One purpose of the Iceland trip in February/March was to see and shoot one of the most amazing and fascinating phenomenons of the planet – the Northern Light (Aurora Boralis). The lights, formed by the interaction of solar winds, the earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere, are typical for Iceland in winter, though there is no guarantee to observe them when you’re up on the island. Basically, one needs two things: solar activity and clear skies. As the sun is at the moment on top of its 11 year cycle of activity, the chances are quite good to have some higher solar activity. But of course, there is the factor of weather left, which in most cases should be the critical point. With a cloudy sky, which is not seldom seen in Iceland’s winter, there can be intense northern lights but you can’t see them. But I was very lucky on my first Iceland winter trip and experienced numerous clear nights with dazzling Northern Lights above my head.
Usually, you’d use a lens as wide as possible to capture the lights above. Here I used 50mm for some wonderful lights at the horizon above Vatnajökull.
Suddenly, a northern light like a light sword formed first at the horizon above a mountain and then streched high above my head.
Northern light with a spectacular cloud above Snæfellsjökull with the crater Báðarlaug in front.
As if the universe continues down on earth the Aurora Borealis is mirrored by the lake Þingvallavatn.
The movement of the lights can be unbelievably fast while it forms bizarre shapes in the sky.
While there is still Blue Hour on the left of this panorama, the night already has taken over the right side and the Aurora and a settlement illuminate the sky.
Panorama of a Northern Light one cannot describe with words at the Thingvallavatn.