Dark Nights, Celestial Lights: Auroras & Photography in Arctic Sweden

This program aims to ignite students’ sense of wonder and appreciation for critically endangered dark skies through the observation of the most spectacular light show in the cosmos – the aurora borealis. Students and program leaders will work with local guides each night to find dark sky locations ideal for aurora chasing. A key component of the excursion will be training students to capture the northern lights photographically. All students will be issued a DSLR camera and will be given photography lessons prior to program departure and throughout our time in the Arctic. During daylight hours, the group will engage in a variety of activities that will include hiking, snowshoeing, photo editing, lectures, a visit to a Sami indigenous community, and possibly dogsledding, and/or ice fishing.

The program takes place in the Arctic Circle in Abisko National Park, Sweden, which is arguably the premier northern lights observation locale on the planet due to its dry conditions and complex mountain landscape which keeps aurora-blocking clouds at bay.   Although the northern lights are commonly seen in Abisko each winter, the solar cycle is currently reaching its maximum volatility level which provides a once per decade chance of frequent and intense auroras for March 2025.

No special language skills will be needed as English is widely spoken in Sweden.  Participants must be able to cope with exposure to extreme cold for lengthy durations of time (of course in appropriately warm clothing) and have the willingness to stay up until 2 or 3 a.m. on many nights depending on the temperament of aurora shows. Students must also possess the ability to engage in moderate-level hiking and snowshoeing activities.