How a Quiet Flight to Iceland 'Became Something Magical' for One Pilot (Exclusive)

Una Gísladóttir, First Officer of Play Airlines, currently flies the Icelandic airline’s routes between Iceland, North America and Europe. Through her travels, she was able to experience the northern lights, a rare dazzling glow that can be seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.

Here she writes about what it’s like to encounter the lights from the sky, as well as tips for photographing the aurora borealis if you get the chance.

As a Play Airlines pilot from Reykjavik, Iceland, my experience from 35,000 feet is truly unlike any other. You see, we’re not the only ones flying the Arctic skies in the winter months.

Not long ago, I was piloting a red-eye flight from the United States, en route to my home: Iceland. Crossing the North Atlantic Ocean, it was quiet. All we could hear were the exchanges of other pilots on air-to-air radio frequencies, sharing the latest information on the weather conditions ahead.

But what seemed like a routine night flight turned into something magical.

About halfway through our trip I noticed shades of green appearing in the distance, then vibrant pinks and purples. Within moments, the sky turned into a mesmerizing image that glowed all around our craft. It’s as if nature has put on a show just for us.

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Inside the cockpit, Una Gísladóttir captures the aurora borealis.

Play Airlines First Officer Una Gisladottir

It was the northern lights – and I felt within reach. It was the first time I had seen them from the cockpit, lighting our way home with an ever-changing palette. Up here, above the clouds and city lights, nothing stood in their way.

Since that night, I’ve been photographing the Northern Lights from my unique vantage point, hoping to inspire others around the world to experience Earth’s elusive ballet.

Ask a scientist and they’ll tell you that the Northern Lights are caused by solar flares, which shoot across our solar system, resulting in colorful displays when they come into contact with our atmosphere.

The aurora borealis in full view over the North Atlantic Ocean.

Play Airlines First Officer Una Gisladottir

But ask our Norse ancestors and they will give you mystical explanations that long predated scientific understanding.

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In Estonia, legend has it that the aurora borealis are the celestial paths of horse-drawn carriages traveling to a wedding ceremony. In Finland, many believed that the aurora borealis was the work of art of a sky fox that dazzled the sky with its bushy tail.

In my native Iceland, lights have other meanings. One in particular touches me the most: the aurora borealis are the spirits of our deceased loved ones dancing in the sky.

Some are moved to tears when they see the northern lights, while others laugh in disbelief. Some stand still, in shock, as if frozen in the cold of the night. Above all, this phenomenon has a unique ability to make us all forget about the challenges of the human world and connect in awe with the wonders of the natural world. It is an indescribable and unforgettable feeling.

The aurora borealis is as unique as fingerprints, no two screens are the same. But every time they grace us with their presence, it’s humbling. It’s miraculous. It’s emotional.

Since joining Play Airlines, I have had the privilege of flying thousands of people to Iceland. People from all over the world, most of whom have only interacted with the Northern Lights in movies or dreams.

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Una Gísladóttir.

Play Airlines First Officer Una Gisladottir

As a native Icelander, I feel a responsibility to invite the world – through my photography – to experience the Northern Lights. I always tell my people, anyone, “You really have to experience them at least once in your life.”

And if you haven’t yet, this season is the perfect time to do so. With the sun entering its peak in the solar cycle, this winter promises breathtaking auroras. It is the best time to experience them in 20 years.

For me, at 35,000 feet, the aurora borealis serves as a reminder of how magnificent our “home” truly is.

This winter, you too can capture the beauty of the aurora borealis in photos. Here are some of my tips for photographing the northern lights with just your phone.

Play Airlines Pilot Una Gísladóttir.

Play Airlines First Officer Una Gisladottir

• Find an area without light pollution. The lights of the city dim the aurora borealis.
• Have a clear view to the north. As their name suggests, the aurora borealis appears in the north. Be sure to find a place with a clear, northern view of the horizon.
• Make sure the sky is clear. The aurora borealis usually occurs at altitudes of 70-200 miles above the ground, sometimes even higher. This means that clouds can block them. Be sure to check the weather forecast and go to areas with clear skies.
• Use a long exposure. Most smartphones have long exposure capabilities. This means your phone will take 5 or 10 or even 30 seconds to take the photo, allowing more light to enter the camera sensor. To capture stunning photos, find instructions for using your phone’s long exposure settings.
• Take the risk. As with everything in nature, nothing is guaranteed. But take the risk. If they don’t show up, try again the next night. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education