[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Packages” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”||-136px|||” custom_padding=”110px||110px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px|” custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Packages Title” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding_tablet=”60px||0px|” custom_padding_phone=”” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”Oswald|on||on|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Aurora-at-Grotta-00009-of-11.jpg” title_text=”Aurora at Grotta (00009 of 11)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||||||” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”Oswald|on||on|” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Imagine this: You\u2019ve just arrived in the subarctic region, positioned perfectly under the auroral oval. The conditions are looking great\u2014long dark nights, solar activity is up, and clear skies are ahead. You\u2019re all set for the ultimate Northern Lights experience! But then\u2026 uh-oh\u2026 you notice the full moon glowing brightly in the night sky. Could this bright lunar companion ruin your dream of seeing the aurora borealis?<\/p>\n
Spoiler alert: Not at all!<\/strong> In fact, as seasoned aurora photographers and filmmakers, we embrace the full moon. For us, these nights are some of the best times to capture the Northern Lights. Let us tell you why.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n written by Katarina Raker, Aurora Reykjavik<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#ed4441″ divider_position=”center” divider_weight=”3px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ max_width=”150px” module_alignment=”center” height=”0px” custom_margin=”30px|||” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”100ms” animation_intensity_slide=”10%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Grelli_2015_03_01_0002_1080sq.mp4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Full moon aurora at \u00deingvellir National Park, Iceland<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u200b<\/p>\n First things first\u2014the moon has no impact on the Northern Lights themselves.<\/strong><\/p>\n The aurora borealis is caused by solar activity, specifically when charged particles from the Sun collide with Earth\u2019s magnetic field and excite gases in the atmosphere. This creates those iconic dancing lights. The moon, no matter how bright or full, doesn\u2019t influence solar winds or geomagnetic storms.<\/p>\n That said, the full moon does add light to the night sky, which can make it harder for untrained eyes to spot faint auroras. But here\u2019s the good news: if the aurora activity is moderate to strong, you can still enjoy a spectacular display even under a full moon.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” text_line_height=”1.5em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n That being said, as every stargazer knows, a full moon does cast\u00a0a lot\u00a0of light in the sky. And yes, for untrained eyes, it does make it harder to see the aurora, just as bright moonlight can drown faint stars from our view.<\/p>\n However, it all depends on how strong the display is that you are witnessing. A weak aurora might be drowned in bright moonlight, but if you get a moderate to a high level of solar activity, you will still get a good view of the northern lights. Contrary to what you might have heard, it is possible to see the aurora borealis, or northern lights, when there\u2019s a bright moon, even a full moon, in the sky.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Aurora-at-Grotta-00007-of-11.jpg” title_text=”Aurora at Grotta (00007 of 11)” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Package Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_fold=”20%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Full moon aurora in the highlands, Iceland<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Aurora-at-Grotta-00004-of-9.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Package Image” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_fold=”20%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Full moon aurora in the East Fjords, Iceland<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Scroll through our gallery, and you will easily spot the answer in our photos:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”235659,235658,235657,235656,235655,235654,235653,235652,235651,235649″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u00a0Many might think of moonlight as an obstacle, but for photographers and aurora enthusiasts, it brings some unique advantages. Here\u2019s why we love full moon nights for Northern Lights hunting:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. Moonlight Enhances the Landscape<\/strong><\/p>\n The moon softly illuminates the foreground, creating a magical setting. Snow-covered mountains, lava fields, and Icelandic glaciers appear even more stunning under moonlight.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Beautifully Colored Skies<\/strong><\/p>\n Instead of pitch black, the night sky appears in deep, rich blue hues\u2014a striking backdrop for the aurora<\/span><\/p>\n 3. Better Aurora Portraits<\/strong><\/p>\n The moonlight adds just enough light to softly illuminate people in photos, avoiding the silhouette effect while maintaining the natural beauty of the aurora.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. Shorter Shutter Speeds<\/strong><\/p>\n Moonlight allows for shorter exposure times, making it easier to capture sharp images of people and realistic time-lapses that mimic real-time aurora movements.<\/span><\/p>\n 5. Crisper Aurora Shapes<\/strong><\/p>\n Shorter shutter speeds also capture the intricate shapes and patterns of the aurora with more clarity<\/span><\/p>\n 6. Safer and More Enjoyable Conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n Navigating Icelandic landscapes in the dark can be tricky. With a full moon, it\u2019s easier to see your surroundings and avoid potential hazards like hidden lava caves or icy trails.