Aurora Chasing Safety: A Practical Checklist
Watching the aurora can take you to remote, dark, and wild places — often far from cell towers and city lights. But with those incredible views comes risk. Whether you're chasing solo or with friends, these tips will help you stay safe and avoid some of the most common hazards encountered by photographers and storm chasers.
✅ 1. Tell Someone Before You Go
Let someone know your destination and expected return time. Even in familiar rural areas, plans can change quickly — especially when you're following activity deeper into the night.
📶 2. Expect No Cell Service
Some of the best dark-sky locations are also the worst for cell signal. Don’t rely on apps, GPS, or weather radar unless you've downloaded offline maps or cached data ahead of time.
🔋 3. Watch for Dead Batteries
Cold temps drain batteries fast — phones, cameras, and especially your car. If you're idling for heat, make sure your vehicle can start again when it’s time to leave. Bring a power bank and consider a battery booster or jumper cables just in case.
🧊 4. Don’t Trust the Ice
If you're shooting near lakes or rivers, avoid walking onto frozen surfaces in the dark. Snowdrifts can cover shoreline drop-offs or pressure cracks. Always assume ice is thin unless you’ve verified conditions in daylight.
🕳️ 5. Beware of Shoreline Holes & Ditches
Dark shorelines, ditches, and road shoulders can hide deep snow pits or erosion holes. One misstep and you could twist an ankle — or worse — disappear from sight. Use a flashlight or headlamp when scouting terrain and avoid unfamiliar paths without daylight recon.
🥶 6. Dress for Wind & Prolonged Cold
Even “mild” winter temps can become dangerous when you’re standing still for 2–3 hours. Layer with windproof outerwear, insulated boots, and gloves. Watch for signs of frostbite on exposed skin — especially fingers, toes, and face.
🚧 7. Know the Roads — and Where They End
Some rural roads may not be plowed past a certain point. Avoid driving down unknown concessions or trails in deep snow. Even AWD vehicles can get stuck quickly — and recovery in remote areas can be costly or impossible until morning.
📍 8. Have an Exit Plan
Don’t let excitement get the best of your instincts. Always know how to leave the area in a hurry. Check that you’re not blocked by snowbanks, other parked vehicles, or locked gates. Bring a paper map or preloaded GPS as backup.
🔦 9. Bring Essentials
- Phone + battery pack
- Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
- First aid kit
- Warm drink or snack (for energy)
- Flashlight or headlamp with red light mode
🧠 10. Slow Down, Observe, and Be Smart
The best aurora nights often involve hours of waiting — don’t let fatigue or excitement cloud your judgment. Stay aware of your surroundings. And if a situation feels wrong — turn around. Your safety is worth far more than the photo.