Backpacker Magazine – April 2008

Phenomenon: Northern Lights

The science behind the sky's natural fireworks display–and how to see it.

by: Katherine Leitzell

Tags:
• Nature
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• Phenomenon
|

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How to Catch the Northern Lights
Go dark Ideal aurora viewing conditions require clear skies, minimal light pollution, and a view of the northern horizon. The best time to observe is between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m., when the tail of the magnetosphere extends away from the sun.

Shoot Long
You'll need a tripod to photograph most displays. Start with a shutter speed of 15 seconds, an aperture of f2.0, and an ISO between 400 and 800. Use a remote shutter release, or set digital cameras on a timer to avoid jostling the camera during exposure.

And a 30 Percent Chance of Aurora... Planning a trip up north? Check the long-term aurora forecast up to four weeks in advance at this University of Alaska website: gedds.alaska.edu/auroraforecast.

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