The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →No dedicated camera or tripod is required to try photographing the northern lights. A modern smartphone can record an aurora when its night or astrophotography mode combines several seconds of exposures. A tripod becomes increasingly valuable as exposure time grows, but a hat, book, vehicle roof, or other stable surface can substitute. The right setup depends on your phone or camera, how quickly the aurora is moving, available light, and whether you want a quick keepsake or maximum control.
NASA has shown that a handheld iPhone Night Mode exposure of about three seconds can capture an aurora. That example proves feasibility, not that every phone will produce an equally bright or sharp image. Dedicated cameras offer more manual control and lens choices, while phones are lighter and often automate difficult settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What equipment do you actually need?
The minimum workable setup is a phone or camera with a low-light mode, a clear view of the sky, and a way to keep the device still long enough to record light. You do not need to buy a dedicated camera simply because an aurora is forecast, and you do not need a tripod for every phone photograph.
Recommended Free Tools
| Setup | What it can do | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld smartphone | Can capture a quick aurora frame when the phone uses a short night-mode exposure and the display is bright enough. | Movement from your hands can soften stars and aurora detail; results vary widely by model. |
| Smartphone on a stable surface | Provides much of the steadiness of a tripod at no cost. A timer reduces shake from touching the screen. | You may have less control over framing and the surface may not be level or available. |
| Smartphone on a tripod | Best for repeatable framing, longer exposures and time spent waiting for a strong display. | Requires a compatible phone mount and another item to carry. |
| Dedicated camera with tripod | Offers manual exposure, interchangeable lenses and a wide field of view; it is the most controllable option. | More equipment, setup and battery management are required. |
The Canadian Space Agency’s baseline list for dedicated-camera aurora work includes a camera capable of exposures of at least 10 seconds, a sturdy tripod, a remote or cable release, and ideally a wide-angle lens. Those are recommendations for that workflow, not universal minimums for smartphones.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Why stability matters more than the label on the device
A camera gathers more light by leaving its sensor exposed longer. During that time, any movement of the camera becomes blur. Pressing a shutter button, shifting your grip or standing on a flexible surface can soften the entire frame even when the aurora itself is sharp.
Long exposures also change how the aurora looks. A slow, relatively steady glow may benefit from additional exposure because more light reaches the sensor. Fast curtains, rays or rapidly changing folds can smear when the exposure is too long. The Canadian Space Agency and NASA both describe this balance: longer exposures brighten faint displays, while shorter exposures preserve moving structure.
Stability and exposure are therefore linked. If your phone is handheld, use the shortest night-mode exposure that still records the aurora. If the phone or camera is firmly supported, you can try a longer exposure and inspect the result. Shorten it when the green or red forms look stretched into featureless bands.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Phone workflow: from forecast to finished frame
1. Choose a dark, clear and safe location
City lighting reduces contrast and can overwhelm a faint aurora. Travel, when practical, to a darker place with an unobstructed view north or toward the expected display. Clouds can hide the aurora entirely, so check the sky rather than relying only on an activity forecast. NASA’s viewing guidance also emphasizes planning where you will park and how you will move around in the dark.
2. Prepare the phone before the display strengthens
- Charge the phone fully and carry a power bank. Cold outdoor conditions can reduce battery life quickly.
- Clean the lens with a soft cloth; fingerprints create halos around bright stars and lights.
- Turn off the flash. A flash illuminates nearby objects but does not light the distant aurora.
- Remove a case or accessory only if it causes reflections or blocks the lens; otherwise keep the phone protected from cold and moisture.
3. Enable the appropriate low-light mode
Use the camera app’s Night Mode, Night Sight, astrophotography mode or a comparable low-light setting. Menus differ by model and software version. The Associated Press’s June 2, 2025 guide describes Night Mode on iPhone 11 and newer, Night Sight and astrophotography behavior on Pixel phones, and Samsung options that use the Expert RAW app. Your model may use different names or expose fewer controls, so check the camera app before you leave.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
4. Stabilize the phone
A tripod with a phone mount is convenient, but it is not the only solution. Rest the phone against a backpack, on a hat or book, or flat on the ground with the lens pointed at the sky. Make sure the surface cannot slide or vibrate. If you use a tripod, extend only the sections you need and press the feet firmly into the ground.
5. Set a timer or remote trigger
Use the camera app’s two- or ten-second timer when available. The delay lets vibrations from tapping the shutter settle. A smartwatch, wired remote or voice control can serve the same purpose if your phone supports it. Do not hold the phone in your hand while waiting for a long night-mode capture.
6. Frame and focus deliberately
Include a foreground object such as a tree, ridge or building only when it is safely distant and does not block the sky. A small foreground element gives the image scale. Tap a bright star or distant light to help the app establish focus, then avoid repeatedly tapping the screen during a sequence. Automatic focus and exposure behavior varies, so review the first frame rather than assuming the setting is correct.
7. Review one frame and change one variable
If the image is dark, allow the phone’s night mode to use more time or move to a darker position. If stars and aurora shapes are blurred, improve support first and then choose a shorter exposure. If the sky is bright gray or colored lights dominate, reduce the exposure or reframe away from artificial light. Change one setting at a time so you can tell what helped.
