Northern lights...?

[niko]

I'm wondering if September would be a good time to try for the northern lights in Canada?

niko

[BlackWidow (Mardy)]

Not rally the best time. March is the best time of the year for them without having full dark days. I have taken shots from Alaska 18 months or so ago in went in Mark. You can look at my images from my website link below. Also look up aurora information Canada on the web and it will give you dates etc. just remember it is always a hit and miss thing but well well worth the effort. One of the best things I have done apart from meeting my Wife (had to put that bit in)



Mardy

[niko]

thanks Martin.

I know that winter is more ideal but it seems that auroral activity is pretty high at the moment and I have an opportunity to travel soon

is it still worth it?

[seeker372011 (Narayan)]

Many companies that do tours start end August..in Iceland and Canada.

Temperatures will be a lot more tolerable than rigging up for -30 or 40

Of course the night is shorter but its all a bit hit and miss anyway

The latest issue of the sky at night has some ads and info on aurora hunting ex UK

[BlackWidow (Mardy)]

Originally Posted by niko

thanks Martin.

I know that winter is more ideal but it seems that auroral activity is pretty high at the moment and I have an opportunity to travel soon

is it still worth it?

If you are going to be in the area you bet it's worth it. It is hit and mis, but if it happens for you you will never forget it.

Go for it

[SteveInNZ]

We're heading to Fairbanks at Christmas to seek out the aurora. Yes, mad, I know.
In September, nautical twilight (dark enough for aurora) is 10pm to 5am so there's plenty of dark time. From my reading, the main problem with going at this time of year is that it's not cold enough for winter activities but too cold and unpredictable for the summer ones.
Despite all the weather stats and probabilities and things, one thing for sure - if you're not there, you won't see it.

[BlackWidow (Mardy)]

Originally Posted by SteveInNZ

We're heading to Fairbanks at Christmas to seek out the aurora. Yes, mad, I know.
In September, nautical twilight (dark enough for aurora) is 10pm to 5am so there's plenty of dark time. From my reading, the main problem with going at this time of year is that it's not cold enough for winter activities but too cold and unpredictable for the summer ones.
Despite all the weather stats and probabilities and things, one thing for sure - if you're not there, you won't see it.

Fantastic! When you are in Fairbanks make sure you go shopping at Fred Myers... WOW that store is great and very very cheap. You can perchase anyuthing at that store from a bag of chips to a fully auto rifle?? My wife and I spend 4 hours in the store and purchased up big.. No I did not purchase a rifle, but did get a pretty neat slingshot .


Enjoy

[SteveInNZ]

Eek !! 4 hours !! As long as it came off her Chena Hot Springs time and not my aurora viewing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding or glacier time. That would seem fair.
We've certainly put aside some time for places like REI in case we don't have enough warmware. I'll put Fred Meyers on the list. Thanks.

[Liz]

Originally Posted by niko

I'm wondering if September would be a good time to try for the northern lights in Canada?

niko

There has been a bit of action of late, so reckon it will be definitely worth a go. As others have said, the nights are starting to get longer so more of a chance. I am subscribed to the Facebook page of Aurora Boreolis page - there are a few of them and they let you know when the aurora are predicted and where they are being seen.

I am BOOKED in at Fairbanks from 3 - 13th October .. this year, very excited. My aim to view the aurora, hence 10 nights in Fairbanks to be sure. I then head to Anchorage for 4 nights, then down to Vancouver and over the Rockies, so may see them again. 2 weeks Alaska, 2 weeks Canada, fly out of Calgary.

Thank you Black Widow for the Fred Myers tip, will definitely visit that store!!! Any more tips. Am travelling alone, and carless.

[SteveInNZ]

10 days in Fairbanks without a car. Gosh ! With 10 nights, your chances are pretty high.
There are apps for your phone that will wake you up if the aurora activity goes above a preset threshold.
Are you staying in one of the lodges/B&B's out of town ?

[Liz]

Steve, yes know 10 nights is a lot, but this may be my only chance, and i WILL see them.

I believe the Hotels wake you, but will get the alerts on my phone as well when there, and there are numerous FaceBook pages too alerting you. Hotel has free wifi.

Am staying at the Alpine Lodge on the outskirts of town, has a kitchenette, bustop out front, and looks OK, and close to the Chena River. Hope will be OK.

[niko]

thanks for all the useful info folks

I have a mate in Toronto which was the main reason for going but thought if I could fly further north too it would be worthwhile.

I was thinking of Gillam in Manitoba - anyone have any views...?

niko

[SteveInNZ]

Liz, I was looking at the Alpine Lodge for a couple of nights and saw that the restaurant would be closed the nights we'd be there. I hadn't noticed the kitchenette. That changes things a bit. Thanks. Come to an Australian astronomy forum for Alaskan hotel tips.

Niko, I'd look for something other than aurora that interests you, that is also as far north as you want to go and go there. You need something to do during the day.

[niko]

does anyone know of Saskatoon is far enough north to see the northern lights? I realise I'd have to head out of town to escape light pollution.

cheers

niko