Press release -
Rarely Witnessed ‘Pulsating’ Northern Lights Display Captured in Arctic Norway
London, UK (April 28, 2026) – Rarely witnessed extreme pulsating Northern Lights have been captured on camera in Norway by world-leading Northern Lights expert and Hurtigruten’s Chief Aurora Chaser, Tom Kerss.
The unusually powerful display is one of the longest on record, with the footage offering unparalleled insights into one of nature’s most compelling spectacles. Kerss discovered the footage in early April when he was reviewing several hours of video content at the end of the aurora season. He found that the clarity and intensity of the recording exceeded anything previously shared.
The dramatic event itself took place on 22 February 2026 near Narvik in northern Norway, onboard Hurtigruten’s MS Trollfjord, following a strong auroral substorm that transformed the Arctic sky with intense colour and motion. Unlike typical pulsating auroras, which last just 10–20 minutes, this display continued for hours.
Tom Kerss, Chief Aurora Chaser at Hurtigruten, said: "I’ve been chasing the Northern Lights for more than 18 years, and this occurrence is one of the most profound sightings of my career and the most memorable night of aurora-chasing I’ve experienced. Even to the naked eye, it was clear something exceptional was happening, with visible pulses and shifting colour. The display lasted for hours, flashing pink and green long after midnight. Seeing it from the open deck in Arctic Norway, far from light pollution, made it even more remarkable. The footage captures not just the beauty, but rare detail that offers real scientific insight."
Northern Lights appear when solar particles are trapped and then accelerated by Earth’s magnetic field. The electric currents they generate energise atoms and molecules of oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere, causing them to produce light – the colourful glow of the aurora. The footage illustrates the fact that heightened auroral displays are possible and even likely in the years after the solar maximum – the peak of the Sun’s activity cycle – and they are frequently seen overhead at the northerly latitudes of Arctic Norway.
The full video, which is also available for aurora researchers, can be viewed on YouTube and here for stills. For more information about Hurtigruten visit www.hurtigruten.com.
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Since 1893, Hurtigruten has connected Norway’s coastal communities. They transport locals, cargo, and international guests to 34 ports along the legendary 12-day round trip between Bergen and Kirkenes - sailing what is often called ‘the world's most beautiful voyage’.
Today, their custom-built fleet offers authentic, immersive experiences, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of this stunning coastline and the communities that call it home.
Committed to setting a higher standard for more sustainable travel initiatives, their fleet includes four battery-hybrid powered ships, while they prioritise energy efficiency, responsible waste management and locally sourced ingredients. Through their ambitious Sea Zero project, Hurtigruten aims to develop their first ship that can sail emissions-free in normal operations on the Norwegian coast by 2030.
Hurtigruten operates year-round, offering two different experiences: the Original Coastal Express voyages and the premium, all-inclusive Signature voyages, dedicated to Svalbard (summer) and the North Cape (winter), including the Limited Collection itineraries launching early 2027.
Tom Kerss has led Astronomy Voyages on Hurtigruten since 2023 and became the world’s first Chief Aurora Chaser in 2024. One of the absolute best places in the world to see the Northern Lights is onboard a Hurtigruten ship in Arctic Norway, which is why they introduced the Northern Lights Promise 12 years ago. Hurtigruten offers both Astronomy on Original Voyages and the Tom Kerss-led Astronomy on Signature Voyages.
