The aurora borealis lit up the skies across North America and northern Europe on March 19, 2025, providing breathtaking views that captured the attention of many, including amateur photographers and adventure-seekers alike.
In Water Valley, Alberta, Canadian outdoorswoman Siv Heang Tav shared stunning timelapse footage of the vibrant hues of green and purple that dominated the sky. She recorded this dazzling display between midnight and 1:30 a.m. local time. "It was an unbelievable show!" she enthused, showcasing just how awe-inspiring nature can be.
Meanwhile, in Alaska, the northern lights provided their own spectacular performance over the town of Paxson. Vincent Ledvina, a photographer based in Fairbanks, approximately 175 miles northwest of Paxson, captured stunning images of the aurora that blanketed the night sky with vibrant greens and reds. According to Ledvina, who made a four-hour journey to witness the phenomenon, the experience was "totally worth the effort!" "We experienced very colorful, bright, and fast-moving auroras that were quite an experience," he remarked, reflecting on the unforgettable memories created during his photo workshop.
As if that weren't enough, on the Isle of Man, the northern lights made an appearance as well, with enthusiasm palpable among residents. Nigel Fairclough took to his garden in Regaby, just north of Ramsey, capturing a spectacular image at around 8:20 p.m. that evening. His photo captured both the aurora borealis in its luminescent glory along with the Milky Way and even a satellite.
Across the ocean, as the author was experiencing a trip organized by Klättermusen Experiences, they too were on the lookout for the mesmerizing phenomenon. Arriving in Lista, a small commune in northern Norway, they were sharing a lodge with seven other travelers at the edge of Langfjorden. The group was skitouring and dogsledding during the week, hoping to see the aurora borealis, which has built a thriving tourism industry in the region. After several flights leading to their ultimate destination, anticipation ran high for a nighttime celestial show.
On their first night, they focused on ski touring up a scenic 600-meter mountain. When they finally arrived back at the lodge, they gazed up at the sky, which was opening up to reveal splashes of brilliant greens and purples. The show lasted about an hour, leaving the group in awe. "Seeing the skies transform was like witnessing the most grand fireworks display imaginable," the author shared, capturing the emotions felt that night.
The experience had not just been about gazing at stars but immersed in nature's wonders, with the northern lights traversing quickly across the sky like kinetic dancers. As they dined on minke whale and blueberry soup later that night, the magic of the aurora borealis remained on the minds of each guest.
Returning once again for dogsledding with world-class racers Marianne Skjøthaug and Arne Karlstrøm, the group spent two days mastering the intricacies and joys of sledding. But as they explored above the Arctic Circle, conversations inevitably returned to the shimmering beauty of the northern lights, now woven into their adventure tales.
On the final night at their lodge while gathered around the rustic dining table, group alerts buzzed simultaneously—another chance to see the aurora borealis had arisen. Excitingly, they rushed outside once more. Indeed, the sky delivered, with blue-green-pink ribbons swirling over their heads. As laughter and shouts filled the cold air, it was one last farewell from the cosmos, as if to say, "See you soon." The memories of these moments, woven into the fabric of their experiences, undoubtedly left imprints in the hearts and minds of everyone present.
