Aurora Hunting in Wiltshire Ancient Sites - Silbury Hill and Avebury

On the night of 24th August 2024, I headed out to the area of Avebury in Wiltshire, UK, camera in hand, hoping to capture something extraordinary. Not only was it the night of the Perseids Meteor Shower, but thanks to the solar maximum, the northern lights graced the skies again, providing another opportunity this year to photograph these ancient landmarks under the aurora.

As the sun set, the air was charged with quiet anticipation. I began the night at Silbury Hill, a location that has long been on my photography wish list. As the sky darkened, a soft, violet hue appeared on the horizon, gradually intensifying into the unmistakable bands of the aurora. The sight of this ancient mound under the northern lights brought a deep sense of happiness.

From here, I quickly made my way to Avebury Henge. Although the aurora was not as strong by the time I arrived, it could still be seen towering over the stones. The atmosphere was calm, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees and the prehistoric stones standing silently as they have for millennia.

Aurora over Avebury Henge, Moon Cove, Wiltshire, UK

Aurora over Avebury Henge, Wiltshire, UK

Stonehenge and lady Aurora

As soon as you see someone get a great shot of the Aurora Borealis at Stonehenge it makes you want to try. Alas I didn’t catch them behind the stones but they did appear across the fields. It’s my first time catching them in the UK so to be honest I didn’t mind where I caught them. Tonight the forecast was KP7 with just enough solar wind in our direction to make them dance around 9pm.

Vancouver - June aurora borealis 2015

It is so hard for me to stay in when I know the lights are out. When you can't get away from the light pollution you just have to roll with it and I couldn't resist a quick dash around Stanley Park last night. Happy hunting this week everyone. It looks like the Aurora will be around for the next few nights.

Freezing Aurora

I check the forecast almost every day, especially on cold and clear days. This afternoon when I looked at the forecast it was a level 3 which usually means there's little chance of viewing the Aurora. By 9pm reports were coming in from as far south as Minnesota and the reading was up to level 8. So we grabbed the gear as fast as we could and headed out on the hunt.

It didn't take us long to find it! There were great displays tonight but the most interesting part for us was hearing the water freeze around us. Often we are in the middle of nowhere, in the dark and on our own, so hearing giant cracking filled us with impending doom until we figured out what it was! I've not shot in temperatures this cold since I was in the Arctic and it's a whole different experience. Great night!

Freezing night at Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.

Freezing night in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.

Freezing Aurora. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia.