Northern Lights images from 140 years ago on show

Early attempts to capture images of the Northern Lights are going on show in a new exhibition at Cambridge's Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute.

The sketches, by Danish-born teacher and self-taught scientist, Sophus Peter Tromholt (1851–1896) - were found by artist and archaeologist Dr Christine Finn.

Tromholt could not photograph the Aurora Borealis because photographic plates were not sensitive enough at the time, so he drew what he saw and photographed the sketches.

Dr David Waterhouse, curator of the Polar Museum, said that with recent UK sightings of the Northern Lights, "many of us can relate to the frustrations of aurora photography. Tromholt was a pioneer."

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

As they collide, light is emitted at various wavelengths, creating colourful displays in the sky.

The phenomenon has recently been visible across the UK.

In 1882, Trombolt spent a year living with and photographing the native Sami people of Kautokeino, in northern Norway.

Tromholt's sketches of the phenomenon were originally made to accompany his newspaper articles and provide illustrations for his 1885 book, Under the Rays of the Aurora Borealis.

"These pictures were created from original glass negatives archived in Bergen," Dr Finn said.

"The wooden surface against which Tromholt photographed the drawings is visible, knots and all. Also left for context are the numbers which represent duration or time, almost certainly in his own hand.

"These traces are part of the 'archaeology' of the Aurora as it progresses from Tromholt's eye to brush and pen marks, glass plate negative, then digital file, and now, a print on fine art photographic paper."

Tromholt was referred to by some Sami people as the "star man", and some traditional Sami objects will also be on show in the exhibition.

Visitors will also be able to listen to the actor Michael Maloney, who has recorded an extract from Tromholt's descriptions of auroras from his book.

Dr Waterhouse added: "This exhibition combines the history of science and photography with Dr Finn's artistic processes to bring this fascinating story to life some 140 years later.

"As the recent increase in solar activity makes the Northern Lights visible throughout the UK, many of us can relate to the frustrations of aurora photography.

"Tromholt was a pioneer in the subject – moving to the Arctic Circle in order to study and capture their image.

"What better timing for an exhibition focused on the Aurora?"

Under the Rays of the Aurora Borealis: Sophus Tromholt Refound - from Friday 15 November to Saturday 22 February. Entry to the museum is free.

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