18 Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make When Chasing the Northern Lights
1. Ignoring The Weather Forecast
When you’re on the hunt for the Northern Lights, the weather is your best ally. Clear skies are essential, as clouds can block your view of this natural wonder. Checking the forecast might sound simple, but it’s often overlooked.
If you find yourself under a cloudy sky, you might miss the aurora entirely, even if the solar activity is high. Some helpful insights suggest that late September, October, January, February, and March offer better odds, but the weather can always throw a curveball.
2. Forgetting To Check The Solar Activity
The chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon significantly increase during times of heightened solar activity. Solar storms, resulting from flares and ejections on the sun’s surface, enhance the lights’ visibility. If you miss this, you might as well be trying to find a rainbow at night.
Remember, solar activity follows an 11-year cycle with peaks—called solar maximum—and you’re in for a treat when it aligns with your trip. Miss these signs and you could miss out, despite perfect planning.
3. Choosing A Location With Light Pollution
When hunting for the Northern Lights, picking a spot too close to the city glows is a no-go. Light pollution masks the subtle, dancing colors you’re eager to see. To really witness the auroras come alive, find a location where stars shine bright, away from urban hustle.
4. Having A Rigid Schedule
When you’re planning to witness the magical auroras, flexibility is key. It’s crucial to understand that the Northern Lights are unpredictable. That means you may need several attempts or a sudden change of plans to catch the shimmering curtains in the sky.
Weather can shift in an instant up north, blocking out any chance of spotting the lights. So, give yourself ample time—experts suggest a stay of at least four days.
5. Not Dressing Warmly Enough
When you’re chasing the Northern Lights, staying warm is key. Your excitement might keep your spirits high, but it won’t keep your toes from freezing! Up in the Arctic, temperatures drop fiercely, and without the right gear, you’ll feel the chill.
6. Overlooking The Importance Of Patience
Patience is key! You’re on a mission to see one of nature’s most amazing shows, and it won’t just happen in a snap. Sometimes, you might wait for hours, and it seems like nothing’s happening. But then, when you least expect it, the sky might just explode with color!
7. Not Using A Tripod For Photography
When you’re out to capture the magic of the Northern Lights, leaving your tripod behind is like going to a dinner party without an appetite. The glorious dance of auroras demands stability.
Even a bit of wobble means blurry photos, and let’s be honest, those Northern Lights deserve to be seen in all their crisp splendor! Investing in a phone tripod could make the difference between meh and magnificent.
8. Failing To Research The Best Viewing Times
It’s all about timing and a bit of luck. During the peak season, between September and April, your chances are higher, especially during the colder, clearer nights. But remember, solar activity plays a huge role in this celestial ballet.
To increase your odds, you’ll want to keep an eye on the Kp index. This index measures geomagnetic activity and, in simple terms, tells you when to head out and look up.
9. Sticking To Only One Location
When searching for the Northern Lights, you might think one spot is as good as any, but that’s not the case. Nature can be unpredictable, and that especially goes for the Northern Lights.
If you park yourself in just one location, you’re at the mercy of local weather, which might block your view with clouds. Moving around increases your chances of clear skies and an open view.
10. Forgetting Spare Camera Batteries
Capturing that glow on your camera feels magical. But your camera’s battery might disagree. Cold weather loves to drain batteries fast. Always have spare batteries packed and kept warm, maybe in an inside pocket.
11. Not Giving Your Eyes Time To Adjust To The Dark
When you’re eager to witness the Northern Lights, remember that your eyes need time to adapt to darkness. If you go from a bright environment straight to aurora watching, you might miss the show!
It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark. Even a quick glance at your phone can reset this process. So when you’re out waiting for those lights, give your eyes the time they need.
12. Using A Camera Without Manual Settings
If you’re eager to capture the Northern Lights, remember that using a camera with manual settings is key. Automatic cameras might not handle the low light or capture the vibrant colors of the aurora borealis.
Your best bet is to adjust the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture to fit the night sky’s whims. Cameras that allow these tweaks let you seize the moment with precision and clarity.
13. Missing Out On Sleep Before The Hunt
If you snooze early, you might just lose out. The magic often happens when the night is darkest, typically between midnight and 1 AM. Don’t let tiredness dim your chance of witnessing this spectacular show.
Remember, sleep can wait, but the Aurora Borealis doesn’t stick around! So grab a nap earlier in the day, because when the sky comes alive with colors, you’ll want your eyes wide open.
14. Not Consulting With Local Guides
When you’re eager to see the Northern Lights, it can be tempting to just go it alone. But skipping a chat with local guides could mean missing out on the show of a lifetime! These folks know exactly when and where the aurora might appear.
Without their insider knowledge, you could spend nights waiting in the cold, staring at an empty sky. So, a little local wisdom can go a long way to ensuring your night under the stars is as magical as it should be.
15. Neglecting To Enjoy The Experience Beyond The Lens
When you’re out in the Arctic air, camera in hand, ready to capture the Northern Lights, remember to take a moment to just be. You’re standing under one of nature’s most magical displays, and sometimes the camera can wait.
Let your eyes adjust to the darkness and watch those vibrant colors dance across the sky. These moments are precious, and feeling the wonder firsthand beats any photo.
16. Assuming The Lights Will Appear Every Night
One common slip-up in chasing the Northern Lights is thinking they’ll grace the sky each night. But, the truth is, their appearances are as unpredictable as the weather. The Northern Lights are a natural marvel, and their visibility hinges on solar activity and clear, dark skies.
17. Not Checking The Moon Phase
If you’re chasing the Northern Lights, the moon phase is key. A full moon might drown out the auroras, making them tough to spot. On the bright side, when the aurora is strong, a full moon can help you see those dazzling colors better.
Make sure to check the moon’s phase before you head out. If you’re out on a night with a glowing full moon and the aurora is playing hide and seek, remember, patience pays. Stick around, the lights might just surprise you.
For the best chances, aim for a darker sky with a crescent or new moon as your companion.
18. Not Learning The Basics Of Night Photography
Remember, the key to nailing those vibrant night skies starts with knowing your way around a camera after dark. It takes more than just pointing and shooting; understanding night photography is a must.
Start with mastering manual mode. Your camera settings will be your best friend. You’ll want to adjust your shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to match the dance of the aurora. Guesswork won’t do here, only skill.
And don’t rely on your camera’s autofocus. Low light can trick it and leave your once-in-a-lifetime shots blurry. Practice focusing manually to ensure crisp, sharp images of those stunning lights. You’ve got this!
