Fire of the Sky

Photographer: Stephanie Ziyi Ye
Country: China

In the serene landscapes of Lofoten, Norway on 28 March 2023, the sky was set ablaze by the aurora. This photograph of the phenomenon is one of six winners in the category of Still images taken exclusively with smartphones/mobile devices. The Northern (Southern) Lights, also known as aurorae, are natural light displays resulting from interactions between solar winds and Earth’s magnetic fields, as charged particles are redirected towards the north and south pole regions. In Norse legends, they are often depicted as a heavenly fire. In this scene, the celestial show is beautifully complemented by the silhouette of a lighthouse, as if the lighthouse ignited the mesmerising display overhead. Caught off-guard by this dazzling spectacle, the photographer swiftly captured the moment with a smartphone. This is a testament to the breathtaking surprises nature offers and the impressive capabilities of modern devices.

Also see image in Zenodo: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10358095

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