The Northern Lights from Lake Jökulsárlón, an unforgettable spectacle
The aurora borealis, also known as northern lights, is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in the world. This colorful phenomenon is caused by the attraction of the Earth's magnetic field, located at the poles, to the particles emitted by the sun, the so-called solar wind. When these particles collide with the atoms and molecules in the Earth's atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light. The aurora borealis from the glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón generates an amazing landscape, being one of the most beautiful places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon.
Although the aurora borealis can be observed from different parts of the world, Iceland's geographical location makes it one of the best places in the world to enjoy it in all its fullness. Between the months of August and April it is possible to observe the northern lights more easily, although the best and brightest times are during the month of January, in the middle of the Icelandic winter, and in the equinoxes of September and March.
The Icelandic Meteorological Office has a reliable tool on its website that allows you to calculate the Northern Lights activity index on a scale of one to nine. In addition, you have to take into account the light pollution both at the site and emitted by the Moon, as well as the existing cloud cover.
The intensity and frequency of the aurora borealis (also applicable to the aurora australis) also depend on solar activity. This is due to the solar cycles, which have a duration of approximately 11 years. During this cycle, the sun has a period of lower activity at the beginning and end of the cycle, called solar minimum, and a period of higher activity in the middle of the cycle, also known as solar maximum. In the current solar cycle, the period of greatest activity will occur between 2024 and 2026, so the aurora borealis in those years will be of greater intensity.
Although the aurora borealis is fully observable from many points around the Arctic Circle, it takes on a unique beauty from the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon in Iceland.
Due to its characteristics, enjoying the Northern Lights from Lake Jökulsárlón is an exciting experience.
The colors of the aurora depend on the type of gas in the atmosphere and the altitude at which the collision occurs. The most common color is green, caused by collisions with oxygen at about 60 to 150 miles above the Earth's surface. Collisions with oxygen at higher altitudes (up to 200 miles) can produce a rare red color. Collisions with nitrogen can produce blue or purple colors. Auroras, moreover, can take many forms, including spots, arcs, billowing curtains, or even coronae that appear to radiate from a point in the sky.
To photograph an aurora borealis it would be advisable to have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual control, a wide-angle lens, a tripod, extra batteries and a remote shutter release. To capture all its splendor, set the camera to a wide aperture, a shutter speed between 10 and 30 seconds, and an ISO of 800-1600. Locate a dark place and use apps to track solar activity. Be patient and practice, as auroras can be unpredictable, but you can get a spectacular image while enjoying this magnificent natural event.
Jökulsárlón is a glacial lagoon in southeastern Iceland, on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. This place is known for its impressive floating blocks of ice that break off from the adjacent glacier. Imagining the Northern Lights dancing in the sky above this landscape is certainly breathtaking.
However, it is important to remember that the aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon and therefore cannot be guaranteed to be seen on every night. In addition, the intensity and color of the northern lights vary depending on atmospheric and solar conditions. For this reason, it is important to keep expectations realistic and enjoy the spectacle that nature has to offer.
Welcome to Iceland!
Share this Sight with: