Chasing the Enchanting Aurora
Oldenburg - When the starry sky comes alive with its mystical dance of colors, photographer Markus Hibbeler (43) finds himself captivated. His mission: to immortalize Lady Aurora, the enchanting northern lights, forever.
And this mission was achieved once again, without even having to venture to the Arctic Circle's chilly realms. On a cold Saturday night, the green and pink lights formed a mesmerizing spectacle in the sky over the Zwischenahner Meer. But Lady Aurora was quick to retreat behind a veil of clouds, appearing for just a fleeting moment before disappearing.
In Nordic folklore, the shimmering, gentle movements in the night sky were often likened to a group of dancing women. And in Scandinavian tradition, it was believed that one must not make any noise when these dancing lights were present. Whisperings of awe and admiration, however, were permitted.
The allure of Lady Aurora
Astounded bymesmerized by the captivating display, photographers from Bad Zwischenahn and Oldenburg joined forces to capture this breathtaking moment, bringing Hanover regional news and Bremen regional news alive.
The high solar activity fueling the Aurora Borealis increases the chances of witnessing this natural spectacle further south, allowing enthusiasts like Hibbeler to chase Lady Aurora right in their own backyards.
Aurora Hunting Tips
To capture the magic of the Aurora Borealis, follow these expert tips:
► Choose a location as dark as possible, such as near water, with minimal light pollution. Full moon phases, in particular, should be avoided.
► Seek out clear skies with minimal cloud cover.
► Set your camera's compass to point north, ensuring that Lady Aurora is within its sights.
► Utilize a tripod or any sturdy device to keep your camera or cellphone stable, preventing any unwanted blur. You can capture the Aurora Borealis with a cellphone as well, thanks to advanced technology.
► Turn on your camera's night mode, allowing it to automatically adjust the shutter speed and ISO settings, typically between 5-6 seconds.
► The Aurora Forecast app can serve as a helpful tool, offering insight based on data from the DSCOVR satellite.
"The solar wind is crucial," explains Markus Hibbeler, professional aurora photographer. 'Once it reaches the satellite, it takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes for it to reach the Earth's surface, illuminating the night sky.'
As it's a game of waiting, Mother Nature's dance may or may not make an appearance. But that's part of the charm. After all, as Hibbeler points out, 'Nothing beats the goosebumps you get when the sky explodes in a display of red, green, blue, and purple colors.'
And judging by the high solar activity, we can anticipate more celestial light shows in Germany this winter.
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Additional Insight: The Aurora Borealis, or northern lights, is a natural phenomenon visible primarily in regions near the Arctic Circle. In Germany, the phenomenon is less frequent due to its lower latitude. However, during periods of high solar activity, also known as the solar maximum, the aurora borealis may become more visible in Germany. These events are often rare but can be experienced by dedicated photographers who regularly keep track of weather, space, and solar activity, and make use of essential tools such as the Aurora Forecast app.
