Thursday, November 26, 2009

Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights





Northern Lights - Northern Lights - Northern Lights

Several cultures have their own folklore surrounding the lights. An Algonquin Indian myth held the lights were the souls of ancestors dancing around a fire.

Northern lights (Aurora Borealis) are present year-round, especially between August and March. Longer nights and earlier nightfall contribute to their sightings. Active solar winds are common during this period, which gives the sky a wonderful glow.

This magical phenomenon begins at nightfall. Often green, sometimes purple or red, the lights start dancing on a starlit backdrop. Witness the greatness of the universe. At times, it will seem as if the rays touch the ground and you could almost catch its beauty.


In mid-August, a shower of shooting stars joins in the dance along with the northern lights. Up north is very little light pollution, therefore it is easier to find an excellent place to gaze at the sky.





Many tourist destinations in Canada's north, such as
are offering special tours and there is even more than one Aurora forecast website

Google Images counts more than 600,000 photographs of these fascinating northern lights.
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The Japanese fascination with the lights also has its own myth:
Conceiving a child beneath the lights will bring good luck. No wonder: more than 20,000 Japanese visitors travel every winter to Yellowknife.


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