“Aurora Borealis” and Car Light Trail in Iceland © Radius Images / Offset

Aurora borealis in the night sky © Michael S. Quinton / National Geographic / Offset

Beckoning from the upper reaches of Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, have long held the gaze of photographers from around the globe. The lights are manifested when particles from the sun collide with the earth’s gaseous atmosphere, but the most astonishing visions of the phenomenon transcend their scientific explanation, allowing our imaginations to run wild as we follow their radiant, ovular path.

Our latest Offset show brings together photographs that invite us to return to the ancient folklore surrounding the aurora, to tales that imbue the dancing lights with spiritual significance and power. Visible on dark, winter nights in idyllic locations, the elusive aurora borealis forms multicolored ribbons across the sky, inspiring mystery and awe.

Northern Light, Aurora Borealis, Churchill, Manitoba, Canada © Robert Harding World Imagery / Offset

Aurora borealis (Northern Lights) seen over a snow covered road, Troms, North Norway, Scandinavia, Europe © Robert Harding World Imagery / Offset

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over an illuminated yurt outside of Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory, Canada. © Rachid Dahnoun / Aurora Photos / Offset

Northern Lights above the lake Tornetraesk, Swedish Lappland, Sweden © Huber-Images / Offset

Aurora Borealis over Blue Lagoon in Iceland © Oscar Bjarnason / Offset

Curtains of purple, red and green Northern Lights above central Alaska © Hugh Rose / Danita Delimont / Offset

Northern lights above an iceberg in the Jökulsárlón glacial lake in front of Vatnajökull glacier between Skaftafell National Park and Höfn, Iceland © Huber-Images / Offset

Northern Lights above the Glacial Lake Jökulsárlón at Vatnajökull Glacier, Iceland © Huber-Images / Offset

Northern Lights above fjord Lyngen towards Lyngen alps, Troms, Norway © Huber-Images / Offset

The northern lights fill up the winter sky © Barrett Hedges / National Geographic / Offset

Aurora in Eagle Cap Wilderness © Brad Goldpaint / Aurora Photos / Offset

All photos featured in this post can be found on Offset, a new curated collection of high-end commercial and editorial photography and illustration from award-winning artists around the world. Offset is an exclusive category channel partner on Feature Shoot.