Even if you’re not particularly fond of stars, aurora-watching is on many people’s bucket lists. The always beautiful and mesmerizing aurora lights the night sky with its moving spectacle. Travel to high-latitude regions like Northern Europe, Alaska, or Canada to see the aurora. If you’re tired of the usual travel destinations, how about heading out to see the aurora?
If you wish to see the Aurora at least once in your lifetime
The Yellowknife, a globally recognized viewing point, allows aurora observation for nine months, from August to April, excluding May to July, when the white night occurs. It’s the optimal place to appreciate the splendid aurora dancing in the night sky during intense solar wind activity. Aurora is mainly observed in regions with 60 to 75 degrees latitudes, and Yellowknife, located at 62 degrees north latitude, falls into the appropriate observation zone. With no high mountains to obstruct the view, you have a 95% chance of seeing the aurora if you stay in Yellowknife for just three nights.
Why does the Aurora occur?
The aurora is a phenomenon where electrically charged particles released during a solar explosion enter the Earth’s atmosphere and collide, creating beautiful light. The aurora is the dramatic encounter between the sun and the Earth, approximately 93 million miles apart. The aurora exists throughout the year, but the white night phenomenon in the polar regions makes the night sky bright in summer, making it invisible. Therefore, it is mainly observed in northern countries, including Iceland, Norway, and Finland.
The period until 2025 is the prime time
2025 marks the peak of solar activity that repeats every 11 years. As solar activity increases, the chances of seeing a more intense and clear aurora also increase, drawing attention to good aurora observation facilities. If you’ve decided to see the winter aurora, visiting and observing from November to early April is recommended.
How can you successfully see the Aurora?
The most significant variables in successfully observing the aurora are light pollution and the sun’s activity. Another critical factor is the weather. The aurora forms 56 and 186 miles above the ground, so it’s best seen when the atmosphere is clean. Even the strongest aurora becomes worthless if it’s cloudy. There’s also a misconception that the colder it is, the better you can see the aurora. When the weather is freezing, no clouds increase the chances of observing the aurora. It’s best if no mountains are around; the probability of clouds obstructing the aurora observation is low, and the place is secluded with little artificial light.
Should pregnant women avoid seeing the Aurora?
There’s a rumor that pregnant women should not see the aurora, but is it true? The aurora is caused by the friction of cosmic particles passing through the atmosphere. The Arctic route is 6 to 7.5 miles above the ground, exposing it to cosmic radiation. The radiation exposure is higher with the aurora, at 7 to 8.5 millisieverts (ms), compared to the annual 1 ms for the general public.
You can predict it with a related app
Using a related app can reduce the chances of a wasted trip. The aurora app allows you to quickly check how active the aurora is, where it is currently active, and what the local cloud forecast is. While it’s not 100% accurate, as the natural environment changes every second if the aurora activity index is high and there are no clouds, the chances of encountering the aurora are high.
There’s also an Aurora Village
As the name suggests, Aurora Village is a town dedicated to optimal aurora observation and enjoys global fame. It’s about 20 minutes by car from Yellowknife on the city’s outskirts and is surrounded by a clear lake, shielding it from light and noise. Traditional cone-shaped tents made in the North American native style are set up in various places, serving as waiting areas for aurora observation.
Do you know about snowmobiles?
In addition to aurora observation, there are various activities to enjoy. “Snowmobiling” is a popular product among those who like active things and can be used with a guide. Snowmobiling across the frozen lakes of the vast North American continent takes around three hours. You can enjoy it without worrying about the cold with thick helmets and heated handles.
Also gaining attention as a honeymoon destination
Resorts were recognized as honeymoon destinations, but not anymore. Recently, the volume of inquiries for Canadian honeymoons to see the aurora has surged, and the search volume has more than doubled. After the pandemic, the demand for nature travel increased. Canada, in particular, provides high satisfaction with its exotic landscapes, such as Niagara, Yellowknife, and the Rocky Mountains, which differ from Korea, making it a popular travel destination.
Aurora travel packages also emerged
Various travel agencies are launching aurora travel packages in response to consumer demand. These packages are not just a trip to aurora but include multiple activities like air tours or ice fishing. You can spend your daytime doing city tours, visiting a museum located downtown to understand the history and culture of the Northwest, or buying small souvenirs at various brand shops in Old Town, which can also be a fun experience.
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