Aurora Borealis for iPhone: How to Photograph and Appreciate This Natural Light Show

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking natural phenomena to witness. This colorful display of lights can be seen in high latitude areas such as Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, and Alaska. However, not everyone has the opportunity to travel to these remote areas to witness the Aurora Borealis in person. Luckily, with the help of modern technology, you can now capture and appreciate this natural wonder using your iPhone.

In this blog post, we will discuss the best techniques and tips on how to photograph and appreciate Aurora Borealis with your iPhone.

Understanding Aurora Borealis

Before we dive into the tips and techniques for capturing Aurora Borealis with your iPhone, it is important to understand what it is and how it works. Aurora Borealis is created by charged particles from the sun being drawn into the Earth’s magnetic field and colliding with gas atoms in the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision results in the beautiful and colorful light show that we see in the night sky.

When to Observe Aurora Borealis

The best time to observe Aurora Borealis is during the winter months, specifically from September to April, when the nights are longer and darker. You also need to be in a location with clear skies and minimal light pollution to see the colors in their full glory.

Photographing Aurora Borealis with Your iPhone

Now that we’ve covered the basics of Aurora Borealis, let’s talk about how to photograph it with your iPhone. Here are some tips to help you capture beautiful photos of Aurora Borealis:

1. Use Manual Focus

The iPhone’s autofocus may have a hard time focusing on the Northern Lights due to the darkness, which is why it’s best to use manual focus. To do this, tap on the screen where the Aurora Borealis is located and slide your finger up or down to adjust the focus.

2. Set Up Your Camera

To capture stunning photos of Aurora Borealis with your iPhone, you need to set the camera to its optimal settings. Set the exposure time to at least 15 seconds and adjust the ISO to around 800-3200, depending on the brightness of the Aurora Borealis.

3. Use A Tripod

Keeping your iPhone steady is crucial to capturing clear and sharp images of Aurora Borealis. A tripod can stabilize your iPhone and prevent blurry photos. If you don’t have a tripod, you can use a stable surface or a DIY phone holder.

4. Avoid Using Flash

The iPhone’s flash can ruin the natural colors of Aurora Borealis and create distracting reflections. Turn off your flash to preserve the beauty of Aurora Borealis in your photos.

5. Use Third-Party Apps

The iPhone’s built-in camera app is great, but third-party apps like NightCap and Camera+ can give you more control over exposure time, ISO, and focus. These apps can also reduce noise in low-light environments.

Appreciating Aurora Borealis with Your iPhone

Aside from photographing Aurora Borealis, your iPhone can help you appreciate this natural light show in other ways. Here are some apps that can enhance your Aurora Borealis watching experience:

1. Aurora Forecast

Aurora Forecast is an app that provides real-time Aurora Borealis predictions and alerts. With this app, you can monitor the Aurora activity and know when to expect this celestial display.

2. Star Walk 2

Star Walk 2 is an app that allows you to explore the night sky and identify stars, constellations, and planets. With this app, you can learn more about the science behind Aurora Borealis and appreciate this natural light show even more.

Final Thoughts

Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful and magical natural phenomena in the world. Thanks to modern technology, we can now capture and appreciate this natural light show with our iPhones. By following the tips and techniques in this blog post, you can capture stunning photos of Aurora Borealis and enhance your Aurora Borealis watching experience.

An Insider’s Guide to Reykjavik: Experience the Natural Wonder of Aurora Borealis

Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, is a fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Known for its stunning landscapes, the city is a prime spot to witness the Aurora Borealis phenomena, also known as the Northern Lights. If you’re planning a trip to Reykjavik for the same, here’s an insider’s guide to some of the city’s hidden gems, local cuisine, traditions, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that should be part of your itinerary.

Local Attractions: Discover Reykjavik’s Hidden Gems

Most tourists first head out to explore the popular tourist spots that are often crowded. But Reykjavik has many hidden gems that only locals know about. One such place is the Perlan Museum, which is a dome-shaped building that gives stunning views of the city. Additionally, you can explore the Viking Village at the outskirts of the city, which offers a glimpse of local Icelandic history. Another hidden gem is the Reykjavik Art Museum that showcases contemporary art pieces from local as well as international artists.

Dining Spots: Savor Icelandic Delights

Reykjavik is a food lover’s paradise, and there’s no better way to explore than trying out some of their local cuisine. Traditional Icelandic cuisine includes dishes like boiled sheep’s head, fermented shark, and puffin. But if you’re looking for something less adventurous, try hot dogs from Baejarins Beztu Pylsur, a famous hot dog stand that has been serving customers since 1937. For seafood, try the Fish Market, where the chef’s tasting menu includes the catch of the day, sushi, and more.

Cultural Experiences: Learn About Reykjavik’s Traditions and Festivals

Reykjavik is a city that celebrates its traditions and festivals with great enthusiasm. Don’t miss the annual Reykjavik Arts Festival that showcases local talent along with international artists. Another festival to experience is the Independence Day Festival or the Icelandic National Day on June 17. This day marks Iceland’s independence from Denmark and includes a parade, live music, and fireworks.

Local History: Listen to Captivating Stories

Reykjavik has a rich history that dates back to the Viking Age. One such captivating story is about the transformation of the city’s fishing industry into a tourist hotspot. The fishing industry employed many locals in the city, but with industrialization, many fishermen lost their jobs. The government then decided to transform the city’s waterfront into a tourist attraction, and today, it’s one of the city’s biggest draws.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Explore Reykjavik’s Unique Offerings

Apart from the Northern Lights, there are many unique offerings in Reykjavik that will leave you speechless. Take a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, situated in a lava field with water temperatures ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius. Visit Vatnshellir Cave, which offers a glimpse into Iceland’s volcanic history. For a unique experience, try a snowmobiling tour on a glacier or an ice cave tour that takes you inside one of Iceland’s many ice caves.

In conclusion, Reykjavik is a city that offers much more than its natural beauty. Its food, traditions, festivals, history, and unique experiences make it a top destination for any travel enthusiast. So, take this insider’s guide with you on your next trip and experience all that this wonderful city has to offer.