Yukon Stargazing
- Whitehorse: A Stargazer’s Paradise
- The Yukon Astronomical Society
- The Aurora Centre at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
- Best Stargazing Locations in Whitehorse
- Tips for Stargazing in Whitehorse
- The Milky Way Galaxy
- Constellations
- Planets
- Stars
- Meteors and Comets
- The Northern Lights
- Astrophotography
- Local Legends and Folklore
- Citizen Science Opportunities
- Insider Tip: The Aurora Winter Festival
Whitehorse: A Stargazer’s Paradise
Whitehorse, Yukon, is a stargazer's paradise with its dark night skies and stunning views of the Milky Way. The city is located in the heart of the Yukon Territory, far from any major sources of light pollution. Because of this, the night sky is incredibly dark and clear, providing perfect conditions for observing the stars and planets. The best time of year to go stargazing in Whitehorse is during the winter months, when the nights are long and the air is crisp and clear. During this time, visitors have the best chance of seeing the aurora borealis, or northern lights. If you are in Whitehorse, take advantage of the opportunity to see the northern lights.
The Yukon Astronomical Society
The Yukon Astronomical Society (YAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting astronomy and space science in the Yukon Territory. The Society offers a variety of services and programs to the public, including:
- Public stargazing nights: The YAS hosts regular public stargazing nights at various locations in Whitehorse and the surrounding area. These events are free and open to the public, and provide an opportunity to see the night sky through telescopes and learn more about astronomy.
- Astronomy workshops and classes: The YAS offers a variety of astronomy workshops and classes for all levels of experience. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, including basic astronomy, astrophotography, and telescope making.
- School outreach programs: The YAS offers a variety of school outreach programs, including presentations, workshops, and stargazing events. These programs are designed to introduce students to astronomy and space science, and to encourage them to pursue further studies in these fields.
The best way to contact the YAS is through their website or by email. The Society's website also has a calendar of upcoming events and activities.
The Aurora Centre at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
The Aurora Centre is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience about the aurora borealis. The centre features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that explore the science behind the aurora, its cultural significance, and its impact on the people of the Yukon.
Visitors to the centre can learn about the different types of aurora, the factors that influence their appearance, and the best times and places to see them. They can also view stunning photographs and videos of the aurora, and listen to personal stories from people who have witnessed this natural phenomenon.
The centre offers a variety of guided tours and programs that provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the aurora. These programs are led by experienced astronomers and aurora enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of the night sky.
Admission to the Aurora Centre is free of charge. The centre is open to the public from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week.
Best Stargazing Locations in Whitehorse
Whitehorse offers a variety of excellent stargazing locations, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the best spots for stargazing in the city:
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Rotary Park: This park is located about 10 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and offers panoramic views of the night sky. The park also has several hiking trails and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend an evening under the stars.
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Takhini Hot Springs: These hot springs are located about 20 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and offer a unique opportunity to stargaze while soaking in a warm pool. The springs are open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the stars even in the colder months.
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Miles Canyon: This canyon is located about 15 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and offers stunning views of the Yukon River and the surrounding mountains. The canyon is also a popular spot for hiking, biking, and fishing, making it a great place to spend a day exploring the outdoors and then stargazing at night.
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Mount Sima: This mountain is located about 30 minutes from downtown Whitehorse and offers some of the best views of the night sky in the city. The summit of the mountain is accessible by a hiking trail, and visitors can also camp overnight at the summit to get the best views of the stars.
When choosing a stargazing location, it is important to consider the following factors:
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Light pollution: The best stargazing locations are those that are far away from city lights. If you are looking for the darkest skies, choose a location that is at least 10 miles away from any major city.
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Accessibility: Some stargazing locations are more accessible than others. If you are traveling with limited mobility, choose a location that is easy to get to and has good parking.
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Safety: Stargazing can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved. Always travel with a friend or family member, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Tips for Stargazing in Whitehorse
Planning a successful stargazing trip in Whitehorse requires careful preparation and the right gear. Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. A warm hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes are essential. Bring a blanket or sleeping bag to keep yourself cozy as you lie down to gaze at the stars. A flashlight or headlamp with a red filter will help you navigate in the dark without disrupting your night vision.
