Regarded as the Holy Grail of skywatching, the atmospheric phenomenon is a result of electrically charged particles from space entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere at very high speeds. According to online publication Space.com, “The science behind the northern lights wasn’t theorized until the turn of the 20th century. Norwegian scientist Kristian Birkeland proposed that electrons emitted from sunspots produced the atmospheric lights after being guided toward the poles by Earth’s magnetic field.”
“Polaris Dream” by Nico Rinaldi in Murmansk Oblast, Russia. Photo: Nico Rinaldi / Capture The Atlas
“Auroraverse” by Tor-Ivar Næss in Nordreisa, Norway. Photo: Tor-Ivar Næss / Capture The Atlas
“Inception” by Giulio Cobianchi in Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Giulio Cobianchi / Capture The Atlas
“Michigan Night Watch” by Marybeth Kiczenski in Point Betsie Lighthouse, Frankfort, Michigan. Photo: Marybeth Kiczenski / Capture The Atlas
“The Light Upon Kerlaugar” by Jannes Krause in Suðurland, Iceland. Photo: Jannes Krause / Capture The Atlas
“Emerald Howl” by Itai Monnickendam in Kolari, North Finland. Photo: Itai Monnickendam / Capture The Atlas
“Towering Ice” by Virgil Reglioni in Scoresby Sund, East Greenland. Photo: Virgil Reglioni / Capture The Atlas
“Nugget Point Lighthouse Aurora” by Douglas Thorne in Nugget Point Lighthouse, New Zealand. Photo: Douglas Thorne / Capture The Atlas
“Queen of the North” by Pierpaolo Salvatore in Iceland. Photo: Pierpaolo Salvatore / Capture The Atlas
“Red Skies” by Ruslan Merzlyakov in Nykøbing Mors, Denmark. Photo: Ruslan Merzlyakov / Capture The Atlas