Amazing aurora borealis over Iceland

Because sometimes you just need to see it…

"On September 27, 2017, a G3 class solar storm sparked beautiful auroras but I was way too far north to get a very good show. Instead, Lady Aurora decided to show her best colors the next night on September 28th, when I experienced the brightest aurora I can remember to date," writes Adrien Mauduit.

"When I say brightened, I mean literally. The particles lit up the gas molecules so much that it blew out all my highlights, and since I mainly take time-lapse, it was impossible to change the settings, but it gives you an idea of what the settings are for 'normal' aurorae. It is definitely on my top 3 displays ever."

Adrien went to Thingvellir national park to shoot. One after the other, the aurora started with a typical arc growing from the north and moving southwards, and then exploded into pillars and coronas.

"In total, I witnessed 4 major explosions and coronas, as you can see on the pictures. The whole landscape was lit. I met with several photographers asking me for tips to shoot them as they also were shocked by their brightness. One show that I will miss and remember!"

The real-time sequences were taken with the Sony a7s + Sigma 50mm f/1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 12800 (only due to brightness), 1/25th'' and in PP6, no noise reduction applied (first time ever!) The time lapses were taken with Canon 6D modded + Sigma 14mm f/1.8 art @ f1.8 (you can once again testify of the tremendous sharpness wide open).

Featured image and video courtesy Adrien Mauduit