IPhone digital camera have to be on this setting to seize Northern Lights tonight
Northern Lights returned to UK skies last night and reports say thousands could even see them again.
Many Brits felt disappointed after their iPhones struggled to pick up the light with their cameras, but a photographer has shared their top tips to capture the rare moment. The Northern Lights were last in UK skies in May.
An interactive map made by researchers at Lancaster University, showed the exact locations of where the aurora borealis phenomenon was pictured on Thursday night (September 13). Scots who resided near the coast were honoured with the view, as well as some locals in Cornwall and Devon.
READ MORE: UK Northern Lights map revealed as phenomenon is set to amaze Brits again tonight
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The Met Office sparked excitement among Brits, writing on X: “You might want to look up at the sky tonight because there’s the chance of seeing the aurora. Clear skies for most overnight will make for ideal viewing conditions, with sightings possible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.”
(Image: Getty Images)
They suggest that 11pm to 5am is the ideal time to see the aurora if clouds are clear. But capturing it on camera could be difficult. A photographer named as Wil Photography revealed that certain phone cameras can make things easier.
“If your phone has night mode simply use that and either use a tripod or lean it against something for 10-15 seconds exposure, click on screen to focus on distant bright star and that should work,” he said on a post on Facebook.
“If not then download an app called nightcap camera for iPhone or Open camera for Android. With settings – iso 2000 lowest number for f and shutter speed around 10 seconds, again using a tripod, make sure you focus on a distant bright star.”
(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Camera on manual mode and manual focus, take off image stabilisation/vibration control, place camera on tripod, focus manually onto a distant star,” he continued. “Settings to start with iso 3200, shutter speed 10 seconds, aperture as wide as your lens can go (f2.8 etc).
“Use the widest lens you have so you can have longer shutter speeds – 14mm , 20mm 24mm etc. If you don’t have a fast lens, then ramp up your iso, do not increase your shutter speed beyond 10 seconds as you will get star trails using a 35mm lens and above.”
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