Dedicated-camera workflow
Use the equipment as a system
For a camera, the Canadian Space Agency recommends long-exposure capability of at least 10 seconds, sturdy tripod support, a remote or cable release and a wide-angle lens when possible. A wide lens records more sky and makes it easier to include landscape context. A remote release prevents the camera body from moving when you press the shutter.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Set the camera on the tripod before the aurora becomes active. Turn off features that can move the camera or alter a long exposure, such as an automatic flash. Choose the widest practical aperture and compose a view that leaves room for the aurora to shift. The exact aperture, sensitivity and exposure time depend on the camera, lens, darkness and movement; no single setting works for every display.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBuild a test exposure
- Make a short test exposure and inspect the screen at high magnification for star and aurora detail.
- If the frame is too dark and the shapes are not moving quickly, increase exposure time or use the camera’s available low-light controls.
- If bright areas are clipped or moving curtains smear, shorten the exposure.
- Once the balance looks good, use the remote or cable release and repeat frames as the display changes.
Canon’s aurora guidance likewise emphasizes tripod support, a wide aperture and adjusting exposure to conditions. Treat manufacturer examples as starting points rather than fixed recipes for every camera and lens.
How to choose exposure for aurora movement
| What you see | Exposure approach | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Faint, slow glow | Allow the phone’s night mode or camera to gather light for longer, provided the device is firmly supported. | Noise, star trails from accidental movement and a washed-out sky. |
| Bright, slowly changing bands | Start with a moderate exposure and adjust after the first frame. | Highlights may lose color if the exposure is excessive. |
| Fast curtains, rays or ripples | Prefer a shorter exposure to preserve the folds and edges of the display. | Dark frames if the device cannot gather enough light quickly. |
| Handheld phone attempt | Use the phone’s shortest useful night-mode option; NASA’s example used about three seconds on an iPhone. | That example is not a guarantee for other phones or conditions. |
There is no universal aurora exposure time. The same phone can need different timing on two nights because cloud, moonlight, city glow and aurora brightness change. Make the first frame a test, then respond to motion and brightness rather than copying a number from another photographer.
Phone features by platform
iPhone
On iPhone 11 and newer, Night Mode can automatically appear in the Camera app in low light. Keep the phone supported while the countdown runs and follow the on-screen exposure indicator. The exact maximum time and available controls depend on the model and surrounding darkness.
Pixel
Pixel phones use Night Sight, with astrophotography behavior available on supported models and conditions. The camera may ask you to keep the phone still for an extended capture. If astrophotography does not appear, use the available Night Sight mode and stabilize the phone.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Samsung
Samsung’s low-light options vary by model. The Associated Press describes using the Expert RAW app for additional control on supported devices. Check that your phone and software support the feature before the trip; the name and controls can change between releases.
Tripod alternatives and when a tripod is worth carrying
A stable surface is sufficient for a one-off photograph. A folded hat, book, backpack or patch of ground can support a phone if the lens remains unobstructed and the device cannot slide. Use the timer so touching the screen does not introduce vibration.
A tripod earns its space when you plan to photograph for a long period, want identical framing across many frames, use exposures longer than your hands can hold still, or need to point the camera at a precise composition. A sturdy model is preferable to a lightweight stand that flexes in wind. Add a phone mount for smartphone use, and check that the mount grips the device without covering its camera.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Location, weather and power precautions
- Park legally and safely, then walk only where the ground is visible and stable.
- Keep headlights and flashlights pointed away from other photographers’ lenses.
- Protect the phone or camera from snow, condensation and blowing moisture; let a cold device warm gradually inside a sealed bag to reduce condensation.
- Carry spare batteries for a dedicated camera and a charged power bank for a phone. NASA lists extra power among useful aurora gear.
- Do not sacrifice footing or personal safety for a better foreground. The aurora can be photographed from a safe viewpoint.
Troubleshooting common failures
The photo is blurry
Support the device, use a timer, and shorten the exposure if the aurora is moving quickly. On a tripod, check for wind or a loose phone mount. Do not assume the aurora moved; camera shake is the more common cause of uniformly soft stars.
The frame is almost black
Move away from artificial light, use the phone’s night mode or a longer supported exposure, and confirm that clouds are not blocking the sky. A handheld phone may simply lack enough stability or light for that scene; place it on a solid surface.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The aurora is a green smear
Reduce exposure time and take another frame. A bright, fast display needs shorter timing to retain structure. If your phone chooses the exposure automatically, use a supported manual or astrophotography mode when available.
The sky is gray or the colors look weak
Artificial light, thin cloud and excessive exposure can all reduce contrast. Reframe away from lamps, wait for clearer sky and reduce exposure if the brightest parts are clipped.
The battery collapses in the cold
Keep spare batteries or a power bank in an inner pocket, connect power only when needed and avoid leaving the phone exposed longer than necessary between frames. Cold temperatures affect batteries even when the displayed charge looked healthy indoors.
Which setup should you choose?
- Choose a phone alone if you want a lightweight attempt, the forecast suggests a bright display and your phone has a night or astrophotography mode. Be ready to brace it against your body or a surface.
- Choose a phone plus stable surface if you want the lowest-cost improvement. This is often enough for a single landscape frame and removes much of the shake that ruins handheld captures.
- Choose a phone plus tripod if you expect to wait outside, make repeated compositions or use longer night-mode exposures.
- Choose a dedicated camera and tripod if you need manual control, interchangeable wide-angle lenses, consistent framing or a planned series of images. Add a remote or cable release when possible.
The practical answer is to use the best camera you already have, stabilize it whenever exposure time demands it, and adjust timing to the aurora’s motion. A camera purchase is optional, and a tripod is a tool for stability rather than a requirement for every northern-lights photograph.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
