Capturing Auroras: How to Photograph Nature’s Most Spectacular Light Show

Auroras are nature’s most spectacular light show, as well as an example of the complex space weather interactions between the sun and the earth. Seeing auroras is a bucket list item, but how can you maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing this spectacular light show?

In this presentation Vincent Ledvina, a professional aurora chaser and space physics Ph.D. student, will teach you the science of auroras and explain the tools required to forecast the lights. This includes different workflows for chasing auroras at high-latitudes under the auroral oval and at mid-latitudes when space weather enhances geomagnetic activity. He will demystify concepts such as the Kp index, how to read solar wind data or interpret magnetometers, and auroral substorms.

Witnessing auroras is already an impressive feat, but for those who want to capture the show, Vincent will explain everything you need to create beautiful images of the lights. He will provide details for photographing auroras with a phone or a professional camera, and will dive into advanced concepts such as timelapse photography and how to remove noise and flicker, as well as real-time video recording.

This presentation is perfect for any aurora enthusiast, whether you’re trying to catch your first aurora, you’re planning a trip to Alaska to see the northern lights or you’re a professional photographer looking to bring your night sky workshops to the next level.