Northern Lights May Be Visible Over Parts of the U.S.
People in several regions of the United States might get a chance to witness the stunning Northern Lights on Monday night. Even if they aren’t visible to the naked eye, using a smartphone camera could reveal hints of this natural beauty.
Space weather experts recently issued a significant alert regarding a severe solar storm. This followed a massive burst of energy from the sun last week, known as a coronal mass ejection. A new wave of this phenomenon is expected to reach Earth, potentially allowing more people to see the auroras and share their experiences on social media.
For those planning to venture out after sunset to catch a glimpse of the lights, there are a few handy tips to enhance your photography experience. Firstly, find a dark, quiet place free from city lights. Don’t forget to check the weather—clouds could block your view of the aurora.
If you’ve got a DSLR camera, that would be ideal, but you can still capture lovely night sky photos with just a smartphone. Here are some simple tips:
Setting Up for The Shot
Before diving into the camera controls, take some preparatory steps. Dim your phone screen to protect your night vision. A steady shot is crucial, so consider resting your phone against a solid surface if you don’t have a tripod.
Remember to look for clear skies when searching for the auroras, and position yourself facing north for the best view. A horizontal frame can also help in capturing a broader picture.
iPhone Tips
If you’re using an iPhone, the first step is to turn off the flash, which is marked by a lightning bolt symbol. If your phone is an iPhone 11 or later, use the Night Mode feature that usually activates automatically in low-light conditions, indicated by a crescent moon icon.
For nighttime photos, a longer exposure allows more light to reach the lens. Tap the arrow at the top of the screen to access control options, including the exposure settings. With the right settings in place, hit the shutter button, and consider using a countdown timer to reduce any shake that might occur while pressing the button.
Android Tips
Most Android devices also come equipped with night photography features. For Pixel phones, activate Night Sight at the screen’s bottom. If using a tripod, the astrophotography mode will activate automatically when the phone detects it’s stable.
When you’re ready, a five-second countdown will precede the long exposure shot. If you don’t have a tripod, simply select the astro mode and ensure your phone is stable before taking the shot.
Third-Party Apps for Extra Help
If you feel you need additional support for your photography, several apps can enhance your experience. Some recommendations include NightCap Camera, ProCamera, and Slow Shutter for iOS users, while Android users might try ProCam X Lite.
Before heading out, testing these apps beforehand will help you discover which works best for your photography needs.
Capture this incredible natural event while it lasts, and enjoy the breathtaking sights the Northern Lights have to offer.
