Best places on planet to view Northern Lights?

5 years 7 months ago #606052 by Tim Dordeck

Skarpi wrote: Speaking of Iceland, I see them out my window as we speak. 

We see them frequently here in Iceland, so I photograph them mostly here, but also in Greenland and Norway. Not sure what is the "best place" to view them, but I like to have some landscape, or lakes as foreground, if there is not much around, then I might just use my truck as foreground



Now THAT is how you do off road!  What size tires are those??

:thumbsup:


Photo Comments
,
5 years 7 months ago #606120 by Juan Anthony
Agree, those are some serious tires on that van.  Is that a Mercedes?  


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #607287 by Toby J

Juan Anthony wrote: Agree, those are some serious tires on that van.  Is that a Mercedes?  


Looks like one


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #607339 by Number 7
By the way, anyone know why the northern lights are green versus any other color?


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago - 5 years 6 months ago #607348 by effron
Typically, when charged particles collide with oxygen, yellow and green are produced. Interactions with nitrogen produce red, violet, and occasionally blue colors.

Why so serious?
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #607413 by Tim Dordeck

effron wrote: Typically, when charged particles collide with oxygen, yellow and green are produced. Interactions with nitrogen produce red, violet, and occasionally blue colors.


WOW, never knew there were different colors.   Just thought green was it.  Red seems to be a very rare occassion -  www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2017/fe...s-awe-and-foreboding

That would be awe inspiring to whiteness something like that!  Heck, I think blue would be cool to see in person too.  


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #607491 by Randall McNabb
Hey thanks everyone, so many places.   Now comes the tough part, picking a location!


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608575 by Jackson Rieger
Best places in the world to view northern lights:
  1. Abisko, Sweden 
  2. Tromsø, Norway 
  3. Rovaniemi, Finland
  4. Reykjavik, Iceland
  5. Moray Coast, Scotland 
  6. Yukon, Canada 
  7. Fairbanks, Alaska 


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608579 by Fitch
In Alaska and Iceland between September and March is peak Northern Light season.  Good rule of thumb is you want to find some interesting foreground to make it work.  


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608594 by Randall McNabb
What are you driving through 3 feet of snow with those tires?!  Well that illustrates why I asked this question, is something like that needed to get around?  

BTW, how large are those tires?


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608812 by Camera Diva
Alaska, Iceland, Sweden and Norway are 4 spots you'll want to seriously consider.  Canada and Greenland too.  IMO you'll best off going with a group, and a guide.  That way you can focus on taking the shots vs finding them.   Most of these locations have locals or workshops you can attend, some will even include hotel and food.  So really all you have to do is wake up, follow the leader and snap off the shots.  Way less stressful.  

At the beginning of time there was absolutely nothing. And then it exploded! - Terry Pratchett
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608850 by Toby J

Randall McNabb wrote: What are you driving through 3 feet of snow with those tires?!  Well that illustrates why I asked this question, is something like that needed to get around?  

BTW, how large are those tires?


No, not needed, most roads are clear.  I would guess 33" tires.  


Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #608977 by Alex

Toby J wrote:

Randall McNabb wrote: What are you driving through 3 feet of snow with those tires?!  Well that illustrates why I asked this question, is something like that needed to get around?  

BTW, how large are those tires?


No, not needed, most roads are clear.  I would guess 33" tires.  


Hey Toby, close but no cigar friend.  Those tires are 44"!  I just confirmed. ;)

Thank you for making PhotographyTalk.com your photography community of choice.
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #609017 by EOS Man
Hey Alex, check your PM please.  Sent you a message.  Thank you.

5D Mark II | 50mm f/1.4 EX | 24-70mm f/2.8L | 70-200mm f/2.8L | 430EX
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 months ago #609080 by Vladimir
When shooting northern lights, are these bright enough to get away with a lower ISO or are you having to crank your ISO up to the point where you start getting noise? 


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Insta360 has one of the best lineups of action cams and 360-degree cameras. With these Insta360 accessories, you can elevate your photography and videography game!

Apr 24, 2024

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024