Spectacular Northern Lights Delight

The northern lights, with the Arctic Henge in the foreground.

The northern lights, with the Arctic Henge in the foreground. Photo/Rögnvaldur Björnsson

Vala Hafstað

Last night, the northern lights gave the residents of Raufarhöfn, Northeast Iceland, a spectacular performance. So vivid were the colors that smartphones sufficed to record their magnificent dance across the sky.

The lighthouse in Raufarhöfn.

The lighthouse in Raufarhöfn. Photo/Dagný Ríkharðsdóttir

These photos were all taken on smartphones in the village of Raufarhöfn, population 190, located just south of the Arctic circle.

Photo/Rögnvaldur Björnsson

Raufarhöfn is the location of the Arctic Henge - a huge sundial, designed by artist Haukur Halldórsson, which aims to capture the sunrays, cast shadows in precise locations and capture the light between aligned gateways.

At this time of year, sunlight is in short supply in this part of the country, but when the northern lights make an appearance, they are unforgettable.

Photo/Rögnvaldur Björnsson

Photo/Dagný Ríkharðsdóttir

Photo/Dagný Ríkharðsdóttir

Photo/Dagný Ríkharðsdóttir

Photo/Dagný Ríkharðsdóttir

Weather

Partly cloudy

Today

9 °C

Clear sky

Tomorrow

9 °C

Clear sky

Saturday

8 °C