Aurora Borealis in The Golden Circle – October 4th 2016
The thrill of chasing the aurora borealis is an experience that never gets old. It’s the perfect mix of anticipation, adventure, and awe that leaves you longing for more. On one unforgettable evening in Iceland, the aurora forecast predicted a sizzling KP4, but the skies were heavy with clouds. The faintest hint of a break in the clouds was all the motivation we needed to hop into the van and head north in search of clear skies.
As we drove, everyone was glued to the windows, scanning the heavens. I always say, “If you can see stars, you’re in with a chance!” Then came the excited shriek: “I think I can see it! I THINK I CAN SEEEEE IT!”
Adrenaline kicked in as I searched for a safe place to stop. In Iceland, pulling over at the roadside is illegal, so I needed to find a lay-by or drive. Thankfully, we spotted a road carved into a patch of land marked for development and pulled in.
The clouds parted, and the sky came alive. The aurora danced in ribbons of green, with flashes of purple weaving through the arcs. It was breathtaking. Cameras were quickly set up, and I helped the group adjust their settings to capture the moment. Joyful screams filled the air as the lights continued to dazzle us.
Suddenly, a collective gasp broke through the excitement as a shooting star streaked across the sky. I had just opened my shutter, capturing the moment in what felt like a split second of cosmic magic. When the image finally appeared on my camera screen, I was ecstatic—it was a long shooting star crossing right through the Milky Way.
Later, while editing, I marveled at how much each frame captured the aurora’s movement and the interplay of cloud cover. The sheer dynamism of the lights inspired me to compile the images into a time-lapse video. It’s a beautiful reminder of how fleeting and magical these moments can be. Watch carefully—you’ll spot two spectacular shooting stars!
Learn to See and Shoot the Aurora Borealis
Aurora chasing combines luck, patience, and preparation, but with the right guidance, it’s an adventure anyone can undertake. If this story has inspired you, why not learn how to see and photograph the aurora yourself?
I offer an in-depth ‘How to See & Shoot the Aurora’ course, designed to equip you with all the skills and tips you need to create your own unforgettable aurora memories. From understanding the aurora forecast to camera settings and composition, this course covers it all.
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Aurora Borealis Golden Circle Video from Rebecca Douglas on Vimeo.
