Solar eruptions boost observing possibilities for Aurora Borealis over the weekend, while Perseids meteor shower also intensifies.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a seasoned camera and technology journalist with over a decade of experience, leads the US coverage for Digital Camera World. With bylines in various publications such as Business Insider, Digital Trends, Pocket-lint, Rangefinder, The Phoblographer, and more, her expertise is highly valued in the field.
As we approach the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, which started on July 17, and the anticipated arrival of a potential G1 geomagnetic storm, it's an exciting time for night sky photographers.
Capturing the Northern Lights during the Perseids Meteor Shower
If the solar flare that occurred on August 5 reaches Earth as expected on August 8, NOAA predicts KP levels that exceed 4.0 beginning on August 8 at 15 UT, which is about 11 AM EST. This could potentially make the Northern Lights visible, especially in northern latitudes.
To maximise your chances of capturing meteors streaking alongside possible Northern Lights displays during the 2025 Perseids meteor shower, follow these key tips:
- Choose a dark location with minimal light pollution. Ideally, in northern latitudes where a minor G1 storm (KP index around 4.0) makes the Northern Lights potentially visible.
- Use a wide-angle lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8) to capture maximum light from meteors, stars, and auroras.
- Point your camera about 30-40° above the northeastern horizon or generally eastward and upward to capture Perseids meteors streaking across the sky, including some area near the zenith to increase chances of dramatic meteors.
- Set camera to manual mode with a balance of exposure that allows pinpoint stars and meteor streaks; for example, 20-30 second exposures at ISO 800 or higher depending on your camera’s noise performance.
- Mount your camera on a sturdy tripod to avoid vibrations and either manually press the shutter continuously during the peak shower hours or better, use a remote shutter release or intervalometer for automated continuous shooting.
- Arrive well before nightfall to set up properly while it’s still light and allow time for your eyes to adjust to darkness (at least 30–40 minutes) to better view faint meteors.
- Avoid including bright Moon in your frame to reduce lens flare and overexposure that could wash out faint auroras or meteors.
- Keep the camera setup and surroundings dark; avoid turning on lights or disturbing the tripod during shooting sessions to prevent ruining exposures.
- Expect some luck and unpredictability with meteors and aurora visibility, but the potential to capture spectacular images increases if both events coincide, especially with KP levels around 4 indicating moderate aurora activity.
Preparing for the Solar Storm
To prepare for the potential solar storm, consider learning how to photograph the Northern Lights. The Perseids meteor shower is gaining in intensity and could serve as a consolation prize if the aurora doesn't appear. Night sky photographers may still be able to photograph some meteors during the solar storm event.
The accuracy of the Northern Lights forecast often improves as the originally forecasted time gets closer. So, keep an eye on updates and be ready to capture the spectacle when it happens.
In states like Michigan and Maine, as well as parts of Canada, the Northern Lights may be visible due to the solar activity.
Hillary K. Grigonis, a former Nikon shooter and a current Fujifilm user, has tested a wide range of cameras and lenses across multiple brands. Her wedding and portrait photography favours a journalistic style.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Perseids meteor shower and potential Northern Lights display. Happy shooting!
- Hillary K. Grigonis, with her expertise in camera and technology journalism, could produce a comprehensive tutorial on capturing the Northern Lights during the Perseids meteor shower.
- With NOAA predicting KP levels that exceed 4.0 beginning on August 8 at 15 UT, a drone could be used to film news footage of the potential G1 geomagnetic storm's impact on the environment.
- In addition to her achievements, Hillary K. Grigonis has reviewed various cameras and lenses, providing valuable insights for amateur and professional photographers.
- For sports photographers, the solar storm could present an opportunity to experiment with unique environmental-science and space-and-astronomy techniques for capturing sports events in an unusual context.
- To make the most of the Perseids meteor shower and potential Northern Lights display, a review of Hillary K. Grigonis's portfolio could offer inspiration for establishing visually striking portrait photography in astrophotography.
- The news of a potentially visible Northern Lights display has generated excitement in the photography community, with some enthusiasts planning to utilize a wide-angle lens for capturing Starlink satellites orbiting the Earth as a additional challenge.
- Given the potential for increased government funding for space and astronomy technology, the upcoming solar storm and meteor shower could serve as a catalyst for new developments in camera and lens technology.
- Astrophotography techniques involve careful science, such as assessing and maintaining the balance of exposure, to ensure clear images of the night sky and its various celestial phenomena.
