The northern lights have been shining brightly recently in Churchill. As we are roughly two-thirds through the aurora season, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase a few shots taken of vibrant northern lights in Churchill! We welcome your photos from Churchill anytime of the year. Enjoy!
This photograph highlights how foreground scenery can enhance the feel and look of the aurora. Go to polarbearalley.com for more information and illustrative shots of the region. This has been one of the most spectacular northern lights season in a long time in the Churchill region.
Sleek line of aurora borealis in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
Aurora with igloo in foreground. Justin Gibson photo.
Natural Habitat guide Justin Gibson just finished a short though successful stint guiding northern lights groups in Churchill. He reported an eight out of eight night success rate for viewing the aurora borealis. These stellar photos are a testament to the fantastic trips the past couple of weeks and overall this season.
Northern lights above Churchill River Mushing tent. Brad Josephs photo.
Photographing the tundra landscape. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Northern lights and the boreal forest. Alex de Vries – Magnifico photo.
Sun and the Arctic landscape. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
Tundra lodge with the northern lights above. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
With the northern lights season drawing near, these two videos of aurora borealis offer a glimpse into the mystical lights that often appear in the heart of winter in Churchill. The second of the two videos is from Churchill and has some unique views capturing the feel of the landscape. Both videos highlight the affect of landscape merged into the footage. The difference between a video of the northern lights in the sky an one with interesting scenery incorporated into the foreground is profound. Whether trees, rocky ledges, houses or igloos, the video’s scenes are transformed when the scenes have more depth. Enjoy these two inspiring videos!
Below freezing temperatures have blown in from the north across the Hudson Bay and settled into the Churchill region lowlands. The snow covered tundra and stunted spruce trees are frosted over and the land has fallen into a deep hibernation for the remainder of winter.
The extended forecast will make most people shiver though in the north they tend to adjust to the cold once it becomes a daily norm. Take a look at the short – term outlook at this Environment Canada website.
Winds and cold temperatures in Churchill. Brad Josephs photo.
With the cold comes general good visibility this time of year. This is the reason, coupled with the higher solar flare activity, that February and March are optimal months for northern lights viewing around the polar regions. In these months the axis of the earth is slightly more aligned with the sun’s axis producing more auroral bands in the region.
The extensive number of clear nights with the occasional winter blizzard make for incredible northern lights viewing and photography. Extended hours of darkness provide greater opportunities for aurora viewing as well. The snowy landscape enhances the scenes with reflective light. Even half to full moons during these months make for some unique lighting on the landscape and also the chance to get some great photos of the lights and moon together. This is the time to see northern lights in Churchill!
Photography of the northern lights has become a passion in the north. Brad Josephs photo.
The annual Hudson Bay Quest will depart Churchill for Gillam on March 13, 2014. 17 mushers will compete for the title in this years race including five from Churchill,MB. Dave Daley, race organizer and Churchill native will draw first for his bib number and start position. This year’s race can be followed on trackleaders.com. If you have the urge to venture north and watch the race -start in person, Natural Habitat Adventures offers guided Northern lights tours at this time. An unforgettable experience.
Below is the up-to-date list of mushers ready to vie for the 2014 championship.
Churchill dogs running for the love of it. Photo Brad Josephs.
1. David Daley, Wapusk Adventures, Churchill, MB
2. Justin Allen, Wapusk Adventures, Churchill, MB
3. Dan DiMuzio, Sled Dog Energy, Churchill, MB
4. Jacob Heigers, isiBindi/Riverice, Whitehorse, YT
