VIDEO: Showcasing the Northern Lights

With the Aurora Camera at the UND Observatory, Physics major Vincent Ledvina shares his passion for the Northern Lights

UND student Vincent Ledvina has two passions: photographing the Northern Lights and sharing those photographs with others. Ledvina has grown his social media presence, creating tutorial videos on Youtube. He’s also shared that passion with UND, building a Northern Lights camera at the Martens Observatory.

Ledvina got his start with photography at an early age. With a passion for the outdoors, he loved taking photos and learning, he says. He quickly realized that he also loved sharing that passion, and he began to create short tutorial videos on photography gear, tips and editing techniques.

He came to UND because of its accessible faculty and undergraduate research opportunities. In the UND physics department, Ledvina has been able to learn and grow his study of space, Northern Lights and the real-world effects that the phenomenon has on Earth and humans.

He applied for a grant and funding for a Northern Lights camera, which he won and installed at UND’s Martens Observatory in the fall of 2020. One camera points at the Northern sky. The other offers a 360 view. Both are streamed on the Internet 24/7.

It’s that passion for learning and sharing that continues each day for Ledvina.