Nature is undeniably a magnificent sanctuary, especially in challenging times when the world feels gloomy and dull. Amid such moments, witnessing breathtaking natural wonders can uplift the spirit and remind us of the beauty that still exists around us. One of the most enchanting phenomena that nature generously offers is the aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. This stunning display of colorful lights occurs in high-latitude regions due to disturbances in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by charged particles from the solar wind colliding with the atmosphere.

The aurora borealis is a spectacle of radiant colors and surreal beauty, often described as otherworldly or magical. It captivates the imagination of many, making it a bucket-list experience for countless travelers and photographers alike. Unfortunately, with current travel restrictions and uncertainties about when global journeys will resume, most people can only admire these wonders from afar. Fortunately, the “Capture the Atlas” community has curated some of the finest images of this phenomenon, offering us a chance to enjoy the auroras safely from our homes.

Capture the Atlas recently held their annual “Northern Lights Photographer of the Year” contest, selecting 25 of the most breathtaking aurora photographs from around the world. These images not only showcase the raw power and beauty of the Northern Lights but also reveal the dedication and passion of photographers who brave freezing temperatures and remote locations to capture these fleeting moments.

For more information and to explore the collection: Instagram | capturetheatlas.com | Facebook | youtube.com

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#1 “Under A Canadian Sky” by Parker Burkett

Location: British Columbia, Canada

“We raced to find the perfect spot as the auroras began to appear, barely catching the last part of the show. A quick dash to the edge of the lake, and then the magic unfolded. Moments like these remind me how important it is to pause and appreciate the wonders right in front of us.”

On their website, Capture the Atlas explains:
“We launched this contest three years ago with the goal of inspiring people worldwide to discover and appreciate the Northern Lights. For many, seeing and photographing the aurora is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, achieving this requires traveling to remote, high-latitude locations, enduring freezing temperatures, and hoping for clear skies.

Over three years, we’ve inspired countless adventurers to chase this mesmerizing phenomenon. Our annual collection has become a benchmark for night and Northern Lights photography. We value not only outstanding image quality but also the stories behind the photos. Each edition raises the bar, attracting more photographers eager to participate, while also motivating newcomers to master this challenging form of photography.”

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#2 “The Hunt’s Reward” by Ben Maze

Location: Tasmania, Australia

“Fortune smiled upon me twice as I witnessed the Southern Lights during two trips to Tasmania. This image captures a rare blend of astronomical phenomena: the setting Milky Way core, zodiacal light, and the elusive Aurora Australis. Adding to the scene was a sparkling display of bioluminescence in the ocean waves — a perfect complement to the celestial show above.

After being off the grid for over a day, my fellow photographer Luke Tscharke and I were caught off guard by rumors of a solar storm. When the auroras finally appeared on our cameras, our excitement was overwhelming. We soon realized we were positioned at the continent’s best vantage point — Lion Rock, Tasmania’s southernmost cape — where the skies were clearer than anywhere else at that time.

Unlike the classic green hues, the auroras we captured ranged in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, pink, and purple. After getting the perfect shots, I stood quietly, marveling at the sky, occasionally swirling my hand through the glowing water at my feet. Moments like this remind me of the extraordinary wonders our planet holds.”

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#3 “Dragon Eggs” by Roksolyana Hilevych

Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway

“While exploring the Gimsoya Islands, I stumbled upon this hidden gem in the Lofoten archipelago. It was a frigid night, with temperatures plummeting to -20º C, yet the aurora performance was one of the best I’ve ever witnessed. The Northern Lights danced continuously in the sky, creating an almost surreal spectacle, especially with the unique foreground that made this scene so special.

For this shot, I used focus stacking—combining three exposures: two for the foreground at f/8, 10 seconds, ISO 400, and one for the sky at f/4, 2 seconds, ISO 640—resulting in a crisp and detailed final image.”

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#4 “Spring Fireworks” by Ole Salomonsen

Location: Tromsø, Norway

“This photo was taken on April 10th, 2019, marking the tail end of the aurora season in the Arctic. While many photographers had given up for the year, I remained hopeful. With over a decade of chasing the Northern Lights, I know that this phenomenon is highly unpredictable. Some of my best photos have come from nights with uncertain forecasts.

