Nikole Miguel Polar Lights

Nikole Miguel: The Photographer Who Captures the Polar Lights

Nikole Miguel is a photographer who specializes in capturing the polar lights, also known as the aurora borealis or the aurora australis. These are natural light displays in Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). [^4^]

Miguel has travelled to various locations around the world, such as Iceland, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand, to witness and photograph the polar lights. She uses long exposure techniques and a tripod to capture the dynamic patterns of brilliant lights that appear as curtains, rays, spirals, or dynamic flickers covering the entire sky. [^4^]

Miguel says that she is fascinated by the polar lights because they are unpredictable and unique. \\\"You never know what you're going to get,\\\" she says. \\\"Sometimes they are faint and subtle, sometimes they are bright and vibrant. Sometimes they last for hours, sometimes they disappear in minutes. Every time I see them, I feel like I'm witnessing something magical.\\\"

Miguel also explains that the polar lights are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by the solar wind. These disturbances alter the trajectories of charged particles in the magnetospheric plasma. These particles, mainly electrons and protons, precipitate into the upper atmosphere (thermosphere/exosphere). The resulting ionization and excitation of atmospheric constituents emit light of varying colour and complexity. [^4^]

Miguel's photographs of the polar lights have been featured in various publications and exhibitions. She has also published a book titled \\\"Polar Lights: A Journey Through the Night Sky\\\", which showcases her best images and stories from her travels. She hopes that her work will inspire people to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature.

Some of Miguel's favorite places to see the polar lights are Iceland, Norway, Canada, and New Zealand. She says that each location offers a different perspective and backdrop for the light show. \\\"In Iceland, you can see the lights over glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. In Norway, you can see them over fjords, mountains, and fishing villages. In Canada, you can see them over lakes, forests, and wildlife. In New Zealand, you can see them over mountains, lakes, and fields,\\\" she says.

Miguel also shares some tips for those who want to see the polar lights for themselves. She says that the best time to see the lights depends on the location, but generally it is between late August and early April. She also recommends checking the aurora forecast websites and apps, such as Aurora Service or Aurora Forecast , to find out the best nights and places to see the lights. She advises dressing warmly and bringing a camera with a tripod, a wide-angle lens, and a remote shutter release.

Miguel admits that photographing the polar lights is not easy and requires patience and practice. \\\"You have to deal with cold weather, dark nights, changing conditions, and unpredictable lights,\\\" she says. \\\"You have to adjust your camera settings according to the brightness and movement of the lights. You have to compose your shots carefully and creatively. You have to be ready to capture the moment when the lights are at their peak.\\\"

Despite the challenges, Miguel says that photographing the polar lights is rewarding and fulfilling. \\\"It's a way of expressing my passion and appreciation for nature,\\\" she says. \\\"It's a way of sharing my experiences and emotions with others. It's a way of creating memories that last a lifetime.\\\" 061ffe29dd