LONDON — Residents across parts of the United States might witness the captivating Northern Lights on Monday night, and for those who might not see them with the naked eye, a smartphone camera could reveal the elusive auroral hues.
The increased possibility of this natural light show followed a serious solar storm alert issued by space weather forecasters on Sunday. This came after the sun released a substantial coronal mass ejection the previous week. Another similar event projected towards Earth on Monday offers an opportunity for more frequent sightings, encouraging a surge of social media posts showcasing this celestial phenomenon.
For those eager to capture the Northern Lights, it’s best to venture to a secluded, dimly-lit place free of light pollution. Checking weather forecasts beforehand is also advisable, as clouds may obscure the aurora borealis. Suitable photographic equipment, preferably a DSLR camera paired with a tripod, can significantly enhance the quality of your pictures. However, those without such equipment need not worry as smartphones can still yield impressive captures of the night sky.
To enhance your photography experience, here’s some guidance on shooting the Northern Lights:
**Optimizing Your Device**
Begin by minimizing your phone’s screen brightness as bright displays can impair night vision for both you and bystanders. Avoid holding your phone with your hands while taking nighttime shots; it’s better to place your device on a surface, like a book or even the ground, to avoid blurriness. Remember, the aurora is best viewed under clear skies from a vantage point away from city lights, facing northward. Opt for landscape mode to capture a broader view.
**iPhone Photography Tips**
Ensure that your flash, typically identified by a lightning symbol, is turned off. If you own an iPhone model 11 or newer, engaging Night Mode is crucial. It usually activates automatically in low-light conditions and is identifiable by a crescent moon icon at the top left of the screen. Night Mode adjusts exposure times automatically, but manual experimentation is possible.
Tap the arrow above the camera screen to access a row of controls at the bottom, where you’ll find the exposure control marked with the same crescent moon symbol as Night Mode. A slider then allows you to choose between automatic and maximum timer settings, with the latter offering the longest exposure. After selecting your exposure, tap the shutter button to snap your picture, using the timer to eliminate any movement while you reposition. If holding the device by hand, aligning the crosshairs that appear when movement is detected minimizes motion-induced blurring.
**Android Photography Tips**
Most Android devices offer similar features for night photography. Pixel phones provide a Night Sight setting located at the screen’s bottom. When supported by a tripod, the astrophotography mode appears automatically. After triggering the shutter, a countdown begins, capturing a long exposure lasting up to four minutes.
Should you lack a tripod, manually activate astro mode by selecting the crescent icon and adjusting the slider. A countdown follows, permitting you to place the phone securely facing the night sky. A sound cue will signal when the capture concludes. For users with newer Samsung devices, accessing astrophotography features requires downloading the free Expert Raw camera application.
**Using Third-Party Apps**
For further support, Nordic tourist boards suggest various apps specifically catered to Northern Lights photography. “The Northern Lights Photo Taker” is highly recommended, available for a nominal fee, and praised for its effectiveness.
In addition, other camera apps like NightCap Camera, ProCamera, and Slow Shutter are commendable for iOS users. Android users might consider ProCam X Lite for enhanced controls. Visit Norway suggests testing these apps beforehand to determine which suits your device’s capabilities.
By considering these tips and utilizing the available resources, capturing the magnificence of the Northern Lights can become a rewarding experience, even for amateur night sky photographers.