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As 2024 is coming to an end, there's something special about reflecting on the year through a collection of photographs captured along the way. This time, we are sharing the 7th edition of the annual Northern Lights Photographer of the Year published by the travel photography blog Capture the Atlas.

The photos were taken around the world, in countries like the UK, the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Latvia, Iceland, Russia, Chile, Namibia, Australia, and New Zealand, by 25 photographers of 15 different nationalities.

We invite you to immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Northern Lights brought to you closer in order to learn and discover more about one of nature’s most spectacular light shows. And for more photos, you can take a look at the previous year’s post.

More info: Instagram | Facebook | youtube.com | capturetheatlas.com

#1

“Sky Fire” – Tom Rae

“Sky Fire” – Tom Rae

Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand.

"The Milky Way arches over the dramatic landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, captured during a rare G5 geomagnetic storm in May 2024. This aurora display was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever witnessed—a magical evening watching the lights dance across the crystal-clear sky. The excitement was shared by everyone under the stars, as this aurora was potentially the strongest in a century.

The image features a rare SAR (Stable Auroral Red) arc, an atmospheric phenomenon that added to the spectacle, alongside the glow of billions of stars in the Milky Way. Capturing this moment was technically challenging, but it resulted in one of the most unique depictions of the aurora from New Zealand. This photograph is not just an image but a treasured memory of an extraordinary and ethereal night."

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To learn more about this year’s contest, Bored Panda reached out to Dan, the Editor in Chief, who kindly answered our questions.

First of all, Dan commented on the solar activity this year and how it affected the Northern Lights photos.

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“This year, heightened solar activity has resulted in some of the most vibrant and dynamic aurora displays in recent memory. Photographers were able to capture intense bursts of color, including rare shades like deep purples and vibrant reds, thanks to the strong geomagnetic storms. 

The increased activity also expanded visibility further south than usual, allowing more people—and photographers in unexpected regions—to witness and document the spectacle. As a result, the photos submitted this year have showcased a remarkable variety of auroras, both in terms of intensity and geographic range, making this collection especially diverse,” wrote Dan.

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    #2

    “When The Aurora Meets The Milky Way” – Jānis Paļulis

    “When The Aurora Meets The Milky Way” – Jānis Paļulis

    Bauska, Latvia.

    "On that night, I had originally planned to photograph the Perseid meteor shower, but the aurora forecast also looked promising, though it wasn’t my main focus at the time. I took a few photos of the stars, and then I noticed a pink glow in the corner of the sky. It was the aurora! I pointed my camera toward the southwest and took my best shot. The weather conditions were perfect, with fog adding to the atmosphere. Around midnight, the aurora display became truly stunning."

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    #3

    “Cosmic Explosion” – Uroš Fink

    “Cosmic Explosion” – Uroš Fink

    Istria, Croatia.

    "On the night of the Perseid meteor shower, I was treated to a “multi-course menu” of the night sky. I captured the Milky Way arch with Orion, the Aurora (a first for me), the Zodiacal light, and the Perseid meteors. As if that wasn’t enough, the sky gifted me with one of the most stunning greenish airglows I’ve ever seen. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the close conjunction of Jupiter and Mars, right along the path of the Zodiacal light.

    In the center of the panorama is the Cap Marlera lighthouse, built in 1880 at the southeastern tip of the Istrian Peninsula. The rugged coastline, at the entrance to Kvarner, attracts fish and dolphins. This area is also home to the Mediterranean bear, though I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting one.

    Meteors rained down throughout the night, and I captured 75 of them using three cameras. I used the RegiStar software to seamlessly insert the meteors to the panorama in the exactly same spots as they appeared in the sky this night.
    It was an extraordinary, perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event, and I’m grateful and happy to have been part of it."

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    Just Cosmo
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Perseids are some of the best meteor showers. And with this Aurora, the Zodiacal light. (Orion is the one with big red splotches around the stars in the bottom right. This appears to be near the end of spring, as Orion is near the end. And hell yeah it's a one-in-a-lifetime event. It's pretty damned awesome for sure

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    We were wondering which locations stood out in this year’s competition. Dan shared: “Some of the most unexpected submissions came from places not traditionally associated with the Northern Lights, like southern parts of the United States, Southern Europe, Patagonia, etc. These locations stood out not just because of their rarity but because they demonstrated how far-reaching the aurora became during heightened solar activity.

