Guests aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ Ortelius voyage witness elusive red aurora in the Bellingshausen Sea.
Bellingshausen Sea, Antarctica - On the night of March 25–26, 2025, passengers aboard Oceanwide Expeditions’ Antarctica – Beyond the Polar Circle – Wilkins Ice Shelf – Aurora Australis voyage were treated to an extraordinary display of natural beauty: the Aurora Australis, dancing across the Antarctic sky — with the rare appearance of a deep red glow.
The sighting occurred during a deep-field expedition aboard m/v Ortelius, while navigating the rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea and Marguerite Bay. Under clear skies, minimal moonlight, and guided by renowned astronomers Dr. Tyler Nordgren, retired professor of astronomy and physics at the University of Redlands, and Dr. Julie Rathbun, Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and member of the science team for NASA's Europa Clipper Mission, guests gathered on deck and watched as shimmering green curtains of light lit up the night — followed by the appearance of a crimson arc, glowing faintly but unmistakably above the horizon.
This red glow, caused by excited oxygen atoms at altitudes around 300 km, is one of the rarest manifestations of the aurora. It is seldom observed in Antarctica and almost never from sea level — making this sighting especially remarkable.
“Working with Oceanwide Expeditions, we made sure we were at the right place in Antarctica, at the right time of the month, the right time of the year, and the right time of the sun’s 11-year cycle,” said Dr. Nordgren. “To see how all our hard work paid off and to share that with everyone on board was the biggest pleasure an astronomer can have.”
One of the guests on board, Selam Mulugeta, described the experience: “Seeing the aurora is a bit like hallucinating. You are not exactly sure what you are seeing, but you do know that it is real.”
The phenomenon occurred during a period of ideal conditions: the sun is currently at the peak of its 11-year solar cycle, marked by heightened solar activity. This solar maximum results in stronger and more frequent auroras across both hemispheres. Coupled with Ortelius’ far-south positioning and strategic itinerary focused on auroral visibility, the night proved perfect for an unforgettable skywatching experience.
This voyage was the only cruise expedition of its kind, specifically designed and timed to maximize the chances of witnessing the Southern Lights — a result of months of careful planning and coordination. From selecting the right latitudes to aligning with peak solar activity, this achievement once again demonstrates Oceanwide Expeditions’ unmatched expertise and leadership in delivering rare, immersive polar experiences no other operator offers.
Oceanwide Expeditions will also offer multiple voyages with aurora-viewing potential during its upcoming Arctic 2025 season, including expeditions to Greenland where guests may witness the Aurora Borealis — the Northern Hemisphere’s counterpart to the Southern Lights.
© All photos by Tim Charody
