Churchill and the Arctic have many splendid nights of spectacular aurora borealis..especially at this time of year. “Northern lights” are an amazing experience for anyone lucky enough to make it far enough north to take it in. Further north and closer to the Arctic Circle, the sky has been displaying other fantastic colors since December – but these are different then the aurora borealis.
A rare appearance of polar stratospheric clouds has presented itself on Earth’s northern polar region. These clouds, commonly associated with the formation of ozone holes, form much higher (25 km)in our stratosphere than other more ordinary clouds (5-10 km) and produce incredible colors around the time of sunset.
Polar stratospheric clouds in Skedsmokorset, Norway. Ivar Marthinusen photo.
“Right after sunset on Dec. 22nd, the clouds were so bright they were uncomfortable to look at directly,” says Marthinusen.
Forming when temperatures reach minus 85 C in the lower stratosphere, these icy jewels of the sky are also known as “nacreous” or “mother of pearl” clouds. Sunlight glimmering through the minute ice particles cause the soft, though iridescent colors by means of diffraction. Unfortunately these breathtaking polar stratospheric clouds have a dark lining. They are known now to be associated with ozone destruction.
Polar stratospheric clouds. Wikipedia photo.
However, on the positive side, these clouds can be viewed as a accentuated reminder to carefully watch how we can conserve different energy sources on our planet.
As northern lights season for Natural Habitat Adventures gets underway in Churchill, this seems like the perfect time to break out some of the best photos and videos of aurora borealis. Enjoy these images from Churchill!
Aurora in the night sky at the Tundra Lodge. Colby Brokvist photo.
Charged particles projected from the sun’s surface collide with gaseous particles in the earth’s atmosphere and develop into what we know as Aurora borealis. Color Variations result from the various types of gas particles colliding. Most commonly occurring colors are a pale yellowish-green. These hues are produced by oxygen molecules located nearly 60 miles above the earth. High-altitude oxygen, up to 200 miles above the earth’s surface, produce rare all-red auroras. Blue or purplish-red aurora are produced by Nitrogen particles colliding with particles from the sun.
Because the temperature above the sun’s surface is millions of degrees Celsius, explosive collisions between gas molecules constantly occur. As the sun rotates, free protons and electrons are ejected through the surrounding atmosphere. Solar winds feeding off the rotation blow towards Earth and these charged particles are deflected by the earth’s magnetic field. Since the earth’s atmosphere is weaker at the poles, particles enter and then collide with gas particles. Dancing lights are produced and have captivated our imaginations for centuries!
Here are five aerial views of Churchill and the surrounding landmarks. Helicopter excursions on Hudson Bay Helicopters are a unique way to view the geography and major landmarks of the Churchill region. Many of the areas can be reached by foot, boat or polar rover though the birds-eye view provides another perspective. Only through this viewpoint can one get an appreciation of the expanse of the land and water in the sub and northern Arctic.
Fort Prince of Wales covered with snow. Brad Josephs photo.
A birds eye view from the helicopter above Churchill. Karen walker photo.
Two sows with cubs exchange greetings. Curtis Bouvier photo.
Aurora Borealis over the Hudson Bay. Brad Josephs photo.
Lesser yellowlegs. Rhonda Reid photo.
Beluga whale at the surface. Steve Selden photo.
These four photos represent the four seasons that cycle through Churchill on the Hudson Bay. The diversity of flora and fauna make a visit to Churchill anytime of year a fantastic experience! Come experience the myriad of life along the Precambrian coast of Churchill, Manitoba.
