Northern Lights: Quick Pro Tips For Smartphones As Strong Aurora Predicted

Forbes - Mar 23rd, 2025

The ability to capture vivid images of the Northern Lights with a smartphone, once impossible, has become a reality due to advances in smartphone camera technology. On March 22, 2025, at the Aurora Sky Station in Sweden, the iPhone 16 Pro Max captured stunning imagery of the aurora, showcasing the significant progress in low-light performance. This development allows not only professionals but also amateur photographers to document this natural wonder with ease. Tom Kerss, a noted aurora expert, highlighted that smartphones have evolved into excellent tools for capturing the aurora, capable of picking up impressive detail and color previously unseen by the naked eye.

This technological leap has democratized aurora photography, making it accessible to a broader audience. The implications are significant for both photography enthusiasts and the tourism industry, as more people can now capture high-quality images without needing expensive equipment. The story underscores the importance of using specific settings, such as Night Mode and appropriate frame rates, to optimize image quality. The shift in technology not only enhances personal experiences but also contributes to scientific documentation, providing more opportunities to study and appreciate the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Smartphone Photography I Phone 16 Pro Max Tom Kerss Aurora Sky Station Low Light Performance Photography Tips

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the advancements in smartphone technology, particularly in capturing the Northern Lights, and provides practical advice for readers. It is well-written and accessible, with clear explanations of technical concepts. While the reliance on a single expert limits the depth of source quality, the article remains credible and engaging. It addresses a topic of significant public interest and is likely to influence consumer behavior and photography practices. However, it could benefit from a more balanced perspective and greater transparency in the methodology behind the technical advice. Overall, the article successfully combines informative content with practical application, making it a valuable resource for readers interested in photography and technology.

Accuracy

The story accurately describes the advancements in smartphone technology, particularly in capturing the Northern Lights, which aligns with current capabilities of devices like the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The claim that smartphones are now used by professionals to verify auroras is supported by the cited expert, Tom Kerss. However, some claims, such as the specific settings for capturing auroras, while generally accurate, could benefit from additional sources to corroborate the precise impact of these settings. The historical context about older smartphones' inability to capture such images is accurate and well-documented.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the positive aspects of smartphone advancements in photography, particularly in capturing the Northern Lights. While it provides a detailed guide on how to achieve this, it lacks a broader perspective on potential limitations or challenges that users might face, such as the variability in smartphone models and conditions affecting photo quality. The article could be more balanced by including perspectives on the limitations of smartphone photography compared to professional cameras.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow and easy-to-understand language. It effectively explains technical concepts, such as camera settings and modes, in a way that is accessible to a general audience. The use of direct quotes from an expert adds to the clarity and engagement of the text, making it easy for readers to follow and apply the advice given.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on insights from Tom Kerss, an author and aurora expert, which lends credibility to the claims. However, it would benefit from a wider range of sources, including other experts in photography or technology, to reinforce its assertions. The reliance on a single expert limits the depth of the source quality, as it does not provide a comprehensive view of the topic.

Transparency

The article is somewhat transparent in explaining the basis for its claims, primarily through the expertise of Tom Kerss. However, it lacks detailed methodology or context for some of the technical advice provided, such as the specific impact of different camera settings. Greater transparency in how these recommendations were developed or tested would enhance the article's credibility.