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.
Check out the Polar Bear Photo of the Month from Churchill. This polar bear shot by Natural Habitat Adventures guide Paul Brown is a great one. Polar bears often wrestle or spar with each other to stay fit and establish dominance. Aggressive and playful at the same time!
Polar bears wrestling in Churchill. Paul Brown photo.
This humorous look at some highlights of Churchill, the polar bear capitol of the world, from Canadian personality Rick Mercer gives a different perspective on the serious work done by Manitoba Conservation officers in controlling the polar bear population around the town. We actually met Rick one night at the Seaport Hotel and had some good laughs. Enjoy the show!
