- 34 fantastic photographic firsts 37 stunning photos from the 2020 Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards
Polaris Dream
This striking photo came from the frozen depths of Murmansk Oblast, Russia. It certainly looks like a winter wonderland.
Elves’ House
It seems that the skies above Stokknes, Iceland are also a great spot for viewing the Northern Lights.
Under a Northern Sky
There are a number of fantastic mountains making an appearance in these Nothern Lights photos and it’s great to see the beautiful backdrops.
Michigan Night Watch
The Northern Lights come in a variety of colours, turning the skies into a magical place like no other.
Explosions of the Sky
On the other side of the world, the Auroras are just as striking with bold colours playing wonderfully with the backdrop of billions of stars.
Nugget Point Lighthouse Aurora
As if these views of the Northern Lights weren’t staggering enough, this one also manages to capture the beauty of the Milky Way as well.
Captain Hook
When looking at these photos we’re often reminded of how staggeringly beautiful our world is.
Inception
This photo has it all. Not just the Northern Lights, but the Milky Way, a shooting star and a breathtaking view too.
Previous winners
Forest of the Light
Snapped in Alaska, Marc Adamus managed to capture this magical view of a snow-covered landscape with an amazing background.
Polar-snow monsters
This photo comes from the incredible depths of the Kola Peninsula, Russia and offers a lot more than just an awesome view of the night’s sky.
Aurora Sherbet in the Apostles
This wonderfully colourful view was influenced by interesting activity in the night’s sky.
Narnia
Aurora photography can be a tricky undertaking, with the cold being an obvious enemy. Time and patience are also essential.
Spectrum
Iceland has plenty of fantastic views and this one taken over the iconic Vestrahorn location is no different.
For the Northern Lights
This image almost looks like it’s from another planet, with incredibly harsh wintery conditions backdropped by a gloriously colourful view.
Aurora Australis
Another colourful view, this time from Australia. David Oldenhof’s photo is fantastic not just for the view, but for the reflection as well. Perfectly peaceful.
Heavenly Dance
The combination of incredible light show in the sky and mist-like waters at the coast’s edge result in a staggering view.
The Hunt’s Reward
Another incredible view of a colourful night’s sky, this time from Tasmania, Australia.
Dragon Eggs
This photo is almost other-worldly with an amazing icey view and broken areas where the ice has seemingly shattered.
Antarctic Night
From the freezing zone of Antarctica comes another incredible photo, with a colourful aurora over the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in the South Pole.
Convergence
Calm weather, a bright moon and a wonderful view of the glaciers around the lagoon resulted in one of the most impressive images you’re likely to see.
Finland at night
Nestled in the cold forests of Ruka, Finland, Kim Jenssen managed to snap this image of the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above.
Lofoten ice lights
Photographer Dennis Hellwig had to be patient to get this one as the lights from passing cars were apparently ruining the shot:
Epic images from the Northern Lights Photographer of the Year Competition
Each year, travel photography blog Capture the Atlas puts together an annual Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition. These are some of the best.
Symphony of the lights
Sometimes it’s all about timing. This photograph was taken on the way home after abandoning the initial shoot plans for lack of views of the Northern Lights.
When a dream became a reality
Difficult weather and low temperatures can make this sort of photography tricky but worth it.
