Northern Lights in Essex

A couple of weeks ago, I saw reports on Facebook and Twitter of northern lights (aurora) being visible as far south as Essex, and even a couple of photos from Brentwood (here and here), showing amazing displays.  Normally you would need to be much further north to see these, many people traveling to the arctic regions of Norway for instance, but here was a chance to see them locally, so I jumped in the car.

Unfortunately I'd missed the best show, but still spent an enjoyable hour or so shooting star scenes, something reminiscent of the photography that Jordy at Cameraworld does.  The following day whilst reviewing the photos I did detect a feint colouration to the north (first image below), but it just wasn't what I was after.  Ah well, maybe next time I'll be better prepared, and more sure of what settings are likely to give the best results.


Pentax K-5, Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 lens @ 16mm, f/5.6, 10s, ISO3200, tripod.


Pentax K-5, Pentax DA 16-45mm f/4 lens @ 16mm, f/5.6, 10s, ISO3200, tripod.