That evening, after an hour of waiting in Ersfjordbotn, just 20 minutes from Tromsø, a magnificent aurora display erupted overhead. I captured many shots, but this one, with me standing on a rock beneath the sweeping lights, perfectly illustrates the grandeur and scale of the auroras.

To me, the aurora borealis is a true wonder of the world — a breathtaking celestial event that everyone should experience at least once. While many displays move slowly or appear still, luck can grant you a dynamic, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.”

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#5 “Finland At Night” by Kim Jenssen

Location: Finnish Lapland

“After hours of waiting in the freezing forest of Ruka at –36º C with no visible auroras, we began our walk back to the car. Suddenly, I spotted movement to my left and urged my friend to stop. The auroras erupted, dancing across the sky for five intense minutes. There was no time to plan; I just dropped into the snow, grabbed my camera, and started shooting. It was an impromptu, unforgettable moment with a perfect ending.”

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#6 “The Tower Of Sorcery” by Joaquín Marco

Location: Iceland

“On my first Iceland trip in September 2019 with five close friends, we were fortunate to witness a G1 solar storm with strong Kp4 and Kp6 peaks. Experiencing the Northern Lights for the first time was unforgettable. I always photograph the foreground during the blue hour to ensure the best image quality.

The auroras that night were so intense I had to use shutter speeds as short as 1 second and extremely high ISO settings (8000–12800) to capture their texture. This shot atop Skogafoss waterfall was a unique composition that perfectly captured the magic of the night.

Photography allows me to spend time in nature and discover new places, cultures, and friends. While challenging—waking early, traveling far, enduring hunger and cold—these moments make every effort worthwhile. My only ‘least favorite’ part? Cleaning the tripod after beach sessions—fellow photographers will understand!”

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#7 “Convergence” by Agnieszka Mrowka

Location: Jökulsárlón, Iceland

“In late September 2020, everything aligned perfectly: a strong +Kp6 geomagnetic activity combined with calm weather and moonlight illuminating the iconic glacier lagoon. It was a fierce yet peaceful night I will always remember.”

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#8 “Lights In The Land Of Living Skies” by Jeanine Holowatuik

Location: Saskatchewan, Canada

“I captured this during a surprise aurora storm in late May in Saskatchewan’s boreal forest. The moonlight lit the clouds as the lights spread overhead—a rare, magical event for my latitude.

At its peak, the aurora was visible in every direction, a spectacular display that lasted until dawn on a warm spring night—one I will never forget.”

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Additional Insights from Dan, Founder of Capture the Atlas

Dan shares, “After photographing the Northern Lights in Canada for the first time, I became obsessed with chasing and capturing auroras worldwide. But photographing the aurora isn’t simple. It demands careful planning, mastering camera settings, lots of practice, and most importantly, inspiration.

To inspire others to learn about and pursue this beautiful phenomenon, we created this curated Northern Lights photography collection, featuring the top 25 images captured globally each year. Photographers don’t apply; instead, we select images based on quality, originality, location uniqueness, and shooting conditions.”

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More Stunning Photos and Stories

The contest features incredible works like “Vikings In The Sky” by Nico Rinaldi (Iceland), who captured a volcanic black sand beach illuminated by auroras after a stormy day; “When A Dream Became A Reality” by Mohad Almehanna (Yukon, Canada), who battled severe cold to craft a staged composition of the aurora; and “Right Before The Freezing” by Aki Mikkola (Finnish Lapland), who chased elusive red auroras reflecting off calm waters.

Other unforgettable images include “Pictured Rocks Magic” by Marybeth Kiczenski in Michigan, USA, where unexpected auroras danced above a national lakeshore; “Heavenly Dance” by Sergey Korolev on Russia’s Kola Peninsula, combining simple yet powerful exposures; and “Flames In The Sky” by Risto Leskinen, who captured an aurora storm amidst snow-laden trees in Finnish Lapland.

Each photo is more than just a picture—it’s a story of perseverance, passion, and profound connection with nature’s wonders.

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Which aurora photo captivates you the most? Feel free to upvote your favorites and share your thoughts on this mesmerizing natural spectacle below!