The photographic collection

The Northern Lights, in photographs.

13 perspectives on The Northern Lights, from the familiar view to details worth a closer look. Select a photograph to open it at full size.

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Photographs show different viewpoints, dates and conditions. They do not establish current access to a particular route. Every image is credited below.

Northern lights near Tromsø, NorwayPhoto: Arctic light - Frank Olsen, CC BY-SA 3.0

Northern lights above the Alaskan landscapePhoto: DVIDSHUB, Public domain

Curtains of aurora over AlaskaPhoto: United States Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Strang, Public domain

Moonlight and aurora across a dark skyPhoto: Wa17gs, CC BY-SA 4.0

Northern lights across a winter skyPhoto: Craig M. Groshek, Public domain

Green auroral curtains above a northern forestPhoto: Rafal Konieczny, CC BY 2.5

A pink auroral corona overheadPhoto: W.carter, CC BY-SA 4.0

Colour washing across the night skyPhoto: Bellezzasolo, CC BY 4.0

A faint auroral glow above the horizonPhoto: Kristian Pikner, CC BY-SA 4.0

Northern Lights at Lauklines, Kvaloya, Troms, NorwayPhoto: Sebastian Kowalski, CC0

Northern Lights over Nordmo in NorwayPhoto: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen), CC BY-SA 4.0

Aurora, a meteor and clouds above TuntorpPhoto: W.carter, CC BY-SA 4.0

Aurora Borealis in EstoniaPhoto: Kristian Pikner, CC BY-SA 4.0

The story behind the picture

Give darkness enough time

The Northern Lights belong to a combination of solar activity, darkness, cloud and a suitable viewpoint. Their changing form matters as much as their brightness. Photographs may show colour differently from the unaided eye, so the experience is best approached with curiosity rather than a promise of a particular image.

Allow several possible observing nights in a practical base. Use current forecasts as one input, alongside cloud, access and the ability to return safely.

Explore the history, highlights and practical guide →