CHASING THE AURORA
Elusive northern lights are worth the effort
Near midnight, the milky smear of clouds that guarded what lay beyond — an infinite jet-black sky salted with stars, planets, distant galaxies, and, most importantly, the celebrated aurora borealis — starts to break. Suddenly, the people in our group of amateur astronomers, wannabe photographers, stargazers and northern lights chasers ( yes, those people exist) are acting like kids in a candy store. A very, very large candy store.
The prognosis, we were told as our bus bounced along towards a lake south of Fort McMurray, was good for tonight. A solar storm — you know, when highly-charged particles explode off the sun’s surface and shoot toward Earth — had occurred approximately two days ago. Blasting through space at 500 kilometres per second, these particles were due to arrive around midnight. This was good news.
It meant, fingers crossed, that a jaw-dropping show of otherworldly light — the aurora — would paint the northern sky.
But then came the disclaimer. “Unfortunately, however, we cannot control Mother Nature.” Rats. Who are these people?
Our group is huddled together at rustic Camp Yogi on the shores of Willow Lake in Anzac, Alta. The tiny, oil-and-gas-fuelled commu- nity is located about 45 minutes south of Fort McMurray. It seems like an odd place to gather for a northern lights tour. Except for one interesting fact. Its location.
Fort McMurray is situated directly beneath the outer band of the auroral oval, which increases the likelihood that stunning aurora will be on display here. With the many long, cold and clear nights — as well as minimal light pollution — the aurora can be bigger, brighter and more beautiful here than anywhere else on the planet. So, not surprisingly, they’re taking advantage of their geographic position. Enter Adventure Borealis. (adventureborealis.com).
Of course, the aurora can be viewed throughout the north. And, if conditions are right, they’ve actually been seen as far south as Florida. At the South Pole, too, where they are called the “aurora australis,” they are also common, although, due to the geography, not nearly as many people see them.
It all has to do with the Earth’s magnetic force, which propels the solar winds to the Earth’s poles.
And there, thanks to the particles colliding with nitrogen and oxygen atoms and molecules, and the subsequent loss of energy, the colourful light shows are produced.
However, as we found out, patience is often required. “Part of the allure of the aurora is their shifting, unpredictable nature,” says professional photographer Jeremy Mac Knott, who is one of two partners in Adventure North Photography. (adventurenorthphotography.com).
Both Mac Knott and another talented local photographer, Stan Novotny, guide and conduct photography workshops for the Adventure Borealis tours.
They also spend much of their time chasing after the lights with clients or just on their own.
“In just seconds they can go from dull and barely recognizable to brilliant, bold and absolutely awesome to behold.”
As the clock ticks and approaches midnight, which is typically the peak time to view the northern lights, our group is treated to some engaging “side shows.”
A stunning photography tutorial, compliments of Mac Knott and Novotny, whets our appetites for what is possible in terms of recording the phenomenon. Hot chocolate, snowshoeing on the frozen lake, stories around the fire and food — including bannock and, perhaps, the tastiest beef stew I’ve ever inhaled — are also on the agenda.
As for the northern lights themselves? Well, on this night, they decide to dance at a different party.
While the momentary break in the clouds does reveal a few streaks of splendour, the show is fleeting; the trickle of light a mere tease from a temptress. I suppose, also just part of their legendary allure.
Fort McMurray is situated directly beneath the outer band of the auroral oval ... With the many long, cold and clear nights — as well as minimal light pollution — the aurora can be bigger, brighter and more beautiful here than anywhere else on the planet.