The Day I Saw the Aurora Borealis
There was a rumor around the hostel, “Tuesday will be the day for the northern lights!” I carefully watched the aurora forecast to see if that was true. I came to Iceland again, despite the cold weather, for two reasons: enjoying the hot pools and catching the northern lights. The latter one was the biggest dream for my entire life ever since I got to know what astronomy was. After I landed in Reykjavik on 10th, spent a few days without any big news but I patiently waited. I knew this was the closest chance I’ve ever gotten, but I didn’t want to be disappointed too big at the end. After all, we humans can’t fight the mother nature.
On Tuesday afternoon, we drove through rain and wind in southwest Iceland. The forecast said the northern lights would be active tonight but the weather wasn’t ideal. To catch the northern lights, three conditions have to be perfect: crispy and cold winter sky, clear and calm weather, and active solar wind. Solar wind was out there already, it was a cold winter night alright, but weather was the question.
At night, the sky was getting clear. We decided to drove a car outside of Reykjavik. Only a few minutes after, I saw a smudge in the sky. ‘Clouds?’ It was crossing the entire sky while dancing and moving around. It was definitely not a cloud, it was the northern lights! Among the bright city lights, the nature’s wonder didn’t quiet it down.
I sticked my head out to the window, screaming and wowing the whole time. We found a dark-enough spot to pull over. I ran out from the car, set my camera down on the ground (because I didn’t have a tripod) and fixed my eye to the most amazing nature show I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe.
I’m watching the northern lights!
When all of my friends decorated their bedroom wall with the poster of pop stars, my room was filled with photos of solar system, galaxies, deep space and aurora (northern lights). Yes, I was a nerdy kid. Catching the aurora was the biggest astronomical dream I’ve ever had ever since, and it finally happened this week. I watched the northern lights!
It was green and purple in the photos, but it actually looked like unnatural clouds. The movement was fascinating. The ones above our head were the most dramatic. Because we were looking at the vertical side of this magnetic field, it was thick and active. It felt like I was looking at a shower head when the water was on. The lights came and disappeared quite quickly. If we were at a darker place, we would’ve see much dramatic view but it was good enough for all of us. For one night, we saw the classic movement of the northern lights, at least for me. It looked just like the poster photos I had. Squirmy near the horizon, curtain shape, making shapes around the constellations… It was dreamy. Nature is wonderful. I may come back to Iceland every winter.
Wouldn’t you?
great! I guess I’ve seen this once while I was on a plane, but I’m not sure. I can imagine it is fascinating to see what some charges and a magnetic field are capable of. (that was real “wiseness” 🙂 )
Juno, this looks absolutely stunning! You’re so lucky to have caught the lights. I was doing a bit of reading on where to go to see them, and basically everything said that they’re unpredictable and that there’s never any guarantee of a sighting. I’m glad your dream came true 🙂
You made me dream so much with these photos and post! Me and my mom saw the pics and decided are going to Iceland by the end of the winter. Will book the trip shortly.
And if you decide to go back every winter (which could be my case too!) well we can always go together next time! Me and you under northern lights… can you imagine? 🙂
So glad to hear that you are going to Iceland! You’ll love it. 🙂 Make sure to stay it at least a week, to catch the opportunity! We can meet in Iceland every winter, that would be cool, right? 🙂
Wow this looks so unreal! Must be such a sublime feeling to watch something this amazing with you own eyes – so glad you got your chance! Awesome pictures!
Thanks! It was really surreal, couldn’t believe that it was happening right in front of my eyes!
Good post and awesome photos! Glad you managed to catch the unpredictable pretty lights 🙂 Makes me wish I was there.
You’ll love it, I think it’s really hard not to be touched by the amazing natural phenomenon… 🙂
Wow, looks amazing!
I was in Iceland in March earlier this year, hoping to catch the lights – but the weather never cooperated! Someday, though, I’ll see them too and be just as wowed as you were!
Amazing photos, Juno! The Northern Lights are so special and beautiful – can’t wait to get there one day (although I hear the weather and timing can be a real pest!). It’s great to read about a dream realised – I wish you many more to come!
I’m sorry Juno, I can’t visit your website anymore… I’m so jealous right now, I’m dying for years to go and see the northern lights… hopefully in february!!
Wow incredible photos Juno!
Absolutely AMAZING! I love the last photo! I went to Iceland this June and while I loved loved loved being there in the summer and enjoying the nice weather, I know I have to go back someday to see this beautiful show nature puts on. So glad you got such a beautiful night and could share it here with us!
JiYeon, I love the photos and I cannot wait to get to the Northern Lights! Thanks for sharing your story!
Great photos! I’ve seen them several times but never had the camera ready for the shot. Well done!
The Northern lights were my most favorite experience in Iceland. I’m so stoked for you that you got to see them!
wow, it’s so so so magnificent. Watching Aurora, is my one of the dreams and Still I haven’t get the chance for it. By the way Congrats Juno!
Amazing. The photo that stands out the most is the top one with the silhouette. Really well done.
Seeing the Aurora is one of the highlights of our life to date. Amazing shots!
Wow, beautiful pics of the dancing lights! I’m fascinated by the Northern Lights, and all of the stories / folktales that surround them. So cool.
Amazing photos! My dad saw the Northern Lights earlier this year, but it was so cold that his camera just gave up, so it’s exciting that you were able to capture these shots.
Awesome! You are so lucky to get to see the Northern Lights. Your pics are beautiful! Hmm, did the lights spell out “Iceland” in that last photo? 😉
These photos are awesome! I hope I’m able to catch a glimpse of the lights when I visit Iceland next year. Did you go on a tour organised through your hostel?
Such amazing photos! I had planned on heading up to Iceland this year to see the light as they say it would be one of the best times in many years to see them, but I couldn’t get time off. Maybe next year
I saw them in Iceland in Sept this year but they were faint wow these are amazing would love to see them again
Oh my God, I am SO jealous!!! I spent a week in Iceland hoping everyday to see the Aurora but it never happened. I think they said the weather was just a bit too warm (even though it was the right season for aurora). I was so bummed. I still really hope to see this amazing phenomenon one day though!
WOW!!! They were impressive that night. A lot of people only get to see a little faint colour, but you got the full show!! 😀 And I really like your last shot as well.
Thanks Audrey! It was really vivid. It wasn’t that green in naked eyes but it was from the camera. Amazing night!
i love Northern Lights and your images are stunning Juno! It’s thrilling to see them again! It must have been breathtaking in person!
such gorgeous lights are worth waiting for 🙂
Ahhh so jealous! Seeing the Northern Lights is one of my biggest dreams… I was also one of those nerdy kids who obsessed over anything celestial. 🙂 Your pictures are gorgeous!