The phenomenon known as Aurora borealis or the Northern Lights is an incredible sight for anyone’s eyes. For photographers, however, there is the added opportunity of a once in a lifetime shot. For the third year now, editor and astrophotographer Dan Zafra of the website Capture the Atlas has curated the best 25 images of the enchanting lights from around the world. The images below are the ones shortlisted to be the winner of Northern Lights Photographer of the Year, so you can be sure each one is truly remarkable.
Such images require great skill and dedication, often shooting at night in freezing weather, and for many photographers, the quest of getting the perfect shot can take years. The results of that hard work, as you can see below, are magical. To see more you can visit Capture the Atlas.

Image Source: Roksolyana Hilevych

Image Source: Timestorm Films

Image Source: Agnieszka Mrowka
Related: A Blaze of Glory in the Skies

Image Source: Risto Leskinen







Astronomy Photographer of the Year: 18 Stunning Finalists
The shortlist for the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition has been unveiled and the celestial images are absolutely stunning.
Astrophotography: The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun - these photos all have the chance to win Astononmy Photo of the Year and rightfully so!
15 Powerful Photos Capturing the Drama of Nature
From powerful landscaped to majestic wildlife, we just had to to share 15 more of the winning images form the Tokyo International Foto Awards.
10:05
Alaska Is Even More Magnificent Than You Think
Experience the stunning beauty of Alaska's wilderness through this beautiful documentation of an 11 day cruise up the coast of Alaska.
The Mastery of Capturing a Fraction of the World
Professional photographers come in to show us all again the true mastery of capturing the world through a lens. Enjoy.
17 Breathtaking Landscape Photos by Alexander Ladanivskyy
This collection of nature photography by Alexander Ladanivskyy is sure to remind you of the sheer magnitude and power of the great outdoors.
10 Medieval Walled Cities that Are a Wonder to Visit!
There's something spectacular about beholding a medieval walled city. You're instantly transported back in time. Take a look at the world's 10 best.
INTERACTIVE: These Buildings Become Gorgeous at Night...
These structures aren't just beautifully designed - come nightfall, they take on a stunning transformation.
18 Great 3D Images That’ll Bring You Back to the 90s
These 18 nostalgic images will bring many of you back to the 90s, and make you stare at the screen trying to figure out whats going on in them!
Incredible Old Photos: Amsterdam Over 100 Years Ago
Have a look at some of George Hendrik Breitner's photography, which captures Amsterdam as it was in the late 19th Century and the early 1900s.
This Macro Photography Shows a New World Beneath Our Feet
There is a stunning world beneath our feet that's difficult to see. However, thanks to modern technology, we are now able to admire this world in all its glory.
Astrophotography: The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
From vibrant photos of the Northern lights to incredible snaps of the sun - these photos all have the chance to win Astononmy Photo of the Year and rightfully so!
12 Gorgeous Churches That Reveal France's Beautiful Past
France's rich culture is not built on food, shopping or fashion, but centuries of Christian worship. These 12 magnificent churches remind us of France's gifts.
Award Winning Panoramic Photos From All Over the World
The talented winners of the EPSON Pano Awards photography contest offer absolutely breathtaking panoramic views
These Soulful Photos Depict Bygone Days in Vivid Color!
Looking through these splendid historical pictures is guaranteed to make you feel nostalgic!
These 1900s Colored Photos are the First Ever Taken
Normally, we'd expect old photos to be black and white. Here are some stunning century-old color photographs using a groundbreaking technique.
3:03
Even Ordinary Things Look Fascinating in Slow Motion!
Even the simplest things like moving a tennis racket covered in powder or cutting a water balloon look absolutely fascinating in slow motion!
Rare Photos From Decades Gone By Show What Life Was Like
Take a look at a collection of rarely seen photos from decades gone by. These photo show how far mankind has progressed.
Here Are 15 Rare Sights You Won't See More Than Once!
Here are 15 rare sights that you're practically guaranteed to never see more than once in your lifetime!
Gorgeous: The GDT Nature Photography Awards are Here!
View the 15 most beautiful winning photos taken for the GDT nature photography competition.
These 14 Microscopical Images Reveal a Whole New World
