Photographing the Northern Lights (a.k.a. the aurora borealis) is more than just a picture—it’s that once-in-a-lifetime, totally soul-stirring bucket-list moment you’ve been dreaming of. Honestly, standing outside when the sky decides to turn into a giant, cosmic neon ribbon-dancer feels less like Earth and more like watching the universe put on a private, utterly magical rave just for you.
And guess what? 2025 was the year for celestial fireworks. We had some truly spectacular displays, thanks to bigger-than-usual geomagnetic storms that decided to light up skies way beyond the typical frozen haunts. If you missed them, don’t worry—the memory is preserved!
The 8th edition of The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year competition has rounded up 25 of the most breathtaking images out there, and they are pure cosmic candy. We’re talking glowing fjords reflecting the green glow, icy lagoons shimmering with purple and pink, and quiet forests transformed by these wild aurora borealis colors.
These photos aren’t just pretty wall art; they are a direct invitation. They dare you to bundle up, embrace the quiet cold, chase the dark horizon, and commit to watching Earth’s most incredible light show. If you need a little push to book that ticket, let these images from the photographer of the year be your guide. Trust me, catching the Northern Lights is a bucket-list moment you will never forget.
More: Capture The Atlas, Instagram
