The northern lights and beautiful landscapes in Sweden and Norway, Post 1

Amateur photographer Miles Morgan travelled to pine forests near Kiruna, Sweden, to capture shots of the northern lights. He said: "The first time I saw the lights I was completely gobsmacked. It was one of the most thrilling and amazing moments I've ever had, and it will stay with me forever.

Miles, a pilot from Portland, Oregon, USA, also photographed beautiful sunsets over the Lofoten Islands in Norway.

The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, occurs when highly charged electrons from solar wind interact with elements in the earth's atmosphere.  As the electrons enter the upper atmosphere, they encounter atoms of oxygen and nitrogen at altitudes from 20 to 200 miles above the earth's surface.Miles said: "The explosions of a corona overhead are so massive that it makes you feel like the smallest thing in the universe. It is truly a miracle of nature."

  

Bitterly cold temperatures of -30C made shooting difficult as the batteries in his camera would freeze or his lens would frost over.

The colour of the aurora depends on which atom is struck, and the altitude of the meeting. Green and reds are found at higher altitudes - while blue, purple and violets are lower.

  

The aurora goes on all year but September-March is considered the best time to see them. Miles said this winter is the peak of a decade-long cycle of solar activity - making the chances of seeing the northern lights the best they will be for many years.

  

Rays of sunlight streak over a snowy peak reflected in a lake in Lofoten Islands, Norway

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