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In conclusion: If you want to enhance your chances to witness the northern lights with your bare eyes, try to avoid any lunar light. If you aim at taking a great shot, join us when the moon is out.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n So, if you can – buy the ticket, get the ride. You will find our\u00a0hand-picked selection of tours here:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Myvatn-10.jpg” alt=”Green northern lights and full moon lighting up the dark night sky above yellow and brown mountains partially covered in snow” title_text=”Kerlingarfj\u00f6ll-best-locations” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Package Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_fold=”20%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Full moon aurora at Kerlingarfj\u00f6ll, Iceland<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If your main goal is to see the Northern Lights with your own eyes, avoiding moonlit nights might improve visibility of faint displays. However, if you\u2019re aiming for stunning aurora photographs or want a magical overall experience, full moon nights offer unique opportunities.<\/p>\n Pro tip:<\/strong> Track the aurora forecast and cloud cover on reliable apps, like the ones mentioned in our guide to NorthernLights apps<\/a>, to plan your chase effectively.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At Aurora Reykjav\u00edk, we know how to make the most of every lunar phase. Whether it\u2019s a moonlit night or a moonless one, our expert guides will help you chase the aurora under the best conditions. Plus, our team of photographers will ensure you go home with breathtaking photos.<\/p>\n Check out our hand-picked selection of Northern Lights tours<\/a> and let us take you on an unforgettable adventure. Remember, the magic of the aurora doesn\u2019t fade under the full moon\u2014it shines brighter in new ways.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Image1.jpeg” title_text=”Image1″ align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Package Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_fold=”20%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Full moon aurora at \u00deingvellir National Park<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n So, if you can – buy the ticket, get the ride. You will find our\u00a0hand-picked selection of tours here:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_filterable_portfolio fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”16″ include_categories=”111,5,8,4,136,56″ show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_filterable_portfolio][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ admin_label=”Package” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Reykjavik-Sightseeing_-Northern-Lights-and-South-Shore-Combo-2.jpg” alt=”Katarina Raker photographing The Northern Lights In Iceland” title_text=”Katarina Raker photographing The Northern Lights In Iceland” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”Package Image” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_style=”fold” animation_direction=”right” animation_intensity_fold=”20%” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Katarina Raker<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Package Title” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Oswald||||” text_font_size=”24px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Description” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”Roboto||||” animation_delay=”100ms” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Katarina Raker is a passionate Northern Lights expert and award-winning photographer based in Iceland. With years of experience chasing the aurora across the Arctic, she combines her love for storytelling with a deep knowledge of the science behind the Northern Lights. As a team member at Aurora Reykjav\u00edk, Katarina is dedicated to helping travelers experience the magic of the aurora borealis through expert tips, guided tours, and stunning photography. When she\u2019s not capturing the sky\u2019s most dazzling displays, Katarina enjoys exploring Iceland\u2019s breathtaking landscapes and sharing her adventures with the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Pensi che la luna possa rovinare le tue chance di vedere l'aurora boreale? Ti sbagli! Scopri perch\u00e9 la luce della luna pu\u00f2 migliorare la tua esperienza, da magici panorami a incredibili consigli per la fotografia. Impara come cogliere il meglio della tua avventura per l'aurora - anche sotto la luna piena.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":235657,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[132,363],"tags":[614,615,93],"class_list":["post-240258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-northern-lights","tag-full-moon-auroras","tag-lighthouse","tag-northern-lights"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Aurora-at-Grotta-00003-of-11.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=240258"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":240271,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/240258\/revisions\/240271"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/235657"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=240258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=240258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aurorareykjavik.is\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=240258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Does the Full Moon Affect the Northern Lights?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Full Moon – It all depends on the strength of the aurora<\/h2>\n
Why We Love the Full Moon for Aurora Chasing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Should You Avoid Full Moon Nights?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Capture the Aurora with Us<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Explore More at Aurora Reykjav\u00edk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
About the Author: Katarina Raker<\/strong><\/h3>\n