From Australia to Italy: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2024 winners show aurora from all over the world

This year has been incredible when it comes to auroras, with the phenomenon appearing as far south as the Balkans! Capture the Atlas has just revealed the winners of its seventh annual Northern Lights Photographer of the Year contest, and the selection is as marvelous as ever. Featuring 25 awe-inspiring images, this collection captures the magic of auroras from locations across the globe. It showcases not just the beauty of aurora, but also the skill and creativity of the photographers behind the lens.

Contest results: Auroras worldwide

This year’s selection spans countries like the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, Iceland, Russia, and even Namibia, Chile, and New Zealand. As we approach the solar maximum of the current solar cycle, the auroras have illuminated skies in unexpected places. Arizona, Spain, Austria, Croatia, and the Chilean Patagonia are just a few of the unique locations where auroras were spotted and photographed, bringing a fresh perspective to this timeless natural spectacle.

Dan Zafra, editor of Capture the Atlas, personally curates this list every year. And doesn’t look for pretty pictures only (although they definitely don’t lack). “The quality of the image, the story behind the shot, and the overall inspiration that the photograph can provide are the main factors for selecting the images every year,” he tells DIYP. This year’s winners reflect those values, presenting a mix of renowned photographers and emerging talents, each with a unique take on aurora photography.

The Northern Lights season runs from September to April in the Northern Hemisphere and March to September in the Southern Hemisphere. Thanks to the Earth’s axial orientation, the ideal time to view and photograph this phenomenon is during the fall and spring equinoxes.

About Capture the Atlas

As you probably know, Capture the Atlas doesn’t stop at showcasing stunning images of auroras (and the Milky Way). The blog serves as a guide for photographers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re an experienced astrophotographer or a dreamer looking to plan your first aurora-hunting trip, their guides, tutorials, and photo tours are invaluable.

Take a look at the selection of images from the 2024 Northern Lights Photographer of the Year, and make sure to view the entire gallery on Capture the Atlas. I know you’ll love it!

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