The moon doesn't stop the aurora — the Northern Lights are just as active on a full moon as a new moon. What changes is contrast: a bright moon washes out faint displays and softens the colours in your photos.
So which moon phase should you plan around? Here's the honest answer.
Does the moon affect the aurora?
Not the aurora itself — solar activity is completely independent of the moon. But moonlight is sky light. Under a full moon, a faint KP 1–2 aurora can be hard to distinguish, while a strong KP 4+ display still shines through beautifully.
New moon vs full moon
- New moon: darkest skies, best for faint aurora and the deepest greens in photos. Also best for seeing the Milky Way.
- Full moon: the landscape is beautifully lit — great for foreground in photos — but faint aurora is washed out.
The sweet spot for many photographers is a half or crescent moon: enough light to reveal snowy scenery, not enough to drown the aurora.
Should you plan a trip around the moon?
Only loosely. Clear skies and geomagnetic activity matter far more than moon phase. If you can choose, aim for the week around a new moon — but never cancel a clear, active night just because the moon is full.
Photography tip
Under a bright moon, drop your ISO and shorten your exposure to avoid blowing out the sky. Use the moonlit snow as a lit foreground for a more dramatic composition. See our camera settings guide.