Additionally, consider bringing binoculars or a telescope to enhance your stargazing experience. These tools will allow you to get a closer look at celestial objects such as planets, moons, and galaxies. If you don't have your own equipment, several local businesses in Whitehorse offer stargazing tours and equipment rentals.
Before embarking on your stargazing adventure, check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies. The aurora forecast is also crucial if you hope to witness the mesmerizing northern lights. Numerous apps and websites provide detailed aurora forecasts, helping you plan your stargazing session accordingly.
Remember, patience is key when stargazing. It takes time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness, and you may not see much initially. Give your eyes at least 15-20 minutes to adapt, and avoid using bright lights during this time. As your vision improves, the night sky will gradually come alive with stars and other celestial wonders.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy an unforgettable stargazing experience in Whitehorse, where the night sky reveals its secrets to those who take the time to look up and wonder.
The Milky Way Galaxy
The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy that contains our solar system. It is estimated to be about 6 billion years old and is one of the largest galaxies in the universe, with a diameter of about 100,000 light-years. The Milky Way is home to billions of stars, as well as gas and dust. The galaxy is thought to have a central black hole, called Sagittarius A*, which is about 4 million times the mass of the Sun.
Visitors to Whitehorse can easily identify the Milky Way in the night sky. It appears as a bright band of light that stretches across the sky from horizon to horizon. The Milky Way is most visible during the summer months, when the Earth is tilted towards the center of the galaxy.
There are a number of interesting facts about the Milky Way galaxy. For example, it is estimated that the Milky Way contains about 200 billion stars. The Milky Way is also home to a number of nebulae, which are clouds of gas and dust where new stars are forming. The Milky Way is constantly rotating, and it takes about 225 million years for the Sun to orbit the center of the galaxy.
Visitors to Whitehorse can participate in a number of special events and activities to learn more about the Milky Way galaxy. The Yukon Astronomical Society offers a variety of stargazing events and workshops throughout the year, including Milky Way viewing parties. Visitors can also visit the Aurora Centre at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, which has a number of exhibits and displays about the Milky Way and other galaxies.
Constellations
Constellations are groups of stars that form distinct patterns in the night sky. They have been recognized and named by different cultures throughout history, and many of them have mythological or cultural significance. In the Whitehorse night sky, visitors can see a variety of constellations, including the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Orion, Taurus, and Gemini.
There are a few ways to learn to identify the different constellations. One is to use a star chart or app, which can show you the locations of the constellations and their stars. Another way is to join a local astronomy club or take a guided tour, where you can learn about the constellations from experienced astronomers.
There are also a number of resources available online that can help you learn about constellations. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has a website that provides information on all of the 88 recognized constellations, including their names, shapes, and histories. There are also a number of websites and apps that offer interactive star charts, which can help you identify the constellations and learn more about them.
Some of the most popular constellations that visitors can see in the Whitehorse night sky include:
- The Big Dipper: The Big Dipper is one of the most recognizable constellations in the Northern Hemisphere. It is shaped like a ladle or a plough, and it is located near the North Star.
- The Little Dipper: The Little Dipper is a smaller version of the Big Dipper, and it is located near the North Star as well. The end star of the Little Dipper's handle is Polaris, the North Star.
- Orion: Orion is a constellation that is located on the celestial equator. It is one of the brightest and most recognizable constellations in the night sky, and it is home to several bright stars, including Betelgeuse and Rigel.
- Taurus: Taurus is a constellation that is located in the Northern Hemisphere. It is home to the Pleiades star cluster, which is a popular target for astrophotographers.
- Gemini: Gemini is a constellation that is located in the Northern Hemisphere. It is home to the two stars Castor and Pollux, which are named after the twin sons of Zeus.
