For Play Airlines First Officer Una Gísladóttir, flying over the North Atlantic to Iceland is more than just a routine flight — it’s an opportunity to witness one of the world’s most breathtaking natural phenomena: the northern lights. As a native of Reykjavik, Iceland, Gísladóttir has had a unique vantage point on the auroras, and she shares her experiences and tips for capturing them through her lens.
One night, while piloting a red-eye flight from the United States to Iceland, Gísladóttir’s routine flight turned magical. As the aircraft crossed the North Atlantic, the skies, previously quiet and dark, came alive with shades of green, pink, and purple. The northern lights had appeared, enveloping the plane in a vibrant display of color. From 35,000 feet, the lights felt close enough to touch, illuminating the path home.
“It was my first time seeing them from the cockpit, and it felt like nature had put on a show just for us,” Gísladóttir recalls. Since then, she has made it a personal mission to capture the auroras from the skies and share them with the world, hoping to inspire others to experience the awe of the northern lights.
Scientifically, the northern lights are a result of solar flares colliding with Earth’s atmosphere, creating the mesmerizing glow. However, for Gísladóttir and her fellow Icelanders, the phenomenon holds deeper significance. In Iceland, the auroras are often believed to be the spirits of loved ones dancing in heaven, an interpretation that resonates deeply with the pilot.
The northern lights have captivated people for centuries. In Estonia, they are thought to be the tracks of horse-drawn carriages on their way to a wedding, while Finnish legends tell of a celestial fox creating the lights with its bushy tail. These cultural stories add a layer of magic to an already awe-inspiring natural wonder.
Gísladóttir reflects on the profound emotional impact the auroras have on viewers. “Some people cry when they see them, others laugh in disbelief, and some simply freeze in wonder. The northern lights have a way of making us forget about life’s challenges and connect with the beauty of nature.”
The displays are unique every time, never the same, and always humbling. As an Icelandic native, Gísladóttir feels a strong responsibility to share this marvel with the world. “You have to see them for yourself at least once in your life,” she urges.
This winter is an especially good time to witness the northern lights, with the sun entering its peak in the solar cycle, promising some of the most spectacular displays in two decades. For Gísladóttir, the lights are a reminder of the majesty of her homeland and the wonders of the natural world.
For those eager to capture the beauty of the auroras, Gísladóttir offers some tips for photographing them, even with just a phone.
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