[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
In a dazzling display of light that would put even the most extraordinary fireworks show to shame, an aurora—perhaps best known as the northern lights—paints the sky in a myriad of green and purple hues. The green color—by far the dominant color in this aurora, and with many others—is a byproduct of atomic oxygen, while purple comes from the nitrogen coursing through Earth's upper atmosphere.
The aurora's allure is increased by the beautiful scenery: the rugged, snow-capped peaks of Senja—an island in Norway. This image, taken by Rune Engebo, is 1 of 17 featured by the Royal Museums Greenwich in London. Next month, one of the photographers will be chosen for the "astronomy photographer of the year" award. (See a larger image here)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_images_carousel images="42410,42411,42412,42413,42414,42415,42416,42454,42483,42560,42572,42634,42711,42800,42908" onclick="custom_link" custom_links_target="_blank" mode="horizontal" speed="5000" slides_per_view="1" autoplay="yes" hide_pagination_control="yes" hide_prev_next_buttons="" partial_view="" wrap="yes" title="Contenders for ``Astronomy Photographer of the Year:``" img_size="full" custom_links="https://futurism.com/apotd-milky-way-over-bolivia/,https://futurism.com/apotd-carina-nebula-in-bi-color/,https://futurism.com/apotd-epic-view-of-the-jellyfish-nebula/,https://futurism.com/apotd-depths-of-the-lagoon/,https://futurism.com/apotd-milky-way-mount-rainier/,https://futurism.com/apotd-stormy-night/,https://futurism.com/apotd-intricate-webs-of-thors-helmet/,https://futurism.com/apotd-comet-lovejoy-shines/,https://futurism.com/apotd-antelao-moon/,https://futurism.com/apotd-rosette-nebula-revisited/,https://futurism.com/apotd-Lyngenfjord-aurora/,https://futurism.com/apotd-orion/,https://futurism.com/apotd-star-trails-over-green-lake/,https://futurism.com/apotd-solar-prominence/ ,https://futurism.com/apotd-senja-aurora/,"][/vc_column][/vc_row]