Pilot Captures Amazing Northern Lights View; Internet Dubbed It A “Magical World”

A captivating event took place over the North Atlantic when Dutch pilot Christiaan van Heijst captured an incredible moment from the Boeing 747 cockpit. Christiaan posted the stunning photos he took of the Northern Lights’ ethereal dance on Instagram. Van Heijst captured these striking photos while circling over the huge expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean from a few hundred miles south of Iceland. “A turquoise aerial fire in the form of aurora borealis” is how he described the Northern Lights.

“Somewhere over the North Atlantic Ocean, a few hundred miles south of Iceland.” Far out, Christiaan writes, “a turquoise aerial fire in the form of the aurora borealis, while the city lights of Reykjavik illuminate the horizon in a contrast, orange glow.”

Along with stunning photos of the Northern Lights, Dutch pilot Christiaan van Heijst provided a humorous story about how he captured the magical event. He wrote, “Artificial lights on the horizon: a beacon of civilization and connectedness to the world after many hours of isolation: no personal interaction from my Icelandic captain, who’s been mute ever since the landing gear went up on the other side of the planet, nor any communication in my headset except for the bare minimums in regard to procedures.” a figure well-known for his unwavering attitude toward coworkers and purposeful shallow talk during flight.

The pilot spoke up as the aircraft continued and the lights of Reykjavik came into sight. With a laugh, Van Heijst recalled the incident: “He opens the intercom and takes his time to start his declaration for a single person audience: me. Without need, heed, or warning.” A few seconds later, he solemnly declares, “The centre of the universe,” staring out of his window with his eyes fixed on the far-off orange glow from his left-hand window. He then gives me a few moments to reflect and think quietly before turning off his intercom once more, seemingly to emphasize this claim, and withdrawing back into his cone of silence. This is the epitome of stoic simplicity, and I can’t help but smile in silence at this unexpected and remarkably dry sense of humor.

The pilot and van Heijst remained silent after landing at the freight airfield in central Europe. But the captain broke the stillness again as they were about to go. He told van Heijst, “You’re a fun guy, I look forward to flying with you next time.”

Many people on the internet praised the message; one person said, “Wow! I appreciate you sharing. “Thank you for sharing your wonderful magical world in the sky with us on earth once again,” commented another. Really beautiful picture.