    Another standout was Namibia, where a rare and faint auroral display coincided with stunning desert landscapes, offering a unique juxtaposition of the night sky and arid terrain. These surprising locales remind us of the unpredictable and global nature of solar phenomena, making this year’s collection truly exceptional.”

    #4

    “In The Rays Of The Solar Wind” – Sergey Korolev

    “In The Rays Of The Solar Wind” – Sergey Korolev

    Rybachy Peninsula, Russia.

    "The Rybachy Peninsula, where this photo was taken, is located at the northern edge of the Kola Peninsula. It’s a unique natural area, home to many fascinating locations with numerous stone beaches and rocks featuring unusual shapes and structures. I fell in love with this place during my first visit 10 years ago, and now, every year, I try to return and capture something new.

    For this shot, I wanted to create a concept that emphasized the significance of the location, with the Northern Lights serving as a complement to the landscape. This time, the aurora was particularly powerful, casting a beautiful light over the stones. The photo is quite simple, composed of three main exposures: the first for capturing the sky, the second for the rest of the scene, and the third for focusing on the foreground."

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    #5

    “Aurora Australis” – Marc Adamus

    “Aurora Australis” – Marc Adamus

    Patagonia Fjords, Chile.

    "I’m not sure if an aurora had ever been recorded in Patagonia before, but we got incredibly lucky on the night of May 10, 2024, when a G5 storm hit. We were camped on an iceberg beach, deep in the wilderness of the Patagonia Fjords, when the incredible display unfolded."

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    Samantha Morris
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've always wanted to see the northern lights in person but never got a chance to. My mom took me to a place in Louisiana to see the northern lights but the moon was too bright to see them. Some day I will get to see the northern lights.

    As for the challenges that photographers faced in unusual places like Namibia and Arizona, Dan wrote: “Photographers in these unconventional locations faced a host of challenges, including light pollution and unfamiliar weather conditions. 

    In Namibia, for instance, capturing faint auroras against a dark desert sky required precise settings and patience, as the display was much subtler than in polar regions. In Arizona, photographers contended with atmospheric interference and warmer temperatures, which can affect camera equipment during long exposures. Despite these obstacles, their perseverance resulted in unique and breathtaking compositions that highlight the versatility and creativity of aurora photography.”

    #6

    “Coronation” – Roksolyana Hilevych

    “Coronation” – Roksolyana Hilevych

    Dolomites, Italy.

    "That day, after a storm of mixed snow and rain, the sky fortunately cleared after 8 p.m. (about an hour after sunset). As I walked to my location, I could already see red hues peeking through the clouds. The adrenaline and excitement were so overwhelming that I hardly noticed the cold and strong wind, which never let up during the night at 2,450 meters above sea level.

    I ended up taking 840 photos from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., hoping to capture the perfect moment. This photo was taken around 1:30 a.m., during the second peak of the aurora, the strongest ever, which lasted only a few seconds."

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    #7

    “Devil’s Lights” – Forest Barkdoll-Weil

    “Devil’s Lights” – Forest Barkdoll-Weil

    Wyoming, USA.

    "May 10, 2024: Aurora forecasts promised an incredible display, so I drove to Devils Tower, Wyoming, to witness the event. The solar storm delivered, reaching a historic KP9, with auroras visible worldwide. As the vibrant lights danced overhead, my father was undergoing emergency surgery two thousand miles away in Maine. It was a surreal night—awed by the celestial beauty above, yet grappling with worry for my dad.

    The aurora offered a strange sense of comfort amidst the turmoil, grounding me in the moment as I captured this incredible phenomenon. My father, a photographer for over 50 years and the person who introduced me to this art, thankfully survived surgery and recovered after several days in the ICU. Although he missed this display, six months later, on October 10, we shared an even stronger solar storm together as a family—a memory I’ll always treasure."

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    We asked Dan to share how they decide on which photos are the best and what they look for.

    “Selecting the best photos involves evaluating a mix of technical excellence, artistic composition, and the emotional impact of the image. We look for shots that balance sharpness and clarity with creative framing, often incorporating striking landscapes or unique perspectives. 

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    Additionally, we value images that tell a story or evoke a sense of wonder, whether through unusual colors, rare celestial phenomena, or unexpected locations. Ultimately, the best photos are those that not only capture the beauty of the Northern Lights but also transport viewers to that moment in time.”

    #8

    “Paddling Under The Aurora” – Herry Himanshu

    “Paddling Under The Aurora” – Herry Himanshu

    Banff National Park, Canada.

    "I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, so I’ve seen and captured the aurora hundreds of times before, but that night in Banff National Park, Alberta, was unlike any other.

    As luck would have it, I was in Banff for a wedding that weekend when massive CMEs were predicted to hit Earth directly. As soon as it got dark, the aurora came out swinging, with vivid hues of reds, pinks, and purples dancing across the sky.

    I had three camera setups running timelapses in different directions, but even that wasn’t enough. One brave friend took a standup paddleboard out on the lake and modeled for us beneath the insane light show. She was the perfect complement to the aurora and the mountainous landscape.

    We were all in pure disbelief at the colors and patterns unfolding above us. Those shared moments of joy are what I’ll remember forever. I stayed up all night, driving hundreds of kilometers through Banff to iconic spots, capturing some of my best photos and timelapses ever."

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    #9

    “Lake Toolondo Aurora” – Baillie Farley

    “Lake Toolondo Aurora” – Baillie Farley

    Lake Toolondo, Australia.

    "In the early hours of the morning, Lake Toolondo was transformed into a light show. A massive solar storm illuminated the sky with bursts of red, orange, and pink, dancing above the still waters. The colors reflected off the lake, creating an almost mirror-like effect that felt surreal to witness.

    The dead trees along the shoreline stood silhouetted against the night sky as the aurora rippled and shimmered, turning the entire scene into something out of a dream. It was one of those moments that felt like pure magic. I spent the rest of the night at the location, capturing several images and a timelapse until dawn broke."

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    Just Cosmo
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    (those two splotches of stars in the center are the Magellanic clouds, which are our galaxy's largest satellite galaxies.)

    Dan also commented on this year’s trends: “This year, we’ve seen an increase in the use of advanced post-processing techniques, such as focal blending and panorama stitching, to create immersive, high-resolution images. Photographers are also experimenting more with time-lapse and motion-blended images, which add a dynamic storytelling element to their work.

    Another notable trend is the inclusion of human elements, like silhouettes or campfires, which add a relatable and grounded perspective to the grandeur of the aurora. These innovations reflect how photographers are pushing boundaries to make their work stand out while still honoring the natural beauty of the phenomenon.”

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    #10

    “Magic Of The North” – Josh Beames

    “Magic Of The North” – Josh Beames

    Iceland.

    "I’ve dreamed of capturing this shot for years, and this year, everything aligned perfectly! During my annual Iceland workshop, our group witnessed the sheer power of nature as Iceland’s most recent active volcano erupted just days before.

    After spending hours shooting and soaking in the incredible scene, we started to wrap up and head back to the car. Then, to our amazement, the Northern Lights began dancing across the sky! I quickly launched the drone, sending it on a mission to capture this wild spectacle.

    Navigating through the wind, heat, and low visibility surrounding the volcano, I managed to capture a vertical panorama just as the volcanic smoke and ash shifted to the side. Moments later, the dreaded battery warning sounded, and I began the tense journey back. By this point, the wind had really picked up, and I honestly thought the drone was a goner… but with only 1% battery left, it somehow limped back to safety!"

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    #11

    “Sky And Ice” – Henry Frakes

    “Sky And Ice” – Henry Frakes

    Aspiring National Park, New Zealand.

    "On this night, we were expecting one of the strongest solar storms of 2024, and with the vast, dark skies of the South Island of New Zealand, it was the perfect opportunity to make the most of it.

    As someone passionate about both the night sky and climbing, I had always wanted to capture climbing under the stars. We carried our ice climbing gear up the track and onto the glacier—a perfect spot for climbing, easy access, and, being so remote, an ideal location for photographing the aurora.

    At night, we climbed back onto the glacier, navigating crevasses and making the most of the incredible night. The sky shifted and faded into brilliant red beams stretching from south to north. Being surrounded by the glacier, the mountains, and the aurora was an experience I will always treasure."

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    Just Cosmo
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now this is my kind of thing, combining my two most favorite hobbies. Ice climbing is actually extremely fun. Stargazing, amauter astronomy, and naked eye astronomy are always good things to do, though much, much safer than ice climbing, yet about as much fun.

