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 12 months, 25 breathtaking pictures from all over the world have made the ultimate reduce, a number 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 (referred to as its photo voltaic most) approaching in 2024, individuals are already catching a glimpse of aurorae – each northern and southern – in wider areas than normal. Subsequent 12 months’s shows are set to be much more spectacular.

Most of the pictures in 2023’s competitors have been taken in places the place it’s uncommon to see the northern lights, similar to south Wales, captured in Mathew Browne’s Goleuadau’r Gogledd (essential picture). The title is a free Welsh translation of “northern lights”, and the picture exhibits native landmark Paxton’s Tower illuminated. “Witnessing the aurora borealis this far south is a uncommon incidence,” stated Browne. “For over an hour, the horizon past the clouds emitted hues of inexperienced and pink. Nonetheless, 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.