The Big Dipper in the Polar Night

Photographer: Stephanie Ziyi Ye
Country: China

Step into the cosmic theatre of Iceland’s northern skies in this time-lapse that wins third place in the category of Time-lapse videos of the rotation of the Big Dipper or Southern Cross. The illustrious Big Dipper commands attention, tracing an almost complete circle around Polaris — an exquisite sight that is not visible from mid-latitudes. This time-lapse, captured through fisheye lenses, reveals the timeless choreography of the Big Dipper, vividly illustrating its celestial waltz. Amidst this spectacle, the Arctic night reveals its grandeur, painting a panoramic canvas that showcases not just the celestial journey of this iconic asterism but also the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. In this breathtaking tapestry, the Big Dipper takes centre stage against the mesmerising backdrop of the Icelandic nightscape, adorned by the vibrant hues of the Aurora Borealis.

Also see video in Zenodo: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10360160