Page 25 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2023

light are caused when excited electrons from the sun collide with earth’s magnetosphere. This reaction is most common and most pronounced in regions that lie inside the auroral oval, oval-shaped zones that surround the earth’s magnetic poles. The Yukon is strategically located in the auroral oval, and this combined with clear skies and low light pollution makes it an ideal destination for viewing this natural phenomenon.
INSIDER TIP
AURORAL ACTIVITY IS AT ITS PEAK IN 2023
Scientists can predict the chance of auroral activity based on the sun’s activity, geomagnetic storms, and other factors. The solar cycle is one of the key factors that affect the aurora borealis. Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle. During the middle of the cycle, the sun has a period of intense activity known as solar maximum. At the peak of the solar cycle, you can expect to see more intense and frequent auroral displays. The current solar cycle began in December 2019 and will reach solar maximum between 2023 and 2026.
SPRING/SUMMER 2023 DREAMSCAPES 25
PHOTOS: TOURISM YUKON/TAKESHI HANATANI | TOURISM YUKON/YUKINOBU YAMAMOTO | TOURISM YUKON | GREG OLSEN | TOURISM YUKON/ WALTER GUTOWSKI
UNDER THE AURORAL OVAL
The aurora borealis is one of nature’s most magical light shows and the Yukon is one of the best destina- tions on the planet for celestial viewing. The stunning green, blue, purple and red waves of auroral