Imagine witnessing the Earth’s most breathtaking light show from a vantage point 36,000 feet above the ground. But here’s where it gets even more extraordinary—airline pilot and photographer Matt Melnyk didn’t just see the northern lights; he captured their mesmerizing dance from the cockpit of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner during a flight from London to Calgary. And this is the part most people miss: his stunning photos were taken during a rare, severe solar storm that painted the skies with vibrant auroras visible as far south as Mexico.
Melnyk is no ordinary pilot; he’s an avid aurora chaser who frequently encounters these celestial displays during his flights across Europe. But what makes this story controversial? While many skywatchers on the ground were awestruck by the November 11-12 event, Melnyk’s unique perspective raises the question: does seeing the northern lights from such a height diminish their magic, or does it elevate them to an entirely new level of awe? Let us know what you think in the comments!
The dazzling show was triggered by a G4 geomagnetic storm, caused by multiple coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from sunspot AR4274—one of the most energetic groups of the current solar cycle. And this is where it gets technical but fascinating: Melnyk used a Canon R6 Mark II paired with a Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM lens to capture the auroras handheld, thanks to advancements in camera technology that make low-light photography simpler than ever. ‘It’s rare to be flying during a major solar storm, so I feel incredibly lucky,’ Melnyk told Space.com.
Just days later, on November 17, Melnyk struck gold again, photographing another dynamic display during a flight from Calgary to London. His images, taken over northeastern Alberta and north of Hudson Bay, are a testament to both his skill and the unpredictability of nature’s most stunning light shows.
Inspired to chase your own celestial wonders? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned astrophotographer, capturing the northern lights or other skywatching events is within reach. Check out our recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography to get started. And if you’ve already snapped an astrophoto, we’d love to see it! Share your images, comments, and location with us at spacephotos@space.com.
But here’s a thought to leave you with: As technology makes it easier to capture these moments, does it risk diluting their rarity and beauty? Or does it simply allow more people to appreciate the wonders of our universe? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts below!