Iceland aurora, by Emanuele Balboni, Italy

Third place in the 2021 IAU OAE Astrophotography Contest, category Aurorae (still images)

The blurred motions of the aurora caught during the exposure time of this photograph beautifully illustrate its dynamic nature. While certain forms of aurorae, like homogeneous arcs and bands or diffuse glows, can remain static for hours, others, like rayed arcs or bands (also called "curtains"), can change within seconds in shape and brightness.

Credit: Emanuele Balboni/IAU OAE