Citizen Scientists

Uncover the Secrets of the Northern Lights with your Camera!

Your photos of the aurora can play a crucial role in helping researchers discover more about this stunning natural phenomenon. While Jannicke will be capturing images from space, we need multiple observation points on the ground to triangulate heights for aurora features, build 3D models, and understand the energies of the particles that create different types of aurora.

Scientific observatories are limited in number, but there are countless people with cameras and smartphones who can contribute valuable observations. That's where you come in!

No Experience, No Problem

Don’t worry if you don’t have any experience with photography or northern lights. If you’re eager to learn, we’ll provide the resources you need to photograph the aurora with your camera or smartphone. 

How to take aurora photos

You can capture auroras with either a phone or a camera. Key steps include stabilizing your device (using a tripod is recommended), achieving good focus, setting a self-timer to prevent blurring, and choosing the appropriate exposure settings. To make your photos useful for scientific research, you’ll also need to provide accurate time and location details. For comprehensive guidance on these techniques, refer to the Handbook.

How to connect with other aurora chasers

Finding a local aurora chasing group on social media can be a great way to connect with others who share your interest in watching the Northern Lights. 

Remember to be safe when your are out aurora chasing. For more tips on this you can check out the Handbook.

How to identify different kinds of aurora

Use our Field Guide to look at examples and descriptions of different kinds of aurora.

Our investigations are primarily aimed at the aurora-like features shown on the home page (fragments, streaks, STEVE, and continuum emissions). But it could be that if you notice another feature, researchers that join the project may be interested in it!

Experienced Photographers & Citizen Scientists

For those already skilled in capturing night sky and aurora photos, and perhaps experienced in citizen science projects, you’re likely to provide the highest quality data for research due ot your expertise. We especially hope you’ll share any intriguing features you find in your photos for scientific study. If you're interested in collaborating with scientists, the Handbook includes detailed advice on exposure settings for various features and in which conditions they are likely to appear. We’d be thrilled to have you join the team!

Share Your Photos and Contribute to Scientific Research

How to submit a photo that can be used in research

To submit your observation, we recommend using the Skywarden website. This is a Finnish site that allows users to submit images that can be used freely in scientific research but not commercially. If there is an interest to use your photo commercially, then there is an option to contact the photographer to discuss terms.

How-To Video Guide

Clicking the box to the left opens a "how-to" video that provides a detailed explanation of the submission process.

For this project we are especially interested in fragments, continuous emissions, STEVE, and streaks. When posting observations, upload the photos that clearly show the phenomena that you have observed and keep the rest of the photos from the series for future use. If you are not sure, then upload a representative sample of 8 images or so from the night.

What if scientists use your photo in research articles?

If you take a photo that is useful for research, you will be contacted by the scientists and invited to participate in the publication process. As the photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to be listed as a co-author on any resulting papers. Your photo could contribute to new discoveries about the aurora!