Chasing the Northern Lights for a Living

Most of the world doesn’t get to see the mesmerizing beauty of aurora borealis, aka the northern lights. That’s where Todd Salat comes in. As a self-described aurora hunter, this Alaska-based former geologist tracks the brilliantly colored northern lights for a living and shares them with the world through his stunning photographs.

This story is a part of our Planet Earth series. From mammals to insects and birds to reptiles, we share this great big world with all manner of creatures, large and small. Come with us to faraway places as we explore our great big planet and meet some of its wildest inhabitants.

Great Big Story is a video network dedicated to the untold, overlooked & flat-out amazing. Humans are capable of incredible things & we're here to tell their stories. When a rocket lands in your backyard, you get in.

[imsecretlyakitty]

The Northern Lights are such a surreal concept to me. Just blows my mind.

[jeanp]

these videos make me realize there's so many options of what to do in life

[mynameis.....]

I just wanted to say Thank you for sharing this with us..

[matthewbrown]

Saw this as a pre video ad. Absolutely loved it. This man's passion for what he does, and the beauty of the lights and space make me remember who I am

[ilikebands]

this world is so damn fascinating and beautiful and this just proves it!

[dnewman]

Todd, I have been bragging to my students about you, your photography and your life. When are you going to come down to South Dakota and personally talk with my students? Keep up the great work.

[THU]

hey i have some of his prints when i went to Alaska a few years back.

[crystalelk]

That is FANTASTIC! LIVING YOUR DREAM'S IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT! Great job!
There is nothing quite like the northern light! Seeing them on TOP of a mountain it feels like you can almost reach out & touch them! Magical
PEACE LOVE & DREAM'S!
Most Sincerely, Crystal Elk.
💝🗺💫📷🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✔🌄😉🔭📸🌌🕊💚💭🎬
Vancouver BC Canada 🍁

[scrap]

I live in Minnesota and MN is a place where people go to see the northern lights, yet I've never seen them. This isn't because of ignorance, ever since i was a kid Iv'e wanted to see them, but it never happened. :(

[Sam-cifg]

Hi, really beautiful and amazing. Can you tell us the location/time for the best shot?

[hugowu]

200, 000 views and 580 likes? 35 comments? Somethings not right...

[Michael_Schlapp]

Hi I'm Mike! I have used this video for my student in Russia and she's wondering how can someone make a living from this job. We are both wondering, actually. Can anyone help us understand? Thanks in advance, have a great day! :)

[Kakifruit]

God created everything exceptionally good!

[manuelg.]

Excuse me Todd if your reading this can you reply to my comment

[suerandhawa]

I Hey my hair and my makeup she has is so my hair favourite she colour and colour for me her my nails are red so so and violets like

[loganmassicotte]

Hi hello hello hi hello to my friend for a long long week and you have to check your email for the same thing and we can check them and check them back up to them

[taddie]

if only that guy knew that the earth was flat and how close he is to EDEN