    Lastly, Dan wrote what he hopes that people feel or learn from this year’s selection.

    “I hope this year’s collection inspires awe and a deeper connection to the natural world, reminding viewers of the incredible beauty and unpredictability of our planet. The images showcase not only the splendor of the Northern Lights but also the dedication and creativity of the photographers who chase them. 

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    Beyond the visual impact, I hope people gain a greater appreciation for the science behind the aurora and how solar activity influences our skies. Most importantly, I want the collection to encourage curiosity and a sense of wonder, inspiring others to seek out these magical experiences for themselves.”

    #12

    “Celestial Reflection” – Max Trafford

    “Celestial Reflection” – Max Trafford

    Dartmoor National Park, United Kingdom.

    "This was my second encounter with the Northern Lights, and what an unforgettable experience it was. After a long day at work and a steady stream of Aurora alerts on my phone, I left at 5 p.m., grabbed my camera gear, and headed to the darkest spot I knew. With no phone service, I wasn’t sure if the high activity would last through the night, but I remained hopeful and began capturing photos.

    Almost immediately, the green glow on the horizon erupted into a stunning display of vibrant lights. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I quickly adjusted my camera settings to capture this once-in-a-lifetime event in a panorama. For nearly two hours, I was immersed in the experience, my face lighting up with a smile the whole time. Witnessing such an incredible spectacle in the UK made the sleepless night absolutely worth it!"

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    #13

    “Carpe Diem” – Adrian Cormier

    “Carpe Diem” – Adrian Cormier

    Crater Lake National Park, USA.

    "May 10, 2024, began like any other new moon cycle for me. I was shooting at one of my favorite spots along the Sonoma coastline. Around 2:30 a.m., I was surprised to feel my phone buzz with a notification, as my location had sporadic cell coverage. The alert was one I never expected—and will never forget! A fellow Sony Alpha photographer, who was in Nepal at the time, messaged me: “Get as far north as you can by sunset, it’s going down tonight!” A historic geomagnetic storm, possibly peaking at G5, was predicted.

    I immediately drove home to grab my Atlas pack full of cold weather gear. My gut told me to head to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon. Shortly into the drive, I learned the CLNP Rim Road was completely closed due to 7 feet of recent snowfall. Fortunately, I was prepared for deep snow conditions and pressed on.

    Confident and armed with snowshoes, I settled on a spot along the South Rim, east of the Crater Lake Lodge, which was closed due to the extreme snow levels. My image, “Carpe Diem,” reflects the magnificent display of geomagnetic energy that weekend, set against the iconic and unforgettable alpine landscape."

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    We also reached out to Jānis Paļulis, a passionate landscape and astronomy photographer from Latvia, with over 15 years of experience in it, to ask more about his photo of the Aurora Borealis.

    First of all, Jānis explained what initially drew him to photography. He wrote: “I chase dream moments in nature, sunsets. Aurora and fog, in nice places with nature.

    #14

    “The Red Aurora Wall” – Vincenzo Mazza

    “The Red Aurora Wall” – Vincenzo Mazza

    Iceland.

    "This photo was taken during the massive aurora show that occurred on the night between October 10th and 11th, 2024.

    I’ve witnessed countless aurora displays in my life, but this one had possibly the most intense red color I’ve ever seen. It was so vivid that it was clearly visible to the naked eye."

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    #15

    “Auroras En El Infierno” – Edén Sánchez

    “Auroras En El Infierno” – Edén Sánchez

    Asturias, Spain.

    "Seeing the Northern Lights with such intensity in Asturias is a dream come true. I remember talking with friends years ago, saying, “All we’re missing are the auroras…” And that day finally arrived! I came across several alerts on social media along with notifications from a few mobile apps—all signs pointed to something big.

    On the first night, I tried, but nothing appeared. The second night, however, the solar storm hit, and everything aligned perfectly. I was able to enjoy this incredible dream throughout the night, with an impressive intensity.

    I must admit, I still haven’t witnessed one of those truly powerful auroras like in Iceland, but dreams are meant to be fulfilled—I’ll go see them there someday!"

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    We were wondering how it felt for Jānis to witness and capture such a serendipitous moment. He shared: “I feel really nice about my result taking two beauties, the aurora and Milky Way, together.”

