The Phoenix Rises! The Northern Lights Take on the Form of the Legendary Bird Over Iceland
Incredible photographs of the aurora borealis over Iceland capture the moment they formed the outline of a phoenix, a legendary bird from ancient mythology. These stunning images reveal the lights taking on the near-perfect shape of the fire-breathing creature, captivating stargazers with their beauty.
Photographer Hallgrimur P Helgason, who snapped the breathtaking scene in Kaldarsel, shared the secret to capturing such a spectacle: avoiding light pollution and using no flash. The 64-year-old photographer arrived at the location and began photographing, with the bird-like shape appearing in the night sky an hour later.
“It’s really a thrill shooting the aurora, especially when they are so playful like they were that night,” said Helgason. “I have to admit that I always get an adrenaline kick when the lights burst out like that – that particular shot was the top one of the night.”
Other shapes quickly followed, though none were as strikingly familiar as that of the phoenix
Using a camera and tripod, Helgason emphasized the importance of shooting in dark areas away from city lights. He noted that the Northern Lights predominantly displayed green and yellow hues that night, with occasional red and blue, indicating a strong aurora.
These incredible photographs not only showcase the mesmerizing beauty of the aurora borealis but also highlight the resemblance to the mythical phoenix, a giant fire-eating bird from ancient stories. Helgason’s images with their outstretched wings and striking bird-shaped profile, continue to inspire awe and wonder among viewers.