"I’ve never seen the aurora this powerful; it was one of the strongest geomagnetic storms Iceland has experienced in recent years," declared Roi Levi, a renowned landscape and astronomy photographer, after returning from an unforgettable photography tour in Iceland. His breathtaking images captured during this trip have even gained acclaim on NASA's Instagram account.

Levi had predicted nearly a year ago that 2024 would be a peak year for viewing the Northern Lights. He explained, "Aurora is the Latin term for the polar lights—Northern Lights in the Arctic and Southern Lights in the Antarctic. These stunning displays originate from the sun, where solar explosions trigger geomagnetic storms. The solar wind carries particles towards Earth, resulting in mesmerizing collisions with our atmosphere that create vibrant colors." He detailed that while green is the predominant hue, reds, purples, pinks, and blues can occasionally be witnessed, leading to a nearly full RGB spectrum experience.

The solar maximum, which is the sun's peak activity period, occurs roughly every decade and lasts for about two years before tapering off. "We are currently in the fifth year of a solar maximum cycle, which scientists project could last until the end of 2026," Levi stated. "This year, we can expect the most intense solar activity of the decade, making it the prime time to observe the aurora in all its vibrant glory."

He urges potential travelers to seize this opportunity as the next solar cycle, Solar Cycle 26, starts in 2030 and peaks around 2035. "If you don’t travel in the next year or two, you might have to wait about a decade for similar auroras," he advised.

Levi’s assertions have been validated by recent events. "I’m still buzzing from the geomagnetic storm we witnessed," he shared, describing the aurora during his tour, which reached a KP index of 8—just shy of the maximum level of 9. "The sky was alive with movement; the aurora spiraled gracefully across the expanse, creating crown-like formations. It was an unprecedented sight, even after four trips to Iceland this year!"

Levi’s photography tours are exclusive, with a maximum of five participants, and they demand a high level of physical endurance. "I live by one rule: 'Aurora before sleep,'" he remarked. "Whenever there’s aurora activity, we pursue it relentlessly. On our first night in Iceland, there was only one clear spot available in the southeast near Diamond Beach, and it took us seven hours to get there. This commitment to capturing the lights turned each day into a high-octane adventure, often requiring up to seven hours of driving daily."

While participants rested for five or six hours at night, Levi maximized the time by analyzing maps to select the next shooting location. "I often joke with them about a Polish saying: 'Don’t worry; we’ll have plenty of time to sleep in the grave. Now is the time to live,'" he laughed.

Levi's enthusiasm for solar phenomena is palpable, and he didn't miss a beat when he sensed significant solar flare activity on September 10. "I knew we’d feel the effects on Earth within a couple of days. So, we drove to the best viewing spots, and it was breathtaking! The aurora danced across the night sky, starting as massive, descending pillars and transitioning into sweeping, crown-like arcs," he recounted. "The sheer beauty was mesmerizing; the excitement was contagious, and even back at the hotel, we were still buzzing from the experience."

Looking ahead, Levi is not slowing down. "I still feel I haven’t reached my peak; my ambition is to witness the highest KP index of 9 before the solar maximum comes to an end. Fortunately, forecasts indicate we have until July 2025 to experience these extraordinary Northern Lights."

For more of Levi’s captivating photography, be sure to follow him on Instagram! Don’t miss witnessing one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles while the opportunity lasts!