The aurora borealis, a breathtaking celestial display often referred to as the Northern Lights, has captivated humanity for centuries. While many marvel at this phenomenon from the ground, Play Airlines First Officer Una Gísladóttir has a unique perspective: she witnesses the aurora from 35,000 feet in the cockpit of an airplane. This article delves into Gísladóttir’s awe-inspiring experiences with the Northern Lights, explores the cultural significance of the aurora, and provides practical tips for capturing its beauty through photography.
A Pilot’s Encounter with the Aurora Borealis
Una Gísladóttir, a pilot based in Reykjavik, Iceland, frequently flies routes across the North Atlantic, connecting Iceland with North America and Europe. During a routine red-eye flight from the United States to Iceland, Gísladóttir experienced an unforgettable encounter with the Northern Lights. As she piloted the aircraft across the dark expanse of the ocean, vibrant hues of green, pink, and purple began to dance across the sky. This mesmerizing display, unobstructed by clouds or city lights, illuminated the aircraft’s path home.
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This first encounter sparked a passion in Gísladóttir to capture the beauty of the aurora through photography. Since then, she has been sharing her stunning images, taken from her unique vantage point, to inspire others to witness this natural wonder.
The Science and Mythology of the Northern Lights
Scientists explain the aurora borealis as a result of solar flares interacting with the Earth’s atmosphere. Charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in the upper atmosphere, releasing energy in the form of light. This interaction creates the vibrant colors that characterize the aurora.
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However, long before scientific explanations emerged, Nordic cultures wove intricate myths and legends around the Northern Lights. In Estonia, folklore describes the aurora as heavenly tracks of horse-drawn carriages journeying to a celestial wedding. Finnish mythology attributes the lights to a celestial fox painting the sky with its tail. In Iceland, Gísladóttir’s homeland, the aurora is believed to represent the spirits of departed loved ones dancing in the heavens.
Experiencing the Magic of the Aurora: A Transformative Journey
Witnessing the Northern Lights is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. For some, it evokes tears of awe, while others react with laughter and disbelief. The sheer magnitude of the display can leave observers speechless, frozen in place by the beauty unfolding before them. The aurora has a remarkable ability to transcend cultural boundaries, connecting people to the natural world and reminding them of the vastness of the universe.
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Each aurora display is unique, like a fingerprint in the sky. No two occurrences are ever exactly alike, adding to the mystique and allure of the phenomenon. Gísladóttir emphasizes the importance of experiencing the Northern Lights firsthand, at least once in a lifetime.
Capturing the Aurora: A Photography Guide for Everyone
Gísladóttir encourages aspiring photographers to capture the beauty of the Northern Lights, even with just a smartphone. She offers these valuable tips for successful aurora photography:
Minimize Light Pollution: Seek out locations far from city lights, as artificial light can diminish the visibility of the aurora.
Clear View to the North: The Northern Lights generally appear in the northern sky, so ensure an unobstructed view in that direction.
Clear Skies are Essential: Clouds can obscure the aurora. Check weather forecasts and opt for locations with clear skies.
Utilize Long Exposure: Most smartphones have a long exposure mode. This setting allows the camera to gather more light over an extended period, typically 5 to 30 seconds, resulting in brighter and more detailed aurora photos. Consult your phone’s manual for instructions on enabling long exposure.
Persistence Pays Off: Aurora sightings are not guaranteed. Don’t be discouraged if the lights don’t appear on your first attempt. Patience and persistence are key to capturing this elusive phenomenon.
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With the sun currently in a peak solar cycle phase, this winter promises exceptional aurora displays. This presents a rare opportunity, the best in two decades, to witness and photograph the Northern Lights in their full glory. Embrace the adventure, follow Gísladóttir’s expert advice, and prepare to be amazed by the magic of the aurora borealis.