Planets
The night sky above Whitehorse is home to a variety of planets from our solar system. Jupiter is usually the brightest planet visible in the sky, and it can often be seen with the naked eye. Through a telescope, visitors can observe Jupiter's four largest moons, as well as its distinctive cloud belts and Great Red Spot. Saturn is another popular planet for stargazers, and its iconic rings can be seen with a small telescope. Mars is another planet that is visible from Whitehorse, and it is often a target for astrophotographers. Venus and Mercury are also visible from Whitehorse, but they are more difficult to spot due to their proximity to the sun.
Visitors who are interested in learning more about the planets can participate in a variety of events and activities. The Yukon Astronomical Society offers regular planetarium shows and lectures, and the Aurora Centre at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre has a number of exhibits and displays on the planets. Visitors can also take part in guided tours of the night sky, which often include information about the planets.
Stars
Stars are luminous balls of gas that emit their own light and heat. They are formed when clouds of gas and dust in space collapse under their own gravity and ignite. Stars come in a variety of sizes, colors, and temperatures. The sun is a star, and it is the closest star to Earth.
To identify stars in the night sky, look for bright points of light that do not twinkle. Planets, on the other hand, tend to twinkle because their light is reflected off their surfaces. There are many resources available to help you learn about stars.
Some of the most popular stars that visitors can see in the Whitehorse night sky include:
- Sirius
- Vega
- Arcturus
- Procyon
- Capella
These stars are all relatively bright and easy to find. With a little practice, you will be able to identify them and many others in the night sky.
Meteors and Comets
Meteors are small pieces of rock or metal that enter the Earth's atmosphere from space. As they travel through the atmosphere, they are heated by friction and begin to glow, creating a streak of light in the sky. Meteors are commonly known as shooting stars.
Comets are icy bodies that orbit the Sun. As they approach the Sun, the heat from the Sun causes the ice to vaporize, creating a tail of gas and dust that can be seen from Earth. Comets are often visible for several weeks or even months.
To identify meteors and comets in the night sky, look for streaks of light that appear to move quickly across the sky. Meteors will typically be short-lived, lasting only a few seconds, while comets will be visible for longer periods of time.
There are several special events and activities that visitors can participate in to learn more about meteors and comets. The Yukon Astronomical Society often hosts meteor showers and comet viewing parties. Visitors can also visit the Aurora Centre at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre to learn more about these celestial objects.
Here are some interesting facts about meteors and comets:
- The Earth's atmosphere is constantly being bombarded by meteors. Most of these meteors are very small, and they burn up in the atmosphere before they can reach the ground.
- Comets are made up of ice, dust, and rock. The ice is mostly water ice, but it can also contain other gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
- The tail of a comet is always pointing away from the Sun. This is because the Sun's radiation pushes the gas and dust in the tail away from the comet.
- Meteors and comets can be a source of valuable information about the history of the solar system. By studying these objects, scientists can learn more about the formation and evolution of our solar system.
The Northern Lights
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a natural light display in the sky, primarily visible at high-latitude regions. They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the sun's solar wind with the Earth's magnetic field. When the particles enter the atmosphere, they collide with gas particles, causing the ionization or excitation of the atmospheric gases, which then emit light of various colors.
The color of the aurora depends on the type of gas particles that are excited. Oxygen atoms typically emit a greenish color, while nitrogen atoms emit a reddish or purplish color. The most common color of the aurora is green, but it can also appear in shades of red, yellow, blue, purple, and even white.
The northern lights are most often visible during the winter months, when the nights are longer and the sky is darker. They can be seen from anywhere in the Yukon, but the best viewing locations are away from city lights and other sources of light pollution. Some of the best places to see the aurora in Whitehorse include the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre, Miles Canyon, and Fish Lake.
The aurora is a truly magical sight, and it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Yukon. Visitors from all over the world come to Whitehorse to see the aurora, and there are a number of local businesses that offer aurora viewing tours.
If you are planning a trip to Whitehorse, be sure to check the aurora forecast before you go. This will help you to increase your chances of seeing the northern lights.
Astrophotography
Astrophotography is the art and science of taking photographs of celestial objects. It requires specialized equipment and techniques to capture the faint light of stars, planets, and galaxies. If you're interested in trying astrophotography, there are a few things you'll need to get started.
