International astronomer, author, speaker, broadcaster and uranographer Tom Kerss specialises in the rewarding task of connecting people to their shared universe, by exploring the night sky, in order to promote a positive impact for current and future generations. As Chief Aurora Chaser at Hurtigruten, he helps guests onboard to discover the Northern Lights through a series of lectures and a guided tour of the night sky from the deck of the ship. Here, we chat to Tom about the moment he fell in love with the Northern Lights, the most memorable aurora he’s ever seen and much more.
Did you know that Hurtigruten has a Northern Lights Promise? Read more here.
What was the moment you first fell in love with the aurora?
When I was young, growing up in Scotland, we could see the Northern Lights from the north coast, but I couldn’t even imagine how spectacular it was until I stood under the oval for the first time as a young adult. I’ll never forget being so arrested by the sight that I walked unknowingly into a frozen stream! It was the beginning of a life-long obsession.
Can you describe the most unforgettable aurora you’ve ever witnessed?
There are so many, it’s hard to choose! In October 2024, I was in Norway during one of the most powerful aurora storms of the solar cycle. We witnessed hours and hours of dazzlingly and remarkably colourful auroras. The red in particular was unusually bold. I’ve also had the opportunity to catch sight of the lights from both London and Florida. I never imagined I would see that in my lifetime.
What keeps you coming back night after night, even when conditions are tough?
The Northern Lights offer a promise that’s unique among all the sky’s wonders. They’re always different, by their very nature unpredictable. It’s part of what makes them so alluring. It’s also true that you never know when you’ll see your best aurora display, you only know that you don’t want to miss it. For me, every time I see the Northern Lights feels like the first time again.
How do you decide when and where to chase the aurora?
The optimum viewing months for the Northern Lights are between September and March, and of course the best place to go is the Arctic Circle. Northern Norway is a truly spectacular location for aurora-chasing, and being off the coast we have no light pollution to contend with. You can improve your circumstances by travelling close to the equinoxes, when you’ll benefit from a statistical boost in activity, and by targeting the New Moon so the night sky is darker, providing more contrast for your eyes to work with.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about the Northern Lights?
Photos and videos lead us to believe that auroras show vivid colour. Although the colours are very much real, our eyes fall short of detecting them in the darkness. The aurora appears much more subtly shaded to the eye than to the camera, so viewing and photography are two quite different approaches. However, with practice the colours can be seen quite strongly, and although it is fainter, I think the visual impression is more compelling than any photo. That’s why you simp[ly have to see it for yourself.
