A selection from my Arctic expedition & the magical Northern Lights.

The aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern lights - "A pattern of differently coloured lights that are sometimes seen in the night sky in the most northern parts of the world"

The Northern lights is a natural phenomenon I have always desired to experience. It has a magical almost mythical surrounding that has been witnessed by few people in all her glory. The Vikings thought they were contrails from Thor's chariot pulled by three goats. I wanted to be included on this elite list and seek out Thor's chariot.

Without adequate planning the odds of seeing the Northern Lights are very low. Logistically, one has to travel to a cold northerly location where firstly the Northern Lights can be seen AND when the sun is particularly active AND also hope the skies are clear. In addition, it is a winter event. Throw in the phases of the moon, which can diffuse any showing and you realise JUST how the odds are really stacked against witnessing the phenomenon.

I braved the odds, the wild arctic weather and travelled to the Northern Territories of Norway early in 2008. My efforts were rewarded as I witnessed and captured the Northern Lights spectacle on camera for a number of successive days.