Fire of the Sky

Winner in the 2023 IAU OAE Astrophotography Contest, category Still images with smartphones-mobile devices: Fire of the Sky, by Stephanie Ziyi Ye.

In the serene landscapes of Lofoten, Norway on 28 March 2023, the sky was set ablaze by the aurora. The Northern (Southern) Lights, also known as aurorae, are natural light displays resulting from interactions between solar winds and Earth’s magnetic fields, as charged particles are redirected towards the north and south pole regions. In Norse legends, they are often depicted as a heavenly fire. In this scene, the celestial show is beautifully complemented by the silhouette of a lighthouse, as if the lighthouse ignited the mesmerising display overhead. Caught off-guard by this dazzling spectacle, the photographer swiftly captured the moment with a smartphone. This is a testament to the breathtaking surprises nature offers and the impressive capabilities of modern devices.

Credit: Stephanie Ziyi Ye/IAU OAE (CC BY 4.0)