What Are Your Chances?

So far, science cannot accurately predict the exact timing of aurora displays on Earth, however, astronomy and aurora enthusiasts can provide aurora forecasts by monitoring space weather and sunspot activity on the Sun. These forecasts indicate the potential for auroras each night, and usually suggest that the best viewing is in the hours just before and after midnight in the Northwest Territories.

If the weather is clear, chances are good that you will catch sight of the aurora around midnight between late August and mid-April in the Northwest Territories. The aurora is at its dazzling best from December to March when nights are longest and the sky is darkest, but autumn nights can be very rewarding too. Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, has over 240 potential aurora viewing nights per year.

The Northwest Territories has two important advantages over other locations. The landscape is relatively flat, so the full auroral display can be seen from most vantage points. Weather is also a factor - the Northwest Territories has more clear nights than mountainous or oceanside locations at the same latitude.