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Darren Thomas Photography
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Darren ThomasJuly 2, 2023Comment

In the world of nature photography, there are moments that defy expectation and challenge even the most seasoned photographers to capture the impossible. Then there are moments that seem to align the cosmos itself—where rare phenomena come together in a breathtaking spectacle. One such occurrence is the extraordinary sight of both a moonbow and the Northern Lights gracing the same night sky.

In an unprecedented stroke of luck and timing, Darren Thomas Photography was able to capture this once-in-a-lifetime event in Iceland, whilst exploring new locations and accommodation for Siren Adventure & Photography Tours.

What Are Moonbows and Northern Lights?

Before we dive into the rarity of experiencing both at once, let’s take a moment to understand what these two phenomena are.

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)

The Northern Lights are a natural light display that occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with Earth's atmosphere, creating vibrant, colourful lights in the night sky. Iceland, particularly its far-northern regions, is one of the best places in the world to witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon. But to capture it, the conditions need to be perfect—clear skies, heightened solar activity, and, of course, dark nights away from light pollution.

Moonbow (Lunar Rainbow)

A moonbow, also known as a lunar rainbow, is a rainbow that occurs at night when light from the moon (rather than the sun) is refracted through water droplets. This can happen when rain or mist is present in the air and the moon is nearly full. While moonbows are a fascinating phenomenon, they are relatively rare due to the specific conditions required: a bright, nearly full moon, moisture in the air, and dark skies.

The Perfect Conditions for Both

Now, imagine these two rare phenomena aligning. Not only do you need to be in a location with the right atmospheric conditions for both to occur, but you also need precise timing. The Northern Lights are highly unpredictable, dependent on solar activity, and best seen in the darkest, clearest skies. Meanwhile, for a moonbow to form, you need a near-full moon that is bright enough to reflect light off rain or mist, and the surrounding environment needs to be dark enough for the rainbow’s colours to be visible.

This convergence of events, however, is so incredibly rare that many photographers and travellers alike can spend years in the northern reaches of the world without ever witnessing such a spectacle.

Darren Thomas Photography Captures the Impossible

During a Siren Adventure & Photography Tour in Iceland, Darren Thomas—an experienced and passionate photographer—was incredibly fortune to be in the right place at the right time when the unthinkable happened.

A moonbow materialized in the distance, lighting up the sky in a spectacular way with a multicolored arc shimmering in the night sky. The moon’s light, combined with the nearby mist and the stillness of the Icelandic landscape, created the perfect conditions for this rare lunar phenomenon.

Whilst setting up to capture this incredible moment, the Northern Lights then began to appear across the sky. Darren, ever the professional, was prepared with his camera, but what happened next was beyond his wildest expectations.

And there, in the frame of his camera, were both the Northern Lights and the moonbow—a breathtaking moment of nature’s wonders, with the aurora and moonbow lighting up the sky and casting its delicate arc across the land below.

Why Is It So Rare?

The rarity of this occurrence cannot be overstated. For one, moonbows require very specific atmospheric conditions—clear skies, mist, and a bright full moon, which are already rare to begin with. Combine this with the fact that the Northern Lights are inherently unpredictable and often shy away from appearing under bright moonlight (because the moon’s brilliance can overpower the aurora), and you have a recipe for an extraordinarily rare and fleeting event.

Iceland itself offers the perfect landscape to witness both phenomena, thanks to its vast open skies and unpredictable weather patterns that create the mist and rain necessary for a moonbow. However, even in this ideal location, the alignment of both events requires a mix of perfect timing, a touch of luck, and a deep understanding of nature’s rhythms.

Capturing the Moment

Siren Adventure & Photography Tours offers photographers the unique opportunity to be in the right place at the right time, with expert guidance from seasoned photographers like Darren Thomas. Their tours are designed not just to bring you to the most photogenic locations but to maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing rare natural events like the aurora and moonbows.

Darren’s stunning photograph of both the Northern Lights and the moonbow is a testament to the wonders of Iceland’s landscape and a reminder of how fleeting and fragile nature’s beauty can be. This image will undoubtedly become one of the most iconic shots in Darren’s portfolio, capturing the essence of what makes Iceland’s natural beauty so captivating.

Why Join Siren Adventure & Photography Tours?

If you’re looking to experience these rare natural phenomena for yourself and have the chance to capture them on camera, Siren Adventure & Photography Tours is the ideal partner for your journey. With expert guides who know the lay of the land and the science behind these magical moments, you’ll be in the best hands to explore Iceland's wilderness and enhance your photography skills.

Whether you’re hoping to photograph the elusive Northern Lights, hunt for moonbows, or simply soak in the spectacular landscapes of Iceland, Siren Adventure & Photography Tours offers unparalleled experiences that combine adventure, education, and photographic opportunity.

Conclusion

The convergence of a moonbow and the Northern Lights on the same night in Iceland is a reminder of the extraordinary beauty that nature offers—and the rare, magical moments that can occur when everything aligns. Thanks to Darren Thomas Photography and Siren Adventure & Photography Tours, this once-in-a-lifetime experience has been captured for the world to see. For anyone with a passion for adventure, photography, and the natural world, Iceland remains one of the most incredible destinations on Earth—where wonders like this are just waiting to be discovered.

Book your tour today and perhaps you’ll be the lucky one to witness the magic of a moonbow and the aurora on the same unforgettable night.

Contact Siren Adventures by clicking here

Darren Thomas Photography
07584551905 darren@darrenthomasphotography.com
Hours
Mon 9am to 7pm
Tue 9am to 7pm
Wed 9am to 7pm
Thu 9am to 7pm
Fri 9am to 7pm
Sat 9am to 5pm

Tel : 07584551905

Email:Darren@DarrenThomasPhotography.com