Rebecca Douglas, a dedicated photographer and enthusiast, has embarked on a remarkable journey, making 29 trips to Iceland solely to capture the enchanting aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights. With a 30th journey already on the horizon, her pursuit is nothing short of inspirational. Since she began her photographic endeavor in 2010, Douglas has immersed herself in the breathtaking display of colors that characterize this natural wonder. The hues of green, purple, yellow, and blue that dance across the night sky are not mere accidents of nature; instead, they are the result of complex interactions between solar particles and the gases high in the Earth’s atmosphere.
The timing of her expeditions could not be better aligned with the peak of the solar cycle, which occurs approximately every 11 years. As we enter this peak period, the anticipation of more vibrant and frequent displays of the Northern Lights has piqued the interest of travelers and photographers alike. Douglas articulates a sentiment shared by many: the unique beauty of the night sky is a compelling reason to set out on nocturnal adventures across the globe, be it in Arctic regions, the rugged wilderness of Norway, or even the serene English countryside where she has managed to photograph the aurora as well.
The Rise of Noctourism
Douglas’s passion for the darkness of the night hints at a burgeoning trend known as “noctourism.” This concept encourages travelers to seek out unique experiences after sunset, shifting the focus from traditional daytime activities to the mysteries held in the moonlit hours. According to Booking.com, noctourism is projected to be a leading trend in travel by 2025, as individuals increasingly choose to “ditch the daylight crowds for midnight magic.”
Recent surveys indicate a growing interest in destinations characterized by darker skies, with many travelers expressing desires to engage in stargazing (72%), enjoying cosmic events (59%), and constellation tracking (57%). With noctourism gaining momentum, attractions such as night diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and nocturnal safaris in Africa are becoming increasingly popular. Luxury travel companies have noted a 25% increase in requests for night-time adventures, with highlights including celestial events and stunning landscapes unveiled by the night.
For Douglas, the night is not merely a backdrop but a canvas upon which she paints her photographic artistry. She eschews package tours, favoring the freedom to curate a personal itinerary that includes specific activities centered around optimal viewing times for the aurora borealis. This meticulous planning often drives her to remote accommodations, ensuring the absence of light pollution which could hinder her ability to capture the beauty of the night sky through her lens.
She shares her methodical approach to finding accommodations: “I spend a lot of time looking at locations on Google Maps. Any trace of light, whether from the property or nearby streets, could compromise my shots.” This degree of consideration illustrates her commitment to capturing pure night-time images. Additionally, the lunar phases heavily influence Douglas’s planning; traveling during a new moon period provides ideal conditions for stunning stargazing.
To capture the wonder that is the aurora borealis, Douglas often finds herself awake during the most frigid hours, sometimes working from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. in sub-zero temperatures. Yet, she embraces these conditions as opportunities rather than obstacles. “They say you have to work hard for your art,” she remarks. For Douglas, this dedication translates into an expression of privilege and joy as she pursues the most fleeting and ethereal of subjects.
Moreover, Douglas has leveraged her expertise to guide others in their nocturnal photography endeavors by developing an online course specifically aimed at capturing the Northern Lights. This act of sharing knowledge not only democratizes the experience but also connects a community of aspiring photographers with the beauty of the night sky. Furthermore, her work with noctilucent clouds and polar stratospheric clouds showcases her fascination with various phenomena, revealing a broader passion for the night sky’s myriad wonders.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, Rebecca Douglas epitomizes a new wave of travelers who cherish the unique beauty of nocturnal experiences. As our planet becomes more accessible, the allure of the night sky is set to enhance our collective travel consciousness. With her continued dedication and the growth of noctourism, the captivating realm of nighttime exploration beckons to those willing to embrace its mysteries and traverse its shadows. For enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the night possesses an enchanting quality just waiting to be explored.