Northern Lights Through the Eyes of Aditi Jagtap Pune Based Girl

I’ve always been fascinated by the Northern Lights, that magical dance of colors in the night sky, but I had never met someone who had actually seen them—until I crossed paths with Aditi Jagtap, a Pune-based girl with an adventurous heart. Meeting her was like stepping into a storybook of wanderlust, filled with awe-inspiring experiences and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of the world.

Aditi’s journey to witness the Aurora Borealis wasn’t just another vacation; it was a dream she had nurtured for years. The way she described her experience, with so much passion and emotion, made me feel as if I, too, had stood beneath that mesmerizing sky, witnessing nature’s most spectacular light show.

The Dream That Started It All

Growing up in Pune, Aditi had always been a dreamer. Her love for travel began at an early age, fueled by books, documentaries, and travel blogs. She had seen countless images of the Northern Lights but always assumed they were something only a lucky few got to witness.

"It seemed like something from a fantasy world," she told me. "You read about it, you see videos, but it feels so out of reach when you’re sitting in a bustling city like Pune."

However, Aditi wasn’t one to let distance or challenges hold her back. She decided that one day, she would make this dream a reality. She spent months researching the best locations, learning about the science behind the Aurora Borealis, and preparing herself for the adventure of a lifetime.

"I had to be sure I picked the right time and place," she said. "It’s not like you can just book a ticket and see the lights whenever you want. It takes patience, planning, and a little bit of luck."

The Journey to the Arctic Circle

Aditi finally settled on Tromsø, Norway, one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights. She booked her flights, packed layers of warm clothing (something quite unusual for a girl from Pune!), and set off on her Arctic adventure.

"When I landed in Tromsø, it was like stepping into a completely different world," she recalled. "The air was crisp, the streets were lined with snow, and everything felt so peaceful. It was a far cry from the chaos of city life back home."

The first few days were spent exploring the charming town, enjoying local delicacies, and getting used to the freezing temperatures. But the real adventure began when she joined a guided Aurora hunting tour—a nighttime expedition into the wilderness, away from city lights, to maximize the chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

The Moment of Magic

The night was cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C, but Aditi didn’t mind. She and a small group of travelers gathered around a bonfire, sipping on hot chocolate, while their guide explained how the solar winds interacted with Earth’s atmosphere to create the Northern Lights.

Then, suddenly, it happened.

A faint green glow appeared on the horizon, almost like a whisper against the night sky. Slowly, it began to stretch, swirl, and transform into vibrant waves of green, purple, and pink.

"It was the most surreal moment of my life," Aditi said, her voice filled with excitement. "One second, the sky was dark, and the next, it was alive. I just stood there, completely frozen—not because of the cold, but because I was in total awe."

She described how the lights moved, almost like a celestial dance, flickering and changing in intensity. It was as if the universe itself was putting on a show just for them.

"I had seen so many pictures and videos, but nothing prepares you for seeing it with your own eyes. It’s something you feel deep in your soul," she added.

Aditi made sure to capture the moment with her camera, but she also took time to simply stand there and take it all in. "I didn’t want to spend the entire time looking through a lens. I wanted to live the moment, to let it etch itself into my memory forever."

Lessons from the Northern Lights

For Aditi, this experience was more than just a beautiful sight—it was a profound lesson in patience, perseverance, and appreciation for nature.

"You can’t control the Northern Lights," she explained. "Sometimes they appear, sometimes they don’t. You just have to be patient and have faith that nature will reveal its magic in its own time."

She also realized how important it was to step out of her comfort zone. Traveling alone to a distant, icy land was a challenge, but it taught her resilience, independence, and a deeper appreciation for the world’s wonders.

"When you chase something you’ve always dreamed of, the journey itself becomes just as special as the destination," she said.

Aditi’s Tips for Northern Lights Chasers

Before saying goodbye, I asked Aditi what advice she would give to someone planning their own Northern Lights adventure. Here are her top three tips:

Pick the Right Time & Place: The best time to see the Northern Lights is between September and March. Countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, and Canada offer some of the best views.

Be Prepared for the Cold: Arctic temperatures can be extreme, so it’s important to wear thermal layers, insulated boots, and gloves. "I underestimated how cold it would be!" Aditi laughed.

Enjoy the Moment: While it’s tempting to take a hundred photos, Aditi emphasized the importance of simply watching and experiencing the lights firsthand. "No camera can truly capture what your eyes see," she said.

Bringing the Magic Back to Pune

After her unforgettable journey, Aditi returned to Pune, but she carried the magic of the Northern Lights with her. She often shares her experience with friends and family, encouraging them to dream big and explore the world.

"Seeing the Northern Lights was a reminder that the world is full of beauty, waiting to be discovered," she said. "You don’t have to be a seasoned traveler—you just need curiosity and the willingness to take that first step."

Aditi’s adventure wasn’t just about seeing the Northern Lights; it was about chasing dreams, embracing the unknown, and finding magic in the world around us.

Her story inspired me, and as I listened to her talk about the Northern Lights with so much passion, I made a silent promise to myself—one day, I too would stand beneath that Arctic sky and witness the dance of the lights.

Until then, I’ll keep dreaming, just like Aditi Jagtap Pune based girl who turned her dream into reality.