These 14 images prove that taking a closer look can make the world look incredibly richer and more beautiful. We just need some microscopy to appreciate it.
10:05
This Skyscraper Will be the Tallest Garden in the World
This Australian skyscraper in the city of Melbourne will soon become the tallest vertical garden in the world!
Who Knew That Rural South Korea Was This Beautiful?
This photographer captures South Korea in a truly ethereal, unique way. Take a look at his incredible work to be taken to a real-life fairy tale world.
What Daily Life in Ancient Egypt Really Looked Like
Here are 14 artistic depictions that offer a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Egypt.
Architecture Gone Terribly Wrong: 10 Ugly Buildings
These 10 buildings have been frequently called the ugliest on the planet, do you agree?
23 Famous Figures Photographed With Their Beloved Cats
Seeing these 23 famous figures of the 19th and 20th centuries photographed with their spoiled and beloved cats is so heartwarming!
12 Vintage Tools That Have Stood The Test of Time
Here is a collection of some really old vintage household items that are amazingly still working properly.
These 17 Unique Bird Photos Reflect Each Bird’s Character
This photographer is extremely skilled at capturing the unique character of each bird, take a look at these 17 vivid and majestic photos by her
14 Famous Things Invented by the Japanese
The Japanese are some of the most creative people in the world. Here are 14 things that we bet you didn’t know were originally invented by the Japanese.
These Mind-Bending Photos Will Have You Do a Double Take!
Optical illusions don't have to be serious and sciency. In fact, they can actually be quite hilarious at times! Here are 17 examples!
These Amazing Astronomy Photos Will Leave You Speechless!
The Royal Observatory’s Insight Investment Astronomy Photographs of the Year awards has released its shortlist for the best space pictures.
Click These Old Photos to See Them in Full Color!
It's fascinating to think that now, we can actually see the past better than we could 30 years ago! Here you'll find 16 classic photos, click on each one to see it in full color.
These Japanese Truck Gardens Are Absolutely Stunning!
Every year, landscapers from across Japan create amazing and whimsical gardens in their trucks to see who can claim to be the best mobile landscaper.
16 Vintage Photos That Bring the Victorian Age to Life
These 16 images take us back to that complex Victorian period.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
These Urban Megaprojects Are the World's Most Ambitious
Two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities by 2050, and planners are making preparations for that eventuality. Here are 11 urban megaprojects.
3:02
WATCH: The Inner Workings of London's Big Ben
Big Ben is probably the world's most famous clock tower, having stood in Westminster, London for over 150 years Watch this video to see how it works.
These Photographers Truly Love Nature, and It Shows
Bob Badger & Nita Winter have been working together for 27 years as wildflower photographers. Check out the highlights of their beautiful and important work.
Built Into Nature, These 12 Homes are Amazing!
12 luxurious homes and the strange but exciting architecture involved...
The Beauty of Lebanon in 18 Gorgeous Photos
Lebanon is often called "the pearl of the Middle East" and thanks to the next series of photos by the talented photographer Rami Rizk, you get to see why!
18 Truly Spectacular Photographs of the Cosmos
Ulderico Granger is an incredibly talented astrophotographer. His fruitful visit to Hawaii produced these truly stunning results.
These Award-Winning Photos Are Simply Unforgettable
The Siena International Photos Awards are a really big deal - no less than 48,000 submissions were submitted this year! Here are 20 of the very best.
14 Adorable and Funny Coincidences You’ve Got to See!
These 14 pictures are all lucky coincidences captured on camera. They make us all relive that magic moment when the universe aligns perfectly!
11 Architectural Masterpieces Worldwide Inspired by Nature
Let’s delve into the world of organic architecture and consider 11 noteworthy examples of buildings that took their inspiration from nature.
16 Rare Coins From Different Eras and Nations
Here’s look at some rare and unusual coins that have captured the interest of collectors and researchers alike.
Nostalgic Designs of Big Brands from the 70s - 16 Pics
It might surprise you to see how some popular modern brands presented themselves back in the 70s.
These Photos are Among the Most Powerful Ever Taken
Images can provoke great thought and institute great changes through their power, and these 10 are no exception. Take a look at these powerful images.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!! Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.