequently be seen in Iceland from September through April on cold, clear and crisp nights. It is named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. Iceland is located in the middle of the Aurora belt, so it’s an ideal destination for viewing and photographing aurora borealis.

What causes this spectacular phenomenon, so characteristic of the Arctic skies? Well, it’s created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the molecules glow and appear as streaks of green, red, yellow, white, purple and pink dancing across the skies. The lights come at night when the sky is clear and dark. The colours are utterly brilliant and pure. The vibrant shades are in perpetual motion, dancing, flowing changing shades. It is the best show on earth.

The whole Iceland offers good chances to see the Northern Lights. However, I will advise you to go somewhere free of light pollution, far from city lights. A good foreground generally improves a photograph of the auroras, gives scale and makes it more interesting. There are plenty of good foregrounds anywhere in Iceland: waterfalls, mountains, fjords, lakes and glaciers. Iceland’s unique backdrop makes it a favourite place for photographers to capture the Northern Lights.

One of the most magical, which I have had the good fortune to experience several times, is standing beneath the aurora borealis. It’s such a great experience that you will not forget in your lifetime. Words are never adequate to describe what it looks like, and how I feel in response. I would say, the lure of Aurora Borealis, is timeless!