MINNESOTA: Easy Guide to Capture Northern Lights on Camera Tonight

I'm so thankful to live in a state where we've had amazing opportunities to view the Northern Lights.  2024 has been an epic year of sightings and it sounds like more are to come for the state of Minnesota.  If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of them or grab a few photos, check out these tips from photographers to capture amazing photos of the Northern Lights.

Another Amazing Night to See the Northern Lights is Happening Thursday in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

An epic night of Northern Lights is supposedly happening again on Thursday, October 10th.  Based on the maps published by NOAA.org, the viewline for the Northern Lights is predicted to go as far as Kansas!

When Are The Northern Lights Showing Up Tonight?

There are always predictions, and NOAA.org has a map that shows what they are guessing will happen for the next 30 minutes (see that here).  In the case for tonight, it could be as soon as it gets dark or it could be at 5:00 am.

I know that Northern Minnesota has been named one of the best spots to view the Northern Lights, but the rest of the state has had some amazing chances this past year.  Just the other night, these gorgeous photos of the Northern Lights were captured between about 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm in Southeast Minnesota.

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Basic Guide to Capture the Northern Lights on Your Phone

"Magic in the sky" is what I call the Northern Lights.  If you want to capture what you see on camera, drive away from city lights and then use these tips from photographer Spencer Jelinek:

iPhone Settings:

1) Use Night mode (iPhone 11 and later) or manual mode (third-party apps).
2) Set exposure: 10 - 30 seconds
3) ISO: Start between 200 - 400 and adjust as needed
4) Turn off flash
5) Focus: Manual or Infinity
6) Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
7) Turn on RAW Max if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

Android Settings:
1) Use Pro/Manual/Night mode
2) Set exposure: 10 - 30 seconds.
3) ISO: Start between 200 - 400 and adjust as needed
4) Turn off flash
5) Focus: Manual or Infinity
6) Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
7) Turn on RAW if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

If you want to get more technical, the photographer mentioned that you can just search Google or check YouTube for more specifics on taking photos of the Northern Lights.