Capturing the Northern Lights: Aerial Themes of Wonder
Key Takeaways:
- The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, present a breathtaking yet elusive natural spectacle best observed in Yukon, Canada.
- Fritz Mueller, an acclaimed Canadian photographer, teamed up with Gyronimo Aerials to capture the lights using DJI aerial technology.
- Time-sensitive planning was critical as the team received real-time alerts for rare solar storms.
- The shoot faced significant challenges, including extreme temperatures and limited battery life for aerial equipment.
- This collaboration has resulted in the first-ever real-time filming of the Aurora Borealis from an UAV perspective.
The Marvel of the Aurora Borealis
In the remote northwestern region of Canada, the Northern Lights illuminate the night sky in a stunning display. This awe-inspiring phenomenon arises from the interplay of cosmic rays and solar winds colliding with the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Despite their enchanting beauty, the Aurora Borealis remains a rare and unpredictable event, most commonly visible during peak solar cycles. Naturally, this renders them a highly coveted subject for photographers, though few succeed in immortalizing their fleeting brilliance.
An Unexpected Adventure
Renowned Canadian photographer Fritz Mueller, a former biologist, and the innovative aerial cinematography team from Gyronimo Aerials set out on an endeavor to capture these ethereal lights. Their mission was to provide a unique aerial perspective of the Aurora Borealis using cutting-edge DJI technology.
Initially scheduled for a late May expedition, Mueller’s acute awareness of atmospheric conditions led to a sudden change of plans. Using monitoring software familiar to him from his environmental science background, he detected the signs of an extraordinary solar storm—a rare occurrence projected to unfold over Yukon. Seizing this unforeseen opportunity, the team swiftly rearranged their travel itinerary, boarding a flight the very next day.
Preparation for the Sky
Equipped with the newly acquired S1000 platform and Zenmuse A7 gimbal from DJI, the crew dedicated an all-nighter to meticulously assemble their aerial system, ensuring the compatibility of their Sony a7S camera for aerial use.
On the Ground in Yukon
Upon arrival in Yukon, the first light of dawn began to break through an overcast sky, a clear signal for urgency. With determination, they loaded their equipment into two trucks and journeyed toward the Tombstone mountain range, the prime location for their celestial quest.
Challenges in Nurtured Night
Stationed amidst ethereal surroundings, the team faced daunting conditions. Operating under night skies where temperatures plummeted to -30°C, they discovered that the batteries powering both their drone and the camera would only sustain flight for a mere three minutes at a time. As a clever countermeasure against the biting cold, the team stored batteries in their jackets for warmth and affixed heat packs to the aircraft prior to launching it into the frigid air.
A Unique Experience
Describing their pursuit, Tommy Douglas, Director at Gyronimo Aerials, shared, “It was like hunting a very rare and elusive animal. You would catch glimpses of it all the time, but it was very difficult to capture in its full glory. And when you did capture it, the feeling (and the footage) was magical.”
Shooting Under Pressure
The tricky nature of the Northern Lights often meant they would appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly, sometimes before the team had launched their flying cameras. This unpredictability was acutely felt, as they dedicated ten intense days to the endeavor of capturing the spectacular show.
Technical Triumphs
Filming in complete darkness, without moonlight to illuminate their surroundings, placed heavy demands on their imaging technology. Unless equipped with advanced capabilities, most cameras struggle to document the Aurora in time-lapse while retaining the delicate details of its splendor. This was precisely why the team selected the Sony a7S; combined with the custom-designed Zenmuse A7 gimbal for optimal aerial filming, they were ready to embrace this extraordinary undertaking.
The First of Its Kind
Through the collaboration of DJI’s pioneering aerial flight technology and Sony’s state-of-the-art imaging, Fritz Mueller and Gyronimo Aerials achieved a remarkable milestone—the first-ever real-time filming of the Aurora Borealis from a UAV perspective.
Discover the Magic
To witness the breathtaking results of this incredible journey, check out DJI Feats – Exploring the Northern Lights:
