The peak of the sun’s 11-year cycle of activity might be waning, but we’ve still had a fantastic year for seeing the aurora. And if you’ve been following EarthSky’s daily sun news, you know which nights give you the best odds to catch those elusive northern and southern lights. Our EarthSky community has been capturing gorgeous views of the aurora, and so have readers of Dan Zafra‘s travel photography blog, Capture the Atlas. Dan has once again shared his blog’s best northern lights photos of 2025.
This is the 8th annual edition of these stunning images The complete collection features 25 photographers representing 15 different nationalities. We’re sharing 10 of them here at EarthSky; see all 25 at Capture the Atlas. The images encompass both the northern and southern lights.
Do you have a great image of the aurora to share? You can submit it to us at EarthSky Community Photos.
Sueños en Eystrahorn by Pablo Ruiz
Pablo Ruiz captured this image in Eystrahorn, Iceland. Pablo wrote: “Capturing a panorama with reflections and auroras that move so quickly is quite difficult. Auroras were already visible in the sky during the blue hour, so I quickly headed to the spot where I had planned the composition. The wind shifted, making it difficult to capture the reflections, but the moment the sky exploded, the wind stopped, and for a few brief moments, I achieved my dream photograph.” Image via Capture the Atlas. See more of the best northern lights photos below.
Lights and Ice by Tori Harp
Tori Harp at Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park, New Zealand, took this image and wrote: “I originally found this ice cave, called a moulin, 8 months prior to setting up this shot. Glaciers are a dynamic environment, so I kept going back to monitor the changes. One magical night, everything finally came together. To my surprise, the aurora australis also lit up the sky. This dream shot ended up coming out better than I had originally envisioned, and I had a great night with my friends exploring the glacier!” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Frozen Silence Beneath the Lights by Nikki Born
Nikki Born captured this image at Riisitunturi National Park, Finland, and wrote: “Capturing the famous frozen trees of Riisitunturi beneath the northern lights had been a dream for years. In March 2025, we set out to make it happen. After hours of nothing, just as we were about to call it a night, the sky burst into vivid shades of green. It was an explosion of light and wonder.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Neon Nightfall by Andres Papp
Andres Papp captured this image from Türisalu, Estonia. Andres wrote: “I shot this image on a quiet, rocky beach as a strong aurora storm rolled in from the north. At first, it was just a low green arc, but it quickly erupted into vertical curtains of lime and rare magenta. To connect the sky with the foreground, I illuminated the shoreline rocks with a strong 365 nm UV light torch, which made the minerals pop and added the surreal glow you see in the image.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Gibson Steps Aurora by Jeff Cullen
Jeff Cullen captured the aurora from Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia. Jeff wrote: “I went down the 86 steps to the beach and crossed the sand to the Gog and Magog sea stacks. The clouds started to clear, and I was able to shoot some great images before the aurora died down. Climbing back up the stairs, the beams were so big and bright in the corner of my eye! I ran back down to the beach and quickly set up my camera again. This image shows the magic that happened that night; I was absolutely amazed and astounded that such a weak aurora forecast brought me such a brilliant show.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Celestial Fireworks on New Years by Sara Aurorae
Sara Aurorae captured this shot and wrote: “On New Year’s Day, beneath the dark Australian sky, my friends and I were met by celestial fireworks with the aurora australis unfurling in a sudden, breathtaking bloom above our quiet campsite in the Otways of Victoria. Ribbons of rose, violet and green shimmered, visible even to the unaided eye, as if the universe itself had heard our resolutions for 2025 and joined in our celebration.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Llangrannog Aurora by Mathew Browne
Mathew Browne shared this image and wrote: “I was overjoyed to capture this otherworldly northern lights display on the rugged Ceredigion coast of West Wales. The village of Llangrannog is not known for its celestial displays; it is better known for its beach, dramatic cliffs and the statue of St. Crannog, who stands watch over the shoreline.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Essence of the Arctic Night by Giulio Cobianchi
Giulio Cobianchi took this image from Haukland Beach in the Lofoten islands. Giulio wrote: “Autumn in the Arctic is the best time to capture the ‘double arc’ of the Milky Way and the aurora borealis. The nights have finally turned dark again after the endless summer days when the sun never sets. The summer Milky Way is already high in the sky shortly after sunset, and the northern lights return to dance across the sky in bands of pink, red, violet and green.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Corona Blast Aurora Geomagnetic Storm by Roi Levi
Roi Levy captured this view of the aurora from Kirkjufell, Iceland, during the March equinox. Roi wrote: “A geomagnetic storm structure brought a mesmerizing light show. A full-zenith auroral corona erupted overhead: powerful, bright pillars of light radiated across the sky, creating a stunning crown-light blast shape. Kirkjufell is one of Iceland’s most iconic mountains, and witnessing the aurora here was a one-of-a-kind experience. With the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls in the foreground, this image is a dynamic representation of the sweeping auroral corona.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Speechless by Ralf Rohner
Ralf Rohner captured this image and wrote: “I was flying at 35,000 feet over Hudson Bay, Canada. The monotony can seem endless – until suddenly, everything changes. Above a silent sea of clouds, cocooned within a fragile shell of metal, curtains of light dance across the heavens, painting the darkness with vivid greens and purples.” Image via Capture the Atlas.
Bottom line: The blog Capture the Atlas announced its 2025 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year contest. This annual edition showcases 25 of the best aurora photos taken from all over the world. See some of the best northern lights photos in the world here.
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