August 12, 2022

Northern Lights British Columbia

One of the most spectacular sights on a dark evening is the appearance of this northern lights, or aurora borealis. Each time we camp under clear dark heavens, we you will need to determine constellations plus the Milky means, but I have only had the good fortune to look at northern lights when. Residing in a cabin on northern Vancouver Island, it took myself a couple of seconds to realize the things I was witnessing. Being a city dweller, I was perhaps not anticipating this breathtaking and ghostly apparition.

In order to learn a tad bit more concerning the occurrence and optimize my odds of a repeat sighting, i've collected various methods for my after that trip:

i) Auroras tend to be stunning and quite often remarkable displays of light within the night sky. Auroras take place when recharged particles collide with fumes into the Earth’s upper environment. This fills the sky with colourful light, which could seem to pulse, transform and party over the sky. The intensity of those flares rise and fall based on multi-year solar power cycles. Though solar power task can be challenging anticipate, a solar maximum took place 2013 and astronomers anticipate a little less solar task in 2015.

north lights, or aurora borealis ii) The farther north you go, the higher your chances of witnessing it, however, if a visit to the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, or Nunavut isn't in your plans this season, don’t despair. Also during reduced solar power task periods, the north lights tend to be visible in lots of parts of BC.

iii) A clear sky may help your viewing possibilities. Avoid campsites near towns or other resources of light air pollution. Within seek out dark skies, you like to prevent a full moon, and overcast skies, both of which could influence the exposure of aurora. Your chances are greater in clear, inland spots far from cloudy seaside weather. Flat terrain, in place of large mountain valleys, could also be helpful.

Canadian Geographic has some sources to help within look for the north lights. They suggest the region around Dawson Creek BC, and Muncho Lake Provincial Park. You could also check Beaver Point Resort in Burns Lake BC, or certainly one of a number of options when you look at the Peace River area.

The Canadian Space Agency’s Aurora Viewing recommendations web page has many additional tips for watching the night time heavens, also exceptional photography advice the digital camera enthusiast. For real time announcements and development of aurora sightings, you'll be able to follow the twitter feed @AuroraMAX from Yellowknife.