Photography advice needed

[blindswelledrat]

I need an idiots guide to night photography.
Tommorow I'm off to arctic Norway where, contrary to the expectations of fellow PHers, I WILL see the Northern Lights.
How do I take decent night photos?
Is it best just to put the camera on fully automatcic in panoramic mode or is there a better way to do it?
Thanks

[beano500]

Magazine out (well it arrived on my doormat this morning) now:

"Photography Monthly"

Got a feature this month on night photography.

Also - visit our own Photography Forum!

[Mad Dave]

Are we talking digital SLR here?

If so:

a)Set to Manual
b)Set to f/22
c)Put on tripod
d)Focus on infinity (or even better, hyperfocally)
e)Take a shot on 10second shutter speed, check LCD
f)Increase/decrease exposure to suit

[blindswelledrat]

Mad Dave said:

Are we talking digital SLR here? If so: a)Set to Manual b)Set to f/22 c)Put on tripod d)Focus on infinity (or even better, hyperfocally) e)Take a shot on 10second shutter speed, check LCD f)Increase/decrease exposure to suit

It is digital SLR. Im afraid I only understand a) and c).
I really did mean idiots guide.
And oops, sorry, I didn't realise we had a photography forum.