THERE are few sights as spectacular as aurorae, and they’re used to dazzling impact within the Northern Lights Photographer of the Yr contest, run by journey images weblog Seize the Atlas.

This yr, 25 breathtaking pictures from world wide have made the ultimate minimize, a collection of that are proven right here. Every brings a particular dimension to this extraordinary phenomenon, which is brought on by charged particles from the solar colliding with atmospheric gases.

With the subsequent peak of the solar’s exercise (often called its photo voltaic most) approaching in 2024, persons are already catching a glimpse of aurorae – each northern and southern – in wider areas than ordinary. Subsequent yr’s shows are set to be much more spectacular.

Lots of the pictures in 2023’s competitors had been taken in areas the place it’s uncommon to see the northern lights, reminiscent of south Wales, captured in Mathew Browne’s Goleuadau’r Gogledd (predominant picture). The title is a unfastened Welsh translation of “northern lights”, and the picture reveals native landmark Paxton’s Tower illuminated. “Witnessing the aurora borealis this far south is a uncommon prevalence,” stated Browne. “For over an hour, the horizon past the clouds emitted hues of inexperienced and pink. Nevertheless, for a quick but magical second, the sky got here alive with spectacular pink pillars, seen to the bare eye.”

Additionally proven are Marc Marco Ripoll’s Kirkjufell Explosion (pictured above), taken close to Iceland’s Mount Kirkjufell; and Alex Wides’s Waning Solar, shot on Senja Island, Norway.