    He also shared what made him shift his attention to the aurora, and how he adapted the shooting plan in the moment. Jānis wrote: “It is the solar maximum year, I paid a lot of attention to aurora activity, aurora pro app and aurora sky camera are helping me.”

    #16

    “High Trails” – Giulio Cobianchi

    “High Trails” – Giulio Cobianchi

    Pico do Arierio, Madeira island.

    "I never imagined capturing the Northern Lights at 32.7 degrees north latitude, but on May 10, 2024, it happened while I was in Madeira. That night, I created another one of my “double arc” panoramas. After finishing a spring photo tour with nonstop sunrises, I was exhausted. This wasn’t part of my plan, but when aurora alerts lit up and the skies stayed clear, I couldn’t miss the opportunity.

    I hiked to Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira’s highest peaks, along one of Europe’s most stunning trails. When I saw a red glow to the north, I could hardly believe it. I quickly sought a composition for a 360-degree panorama, set up my star tracker to capture the Milky Way, and created this image. It shows the two queens of the night—the aurora and the Milky Way—dancing together in a breathtaking sky."

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    #17

    “Looking North” – Lynsey Schroeder

    “Looking North” – Lynsey Schroeder

    Arizona, USA.

    "It’s not every day that the Northern Lights make it as far south as Southern Arizona! I’ve been captivated by the aurora ever since I first saw it in Iceland in 2018, so when I heard there was a chance to witness it here, I didn’t hesitate to grab my gear and head into the desert with a couple of friends.

    My expectations were low, but the show completely exceeded them! As soon as we stepped out of the car, we could clearly see a pink glow on the horizon, occasionally pulsing with shimmering pillars as the night went on. I achieved a photography goal I never imagined I’d accomplish: capturing the aurora shining over the beautiful saguaros of the Sonoran Desert."

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    As for the takeaway, Jānis wrote: “Actually, not thinking so much about that, I am more interested in the photography process and result, and dreaming about next-level photography. I know I have some better images, sometimes not so.”

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    #18

    “African Savanna Under The Lights Of Southern Aurora” – Egor Goryachev

    “African Savanna Under The Lights Of Southern Aurora” – Egor Goryachev

    Spitzkoppe, Namibia.

    "Everyone remembers that May night when the Northern Lights were visible across Europe and America. Unbelievably, I had the chance to witness them in Namibia, near the Tropic of Capricorn. Early in the night, the eastern sky was clear, where the Milky Way was set to rise. Seizing the opportunity, I prepared my gear for a 50mm panorama.

    As I worked through the layout of the Milky Way’s core, I noticed a red spot on the horizon. Over the next few hours, it grew into a massive red explosion, illuminating much of the sky. The glow persisted throughout the night as the Milky Way shifted westward, forming a morning arch. The southern sky glowed red and orange, with the Milky Way rising through the vibrant hues.

    For the first time, I realized I had captured a Southern Aurora. It was a moment of pure joy."

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    #19

    “Aurora Mill” – Tobias Thäle

    “Aurora Mill” – Tobias Thäle

    Libenha, Germany.

    "This night will remain unforgettable. Between May 10th and 11th, a massive solar storm struck Earth with incredible force. It was triggered by a large sunspot area and an X-class solar flare (magnitude 1.0) accompanied by a full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME). A total of three CMEs reached Earth, interacting and amplifying each other.

    At around 12:30 a.m. on May 11th, the strongest substorm hit, producing beams that extended to the zenith and beyond. The vivid colors and projections were visible to the naked eye, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It was an extraordinary experience, and we eagerly look forward to witnessing many more solar storms in the future. Clear skies!"

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    #20

    “Coronal Mass Eruption” – Matt Haynie

    “Coronal Mass Eruption” – Matt Haynie

    California, USA.

    "After finally capturing the elusive Northern Lights in mid-latitudes on May 10th, 2024, I was hooked. I realized there was more to predicting the aurora’s appearance than just relying on the KP forecast, so I learned how to read the charts that determine when the lights can reach mid-latitudes.

    This photo is from the sixth time I’ve had the opportunity to capture them since that unforgettable night. Lassen Volcanic National Park, in Northern California, was the best option, as smoke and clouds threatened to obscure views in most nearby locations. I stayed on top of a ridge until 3 a.m., enduring frigid winds that cut through my layers, but witnessing two significant substorms made all the discomfort worthwhile."

