Pilot Photographed Northern Lights From Commercial Flight
A commercial pilot captured stunning images of the aurora borealis while cruising at 37,000 feet.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Space
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Commercial pilot Matt Melnyk photographed the northern lights over northern Manitoba and Hudson Bay during a flight from Calgary, Canada, to London, U.K. The aurora display was visible for approximately three hours at an altitude of 37,000 feet.
Why it matters
The display occurred as geomagnetic activity increases around the equinoxes due to the Russell-McPherron effect, which allows the solar wind magnetic field to connect more efficiently with Earth. These conditions have created a favorable environment for viewing the aurora as the sun enters the declining phase of its current solar cycle.
The flight was conducted at an altitude of 37,000 feet, or approximately 11 kilometers. The observation coincides with the sun's 11-year solar cycle, which currently remains in a phase conducive to increased auroral activity.
The players
Matt Melnyk
He is the commercial pilot who documented the aurora borealis while flying a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Boeing 787
It is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The details
Melnyk captured the images while operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. He previously documented the northern lights during a similar flight on September 14, indicating a productive start to the current aurora season.
Timeline
September 14, 2026: Pilot photographed the northern lights over Manitoba.
September 22, 2026: Pilot photographed northern lights over Manitoba and Hudson Bay.
The Big Picture
This observation highlights the influence of the Russell-McPherron effect on geomagnetic activity during the equinoxes. It further validates how these specific seasonal factors can lead to heightened auroral displays even as the sun transitions through its 11-year cycle.
Increased solar activity could lead to more frequent and intense aurora displays visible from high-altitude flights in the coming months. Travelers on northern routes may have improved chances of witnessing these events as the current solar cycle progresses.
The takeaway
The combination of the solar cycle and equinox-related magnetic alignment makes this a promising year for aurora viewing. Those interested in night sky photography may find unique opportunities during commercial air travel throughout the current peak window.
Further reading
For more information on celestial phenomena, visit the Space section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Space.
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Would you prefer to view the northern lights from an airplane or from the ground?