First, you'll need a camera that is capable of long exposures. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a large sensor will work best. You'll also need a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures.
Second, you'll need a lens that is suitable for astrophotography. A wide-angle lens is a good choice for capturing large areas of the sky, while a telephoto lens can be used to zoom in on specific objects.
Third, you'll need a dark sky location away from city lights. The darker the sky, the better your chances of capturing good astrophotography shots.
If you're new to astrophotography, it's a good idea to start with a simple project, such as photographing the Milky Way or a bright planet. Once you've mastered the basics, you can start to experiment with more challenging subjects, such as deep-sky objects or the northern lights.
There are a number of local businesses that offer astrophotography workshops and tours. These workshops can teach you the basics of astrophotography and help you get started with your own astrophotography projects.
Here are a few tips for taking great astrophotography shots:
- Use a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures.
- Use a remote shutter release to avoid camera shake.
- Focus your camera manually on infinity.
- Experiment with different exposure times to get the best results.
- Use a dark sky location away from city lights.
- Be patient and persistent. Astrophotography can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding.
Local Legends and Folklore
The Yukon is a land steeped in rich history and culture, and its night sky is no exception. Many local legends and folklore surround the stars, planets, and northern lights. The Tlingit people, who have inhabited the Yukon for centuries, have a story about the Big Dipper. They believe that the seven stars in the constellation represent seven brothers who were turned into stars by a powerful shaman.
Visitors can find books and articles about these legends and folklore at the Yukon Public Library and the Yukon Archives. Several guided tours and activities incorporate these legends and folklore, such as the Aurora Winter Festival's "Legends of the Northern Lights" tour. Visitors can also find artwork and crafts inspired by these legends and folklore at local galleries and shops.
Citizen Science Opportunities
For those interested in contributing to the field of astronomy, Whitehorse offers several citizen science opportunities. These projects allow individuals to participate in real scientific research, often by collecting data or observations that contribute to a larger study.
One popular citizen science project in Whitehorse is the AuroraWatch program. This project collects data on the aurora borealis, including its location, intensity, and color. Participants can contribute to the project by submitting their own observations of the aurora, either through the AuroraWatch website or through the AuroraWatch mobile app.
Another citizen science opportunity in Whitehorse is the Night Sky Network. This project collects data on light pollution and its effects on the night sky. Participants can contribute to the project by measuring the brightness of the night sky at different locations, using a simple light meter or smartphone app.
Participating in citizen science projects is a great way to learn more about astronomy, contribute to scientific research, and connect with other individuals who share an interest in the night sky.
Insider Tip: The Aurora Winter Festival
The Aurora Winter Festival is a must-attend event for anyone visiting Whitehorse during the winter months. This annual festival celebrates the beauty and wonder of the northern lights and offers visitors a variety of ways to experience this natural phenomenon.
The festival takes place over several days in February and March and features a variety of events and activities, including:
- Aurora viewing parties: These parties are held at various locations around Whitehorse, including the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre and the Yukon Astronomical Society. Visitors can gather together to watch the aurora borealis and learn more about this amazing natural phenomenon.
- Guided aurora tours: These tours are offered by local tour operators and take visitors to some of the best aurora viewing spots outside of the city. Tours typically include transportation, snacks, and a knowledgeable guide who can help visitors understand the science behind the aurora and capture stunning photos.
- Aurora photography workshops: These workshops are offered by local photographers and teach visitors how to take amazing photos of the aurora borealis. Workshops typically cover topics such as camera settings, composition, and post-processing.
- Art and cultural events: The festival also features a variety of art and cultural events, including art shows, concerts, and film screenings. These events provide visitors with a chance to learn more about the history and culture of the Yukon and to meet other people who share their interest in the aurora borealis.
The Aurora Winter Festival is a great way to experience the magic of the northern lights and to learn more about this amazing natural phenomenon. With a variety of events and activities to choose from, there is something for everyone at the Aurora Winter Festival.