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    #21

    “Canyon Lights” – Evan Watts

    “Canyon Lights” – Evan Watts

    Yellowstone National Park, USA.

    "The May 11 solar storm, one of the strongest in years, presented a perfect opportunity to photograph the aurora over my home area: Yellowstone National Park. Early in the night, I captured a few good shots, but as the storm intensified, the lights seemed strongest to the east. I started thinking of iconic Yellowstone viewpoints that faced east and dreamed of capturing the aurora over the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

    The challenge was the forested canyon rim, but I remembered an east-facing viewpoint worth trying. Armed with bear spray in one hand and my tripod in the other, I hiked a mile through grizzly territory to reach the spot. Just as I arrived, the aurora erupted in a breathtaking display. With the Yellowstone River roaring below, I quickly set up and began shooting. This image is the result of that unforgettable night."

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    #22

    “Magical Night In Monegros” – Víctor Bolea

    “Magical Night In Monegros” – Víctor Bolea

    Monegros, Spain.

    "My homeland, Los Monegros, has always captivated me with its unique beauty and arid, almost otherworldly landscape. On the famous night of the auroras, I hadn’t planned to go out, but a message from a friend of mine changed everything. I decided to venture into the heart of the Monegros desert. The sky promised to be clear and full of stars—perfect for capturing the Milky Way—but nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to witness.

    At first, none of us could believe it; seeing auroras at this latitude seemed impossible. But before the night fully embraced the sky, we noticed something strange on the horizon. An unusual glow painted the sky with colors we had never seen in Monegros. The aurora lit up the arid, rocky terrain, creating a magical, surreal contrast.

    What we experienced that night was an unexpected and unrepeatable phenomenon—a memory forever etched in my mind as one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life as a photographer."

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    #23

    “Gibson Glow” – David Tanis

    “Gibson Glow” – David Tanis

    Victoria, Australia.

    "There was a lot of anticipation for this special night, as everyone knew it would be a spectacular event. This gave photographers plenty of time to prepare. I wanted to create something unique, focusing on framing and the foreground. I chose Gibson Steps, away from city lights, as my location. The beach was crowded with photographers and onlookers because the aurora would be visible to the naked eye.

    I started shooting on the beach but later moved to a cave at the beach’s end, where I had planned to capture the Milky Way rising within the frame. Although the aurora dimmed slightly, the cave was familiar, and I knew exactly where to position myself. Suddenly, vibrant beams appeared, visible to the naked eye, creating a magical moment for everyone.

    My shot stands out because I faced east, capturing beams at a unique angle. Due to the bright beams, I couldn’t track the Milky Way, so this composition is a single exposure for both the foreground and sky."

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    #24

    “A Historic Night: Northern Lights At Étretat” – Julien Looten

    “A Historic Night: Northern Lights At Étretat” – Julien Looten

    Normandy, France.

    "This rare G5 solar storm was observable across France at mid-latitudes, a region unaccustomed to such displays. For two years, I traveled regularly to the cliffs of Étretat (latitude 49.43), several hours from home, hoping to capture the aurora over this iconic landscape. After many unsuccessful attempts, my perseverance was finally rewarded.

    This panoramic image captures a sky filled with vibrant auroras stretching 180 degrees from the southwest to the northeast. The display includes hues of pink, violet, and blue, with a green band near the horizon. The Milky Way and Cygnus constellation are visible in the upper right, while light pollution from Étretat creates a faint green glow. The majestic cliffs in the foreground and another photographer to the left completed this extraordinary scene."

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    #25

    “28° Aurora” – Efrén Yanes

    “28° Aurora” – Efrén Yanes

    Tenerife, Spain.

    "The night of May 10th was one of the most unforgettable moments since I became a photographer. I went to Teide National Park in Tenerife with the intention of capturing a circumpolar shot with the endemic tajines in bloom. After setting up my camera and finding the perfect composition, I hit the shutter. To my surprise, the camera screen showed a strange red color on the horizon. It wasn’t light pollution, but something I had never seen before.

    Suddenly, I remembered hearing about a recent large-magnitude solar storm and the possibility of Northern Lights at lower latitudes. My heart raced as I scrolled through social media and saw others sharing photos of the Aurora from the Iberian Peninsula. I realized I was witnessing this extraordinary event from the Canary Islands. It was a magical experience that happened entirely by chance, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of it."

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