The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, have captivated humanity for centuries. These mesmerizing displays of light, painting the night sky with vibrant hues, are a truly breathtaking natural phenomenon. They’re created when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's atmosphere, igniting a luminous dance visible primarily in high-latitude regions. In 2024, the auroras were more active than ever, thanks to exceptional weather conditions that brought these phenomena to life in stunning detail. And that means many photographers were lucky enough to capture the best of what this phenomenon has to offer.
Related: 17 Astounding Images of the Polar Lights
The Northern Lights Photographer of the Year, now in its seventh edition, brings together an exceptional collection of aurora images from around the world. From vibrant green and purple hues over Canada's Banff National Park to the unexpected fiery orange appearance seen in Australia, this year’s selection took us all by surprise. This year’s contest also highlights rare sightings in unexpected locations like Chilean Patagonia and Tenerife.
Scroll down to explore the best winners from this year’s contest.
