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We’re in the middle of the best Northern Lights season in a decade, thanks to the current solar maximum supercharging the skies. In this article, Iceland's science star, Sævar, will share expert tips on photographing the auroras.
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Viktória Komjáti
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Published:
26 Sept 2024
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We’re in the midst of the best Northern Lights season we’ve seen—and will see—for at least a decade. The current solar maximum is supercharging the skies, making this the perfect time to catch the auroras in all their glory. Now’s the moment to experience some of the brightest and most frequent displays of the Northern Lights in the last 20 years, and it’s only going to get better!

Who better to help us navigate this incredible Northern Lights season than Iceland’s very own science star, Sævar? In this article, we’ll introduce you Star Sævar who will share some expert tips on how to photograph the Northern Lights like a pro, whether you’re armed with a smartphone or a DSLR.

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Star Sævar: Iceland’s Stargazing Superstar

When it comes to the magic of Iceland’s night skies, there’s no better guide than Star Sævar—the man we Icelanders trust to decode the mysteries of the universe for us. Sævar Helgi Bragason, better known as Stjörnu Sævar (or "Star Sævar" in English), is basically Iceland's cosmic celebrity. He’s practically our celestial weather report—if he’s excited, we know something big is happening!

Sævar’s love affair with the stars started long before he became our go-to science guy. Growing up in the suburbs, he was that kid who’d be late to school because he couldn’t stop looking up at the sky. His true “aha” moment came when he peeked through a telescope for the first time and saw Saturn’s rings. That moment sparked something in him, and ever since, he’s been on a mission to share the universe with the rest of us.

While most of us might just enjoy the Northern Lights as a nice Instagram shot, Sævar digs deep. He’s the one who breaks down why and how these displays happen, in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger. And he does it in a way that’s so down-to-earth that you don’t need a science degree to understand.

What’s even more impressive? He didn’t follow the typical academic path to get here. With no astronomy program available at the university, he pursued a degree in geology instead. And while he didn’t formally study it at university, that didn’t stop him. His insatiable curiosity and knack for breaking down big cosmic questions have made him Iceland’s star (literally) of science.

A man with short brown hair and a beard, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, smiles with his arms crossed.

He is *the* guy we all turn to when something extraordinary is happening in the sky.

Sævar didn’t start his career with a plan to be in the media. In fact, his entry into television and public science communication happened almost by accident, as he shared in an interview with Iceland Monitor. As a teenager, he was invited for a TV interview to talk about a celestial event, and his clear, engaging way of explaining complex astronomical topics made an instant impression.

Since then, Sævar has dedicated himself to making science fun and accessible for everyone. He’s written books, hosted popular TV shows, and given countless talks to inspire people of all ages to look up and appreciate the wonders of the universe.

This October, Sævar’s taking his passion for the sky on the road as he represents Icelandia at the Taste of Iceland event in Seattle. It’s a traveling cultural festival about Iceland that regularly brings everything we hold dear—delicious Icelandic food and drink, music, comedy, design, wellness, and, of course, our stunning nature—to cities around the world.

And who better than Star Sævar to share the magic of our Northern Lights with the world?

Sævar makes science easy and fun, so everyone—kids and adults—can enjoy it - this has made him a popular figure!

Why NOW is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Iceland

And right now, there’s no better time to have someone like Star Sævar guiding us through the skies. As we mentioned in our previous article, we’re in the middle of a solar maximum, part of the 11-year solar cycle where the sun’s activity ramps up, creating the perfect conditions for incredible Northern Lights displays.

The solar cycle has two phases—solar minimum and solar maximum. During the solar minimum, the sun is relatively quiet, and auroras are fewer and dimmer. But during the solar maximum, like the one we’re in now, solar activity peaks, resulting in more frequent and vibrant auroras lighting up the skies. These cycles occur roughly every 11 years, meaning we’re currently in one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights at their most intense and colorful.

There’s really no better place to catch this cosmic light show than right here in Iceland. We’re sit in the middle of the aurora zone, giving us some of the best Northern Lights conditions on the planet. And unlike other countries this far north, we get to enjoy relatively mild winters (thanks, Gulf Stream!), which means you can go aurora hunting without freezing your toes off.

Plus, you don’t even have to drive far from Reykjavík—just a short drive will take you to spots with barely any light pollution. Northern Lights tours of all types are running daily from Reykjavík, offering everything from guided bus tours to more intimate jeep and boat tours, so you can sit back, relax, and let the experts take you to the best viewing spots.

