Rebecca Douglas, a dedicated photographer based in Kent, UK, has made a remarkable commitment to capturing the ethereal beauty of the aurora borealis, visiting Iceland a staggering 29 times and eagerly preparing for her 30th trip. Her passion began in 2010, and each of her excursions is fueled by the pursuit of photographing the Northern Lights. With their mesmerizing colors—ranging from vibrant greens to purples and subtle yellows—these celestial displays are a result of solar particles clashing with the gases present in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. As we enter a peak phase of the solar cycle, the next four years promise even more vibrant shows, making it an exhilarating time for both seasoned and budding photographers.
Douglas is part of a growing trend known as “noctourism,” which emphasizes enriching travel experiences that take place after the sun sets. With daylight hours often crowded with tourists and activities, many are now seeking out the calm and majestic nights that feature stargazing, cosmic events, and other nocturnal encounters. Booking.com identified this trend as one of the major travel movements for 2025, reflecting a collective longing for unique nighttime experiences. A staggering two-thirds of travelers, according to a global survey, have shown interest in exploring so-called “darker sky destinations” to engage in activities such as stargazing (72%), witnessing rare celestial events (59%), and tracking constellations (57%).
The appeal of noctourism is not solely centered around the sky; many nighttime activities also focus on experiences grounded in local culture. From night tours of historic cities to moonlit picnics along serene coastlines, the variety of options is extensive. In fact, luxury travel provider Wayfairer Travel reported a 25% increase in requests for nighttime experiences, including popular activities like observing the Northern Lights in Norway and Iceland, night diving in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, and wildlife safaris in African reserves.
Unique After-Dark Experiences
The nocturnal travel market is evolving, catering to individuals who are increasingly inclined to seek extraordinary adventures away from the conventional tourist path. Scott Dunn, a high-end travel operator, anticipates that “eclipse chasing” will soon become a coveted addition to many travelers’ bucket lists. People are venturing off to remote regions worldwide to behold these awe-inspiring celestial occurrences, with Greenland’s High Arctic emerging as a top destination due to its lack of light pollution.
However, while some may opt for these distant locales, stargazing experiences are becoming accessible globally, with accommodations from Hawaii to Austria incorporating them into their offerings. NASA has indicated that the next total lunar eclipse will occur on March 14, offering extensive visibility across the Americas, Western Europe, and parts of Africa—an alluring opportunity for travelers passionate about night sky observations.
The Art of Capturing the Northern Lights
In a world where pre-packaged tours often dominate, Douglas prefers to carve her own path when it comes to planning her night-centric adventures. Eschewing crowded hotel packages, she strategically chooses remote accommodations to minimize light interference—essential for achieving the desired photographic outcomes. Douglas highlights the necessity of researching potential lodgings by examining maps and even contacting hosts to inquire about mitigating light pollution.
With her commitment to experiencing the aurora borealis at its finest, she focuses her travel plans around the ideal months—from August to April—capitalizing on the lunar cycle. In her words, the darkest skies, particularly during the new moon phase, create a breathtaking backdrop for not only the Northern Lights but also stars and the Milky Way, weaving a tapestry of cosmic beauty.
Beyond her personal endeavors, Rebecca is also invested in teaching others about capturing the Northern Lights. She has developed an online course that provides aspiring photographers with valuable insights into this intricate artistry. Her night photography extends beyond the auroras; she captures rare noctilucent clouds and polar stratospheric clouds that shimmer in the high atmosphere. These endeavors often find her working from late evening until dawn, braving frigid temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
For Douglas, while the challenges associated with nocturnal photography may be daunting, the opportunity to engage with nature’s wonders at night feels like a privilege. As the world continues to gravitate toward noctourism, artists and adventurers alike are bound to find inspiration under the shimmering expanses of the night sky—reminding us that the darkness holds countless magical secrets waiting to be unveiled.