Auroras are something I never expected to see in Lithuania, but 2024 changed that. Before this year, I had only seen photos and videos from places like Norway or Canada, thinking they were out of reach for me. But then, I witnessed my first-ever aurora right here, and I was instantly hooked. There’s something incredible about looking up at the night sky and seeing those dancing lights, knowing that this rare phenomenon is happening above you.
Since then, I’ve made it a habit to track auroras whenever conditions are favorable. I use an app to monitor the KP index, which helps predict when they might be visible. Of course, clear skies are just as important, so I also keep an eye on the weather. I try to avoid going out on the coldest winter nights. Standing outside for hours in freezing temperatures isn’t exactly fun, so I plan my aurora hunts for slightly warmer evenings.
Photographing auroras is both exciting and challenging. The colors definitely don’t appear as vividly to the naked eye as they do in photos, but with the right settings, the camera captures their true beauty. It’s a mix of patience, luck, and a bit of trial and error to get the perfect shot. But beyond the photography, just being outside in the quiet of the night, watching the sky glow, is an experience in itself.
Along the way, I’ve taken plenty of other night sky shots. Even when auroras don’t show up, there’s still so much to capture—starry skies, silhouettes of trees and the peaceful atmosphere of nature at night. Some of the photos I’m sharing here include not just auroras, but also different nightscapes I’ve photographed throughout 2024.
Seeing auroras in Lithuania still feels surreal. They’re rare, unpredictable, and require effort to catch, but that makes them even more special. I’m sure I’ll keep chasing them whenever I can, hoping for another unforgettable night under the glowing sky.
Please have in mind that the photos of auroras are edited. Naked eye don't see them like that!
Also, each time an aurora might showcase a different color tone so you never know what your camera is gonna capture. 😁