So, if seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list, this solar maximum, combined with Iceland’s perfect location, makes it the ultimate time and place to experience one of nature’s most stunning shows!

Two people wearing winter gear and reflective jackets take a selfie under a vibrant display of green Northern Lights in the night sky.

Incredible Northern Lights season ahead!

This season in Iceland has already kicked off with jaw-dropping aurora displays in September.

Star Sævar’s Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights

Now that the Northern Lights season is in full swing, you’ll want to capture those magical displays to relive the experience. Lucky for us, Star Sævar has some top-notch tips to help us photograph the auroras like a pro—whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR camera.

First of all, iit's important to note that Northern Lights are best enjoyed with the naked-eye, no special equipment needed! However, most people lucky enough to witness a stunning and colourful Northern Lights display also want to take their own photos of them. Who can blame them?

Shooting the Northern Lights is quite easy, whether using your smartphone, DSLR or mirrorless cameras. The best camera settings depend on how strong the aurora display is and the quality of your cameras and lenses.

For Smartphone Users

Believe it or not, you don’t need fancy equipment to capture the Northern Lights. Here’s how to make the most of your phone’s camera:

  1. Set to night mode for longer exposures: Most modern smartphones have a night mode, which automatically adjusts the exposure time to capture more light. This feature is perfect for photographing the aurora.
  2. Use a tripod: Keeping your phone steady is crucial for those longer exposures. A tripod will prevent blurry shots and keep your images sharp.
  3. Find a visually interesting foreground: The Northern Lights look even more stunning when paired with a beautiful landscape—whether it's mountains, glaciers, a still lake or lagoon, or even a simple silhouette of trees. A reflective surface like water can create a mesmerizing mirror effect that elevates your shot.

For DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Users

If you’re working with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, you’ve got more control over your settings and can really push the quality of your photos. Sævar’s advice:

  1. Use manual settings: Set your camera to manual mode so you can control every aspect of the shot. Shoot in RAW format to capture as much detail as possible for post-processing.
  2. Use wide-angle lenses: A short focal length (around 12mm, 14mm, or 24mm) allows you to capture more of the sky, giving your image a sense of scale and grandeur.
  3. Set aperture, ISO, and exposure manually: Open up your lens to the widest possible aperture (f/1.4 to f/2.8) to let in more light. Set your ISO between 800 and 3200, depending on the brightness of the auroras. Exposure times can range from 1 to 25 seconds—shorter exposures for brighter lights and longer for faint displays.
  4. Adjust based on brightness and movement: If the auroras are bright and moving quickly, use shorter exposures (under 10 seconds) to freeze the motion and avoid blurring. For slower, fainter auroras, longer exposures will capture more detail.

Bonus Tips for Capturing the Northern Lights and the Milky Way

  1. If you’re lucky enough to have a clear, dark night, you might even catch the Milky Way alongside the auroras. For this, bump up your ISO and extend your exposure times—sometimes up to 30 seconds—to capture both the Northern Lights and the stars. Just be mindful of the balance: too long of an exposure could wash out the colors of the auroras.

Enjoy the Moment While it Lasts

And don’t forget—while it’s exciting to snap photos, Sævar always reminds us to pause and take it in with our own eyes. If you are seeing auroras for the first time, look up and enjoy the show!

Not only does the screen distract you from the beauty of the moment, but it can also ruin your night vision. After looking at a bright screen, it can take several minutes for your eyes to adjust back to the darkness, reducing your ability to fully appreciate the subtle, magical colors of the aurora.

So, put the phone down, let your eyes soak in the natural wonder, and savor every second of this awe-inspiring phenomenon while it lasts!

A person in a blue jacket stands near a stone archway, with vibrant green and purple Northern Lights illuminating the night sky.

Sævar's photo og himself under the Northern Lights at the Arctic Henge in North Iceland.

All You Need to Know about the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most magical shows, blending beautiful colors with fascinating science. If you’re curious to learn more, we’ve got you covered!

Check out our articles on the science behind the auroras, the cool folklore and myths that surround them, and even tips for the upcoming solar peak in the winter of 2024/2025. Plus, don't miss our handy guide to maximize your chances of seeing this celestial light show. Whether you're here for the science or just the beauty, there's plenty more to explore and enjoy!

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