23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Aurora borealis over the Alaska taiga

I was fortunate to be in Alaska during November 10-13, 2025 when the aurora borealis put on the best show of the year. I shot the aurora in the taiga far from any city lights from 10pm – 3am as the temperature registered -16° F (-27° C) and I coughed with a mild respiratory infection. It was worth it.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Alaska, United States of America
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Ephraim Heller