Boeing 747 captain Christiaan van Heijst has captured some spectacular images of the Northern Lights on a flight over the North Atlantic.
Christiaan explains:
“The aeronautical weather charts we rely on provide a comprehensive overview: from destination forecasts and alternate weather to jet streams, pressure systems, and turbulence estimates, all the way up to an altitude of approximately 70,000 feet. Beyond that, you might think there’s no “Earthly weather” to concern us atmospheric adventurers.
“But you’d be wrong. Solar storms and cosmic radiation can wreak havoc on the ionosphere, turning long-range HF communications into a frustrating endeavour. On the flip side, these phenomena are responsible for one of nature’s most enchanting displays: the Northern Lights. Their radiant ribbons and luminous pillars stretch thousands of miles, a spectacle of blazing neon colours.
“Last week offered such an experience. Crossing the 40th meridian west over the North Atlantic, we witnessed an ethereal display of green, purple, and turquoise lights. With only the stars, constellations, and the aurora-lit clouds for company, it felt like absolute perfection. And what made it even more special was sharing this with a friend and colleague.
“A cosmic celebration of sorts, as it perfectly timed with my 1,000th 747 flight as a pilot behind the controls. It turned out to be a celestial salute, a reminder that the universe plays a role in our journeys, even when I’m only 35,000 feet above the planet’s surface.
“To the next thousand flights and the surprises they hold.”
Christiaan is one of the world’s leading aviation photographers and more of his work and more close encounter (s) can be found here.
You can follow Christiaan on Instagram here: @jpcvanheijst
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