The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena.
With the right gear, location, and understanding of the science behind the Northern Lights, you can capture stunning images. Here's everything you need to know to photograph the Northern Lights.
📘 Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Key Factors to Consider
- Why Are There So Many Northern Lights Appearances?
- Equipment for Capturing the Northern Lights
- Technicals of the Aurora / Northern Lights
- Location and Lunar Phase
- Apps for Aurora Photography
- The Challenges of Light Pollution
- The Science Behind the Northern Lights
- Camera Setting Tips
- Advanced Techniques
- Conclusion
Helpful links
Space Weather Prediction
Key Factors to Consider
Some of the key factors to consider when getting northern lights photos are Kp and Bt Index, Location and the Lunar Phase
Why are there so many Northern Lights Apperances?
Ever since the largest flare in May 2024 there has been a rise of electromganetic activity hitting the earth. This has also given rise to people having the opportunity to capture this amazing phenomemon. Over the last few months in 2024 the searches for Northern Lights and the Aurora has skyrockted.
Equipment for Capturing the Northern Lights
- Smartphones (iPhone & Android): Modern smartphones like iPhones and high-end Androids are capable of capturing decent images of the Northern Lights. Be sure to shoot in RAW format for more control over exposure and color correction during post-processing.
- DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras: These are the best options for Northern Lights photography due to their large sensors, which capture more light and detail in low-light conditions. Cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Sony are especially popular for this type of photography.
Wide Angle Lens- For capturing the full expanse of the sky, a wide-angle lens is essential. Aim for a lens with a focal length between 14mm and 24mm, which helps capture the vast horizon and as much of the Northern Lights as possible.
If you're using a smartphone, some models come with wide-angle lenses, or you can purchase clip-on lenses. Newer models may also have a secondary lens that you can use to capture wide angle views.
View Best Lenses for Night Photography
Tripods
A tripod is critical for Northern Lights photography due to the long exposure times needed to capture the dim light. Without one, your photos will likely come out blurry. Check out this tripod guide for night photography to help you select the best tripod for astrophotography.
I've found it helpful to shoot at fast shutter rates on a timer such as 13s. The northern lights move fast so long exposures- lose the shape of aurora and create globs instead
Lenses for Astrophotography
For more advanced setups, consider lenses specifically designed for astrophotography. A fast lens with a large aperture (f/2.8 or lower) will allow the maximum amount of light to hit your camera's sensor, improving the quality of your night shots.
Technicals of the Aurora/ Northern Lights
- Kp and Bt Index: When photographing the Northern Lights, two critical factors are the KP and BP indices. These indices measure geomagnetic activity, which determines how strong and visible the lights will be. Plantary k Index
- Kp Index: Measures the strength of solar storms and is essential for predicting the visibility of the Northern Lights. A Kp of 5 or higher increases your chances of seeing the lights. The Kp Scale is on a 9-point scale and can be seen on the Offical Space Weather Website on Various Apps. Learn More About the Plantary K Index Here
- Bt Index: This value is the strength of interplantery geomagnetic forces. The unit is measured in nano Teslas(nT). The more negative eg -10 nt the higher chance of seeing an Aurora
Location,and Lunar Phase
Choosing the right location and time is vital for photographing the Northern Lights.
- Location: You'll want to be as far north as possible, and in remote areas with minimal light pollution. However, during intense solar activity (like the largest solar flare in May 2024), they can sometimes be visible as far south as Chicago or farther.
It is suggested to go away from cities areas with less light pollution. From experiance this may be the best to view the entire aurora. However it is still very possible to see the aurora from a city.
These images were taken at around 2 AM, the aurora could be seen without a camera through the sky. Minor brightness and color were adjusted in post-prodution in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Light Pollution Map - Lunar Phase: Aim to shoot during a new moon or when the moon is less bright, as too much light from the moon can wash out the Aurora. Current Lunar Phase
Apps for Aurora Photography
To maximize your chances of success, use apps that track Northern Lights activity. Some popular ones include:
- Aurora Alerts: Provides real-time KP index alerts and visibility predictions.
App Store
PlayStore - My Aurora Forecast: Gives you detailed KP index forecasts and helps you track locations with minimal cloud coverage.
App Store
PlayStore - Aurora Lights: Offers live updates and chances of Aurora sightings based on your location.
- Green: The most common color, caused by oxygen.
- Purple/Red: Caused by nitrogen molecules.
- Shutter Speed: 5-25 seconds depending on the strength of the lights.
- Aperture: f/2.8 or lower for maximum light.
- ISO: Start with 800-1600, then adjust based on the brightness of the Aurora.
The Challenges of Light Pollution
Light pollution can make photographing the Northern Lights difficult, especially in urban areas. However, with the right techniques, it’s still possible to capture good images from cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. Consider using the Light Pollution Map to find the darkest possible spots near you.
Michigan and Chicagoland
Australia Light Pollution map 11/12/25
Colorado 11/12/25
The Science Behind the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are caused by geomagnetic storms, which occur when charged particles from the sun interact with Earth’s geomagnetic fields. These particles collide with gases in Earth's atmosphere, creating the colorful displays we see in the sky. The colors of the Northern Lights depend on which gases are being excited:
Camera Setting Tips
Horizon and Framing
When photographing the Northern Lights, make sure to include part of the horizon in your frame. This adds context and can create a more dramatic image. You can also include foreground elements like trees or mountains to give your photo more depth and scale.
Aim your camera Magnetic north
Exposure Settings
For DSLRs and mirrorfsholess cameras, use the following settings as a starting point:
Having a tripod can be extremly helpful to capture still frame while using a slower shutter speed and lower ISO number.
ISO Number- Using a lower ISO is preffered for lower noise and full color detail of the aurora. When you increase your noise the amount of artifacts that change the color of the aurora are noticable.
Shutter Speed- Auroras move at different speeds depending on the solar activity. Using a faster shutter speed will allow you to capture the swiftness of the Aurora. Long exposure tend to mix the colors of the Auora and create a color spill across the sky. depending on what
you want to capture. Keep in mind that the acitivity may only last a few minutes before it goes away.
For smartphones, use manual camera apps that allow you to adjust exposure times and ISO. Remember to shoot in RAW format for easier post-processing.
Advanced Techniques
I've found that bracketing the images/ creating an HDR for the aurora can really bring out both the foreground and the background of the images.
Conclusion
Photographing the Northern Lights is a rewarding challenge that requires careful planning and the right equipment. By understanding key factors such as KP and BP indices, utilizing the best camera gear, and selecting ideal shooting locations, you can capture this awe-inspiring phenomenon. Whether you're using a high-end DSLR or an iPhone, with patience and the right technique, you'll be able to take stunning photos of the Aurora Borealis.
