As the largest national park in England, and muse to the likes of Wordsworth and Swift (Taylor, not Jonathan), the Lake District needs no introduction. My friend Anthony, on the other hand, who has yet to appear on a postcard or be recognised by Unesco, almost certainly does.
How to photograph the Northern Lights, according to an expert
22.12.2023 - 17:21 / nationalgeographic.com
Experiencing the Northern Lights in all their majesty is a dream for most travellers. Caused by solar-charged particles reacting with the Earth’s atmosphere, the mostly green dancing lights of this natural phenomenon are often spectacular. Seeing auroras is a thrill in itself, but getting a great photo might just be the crowning glory. Given their ethereality, this takes patience, the right kit and a fair bit of forward planning. And, with 2024 expected to bring some of the brightest Northern Lights displays in over 20 years, thanks to the approaching ‘solar maximum’ (a peak in the Sun’s activity), there’s never been a better time to try to capture them.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Aurora Borealis is often stronger around the autumn and spring equinoxes in late September and April. From November to January, longer nights mean more hours of darkness and an increased chance of sightings — but bear in mind that inclement, wintry Northern Hemisphere skies might obscure the view. You should also aim to avoid any periods of full, bright moonlight, which will diminish any light shows.
Displays do occur in the UK and Ireland (recently more so because of the period of high solar activity we’re currently in) but across sparsely populated parts of Alaska, Canada, the Nordic countries and inside the Arctic Circle, the lack of light pollution and closer proximity to the north magnetic pole combine to intensify these mesmerising bursts of light.
Although auroras are never guaranteed, Norway is one of the best places to see them, with the Lofoten archipelago, Tromsø and Kirkenes all picturesque, accessible and perfectly positioned in the far north. Cruise ships also sail along the Norwegian coastline, offering even darker viewing conditions. Be warned, though — while ships often provide a more comfortable experience, it’s harder to control framing and focus while on a moving vessel.
Iceland, with its spectacular waterfalls, geothermal activity and glaciers, is another of the most popular short-haul adventure destinations for Europeans — and superb for aurora chasing, too. Darkness is key, so if staying in Reykjavík, book a night tour away from the glare of the city. Better still, opt for a more remote location like Hotel Rangá, on the south coast, or the westerly Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Starkly beautiful Greenland, inside the Arctic Circle, is another option. Harder to get to than Iceland and therefore less crowded, its rural landscapes and remoteness make it a special destination for photographers seeking adventure.
Location is everything, so aim to stay in a good spot and for long enough to maximise the photographic opportunities. And don’t forget that where you stay can also become part of the frame. Glass
The website maxtravelz.com is an aggregator of news from open sources. The source is indicated at the beginning and at the end of the announcement. You can send a complaint on the news if you find it unreliable.
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