Manitoba

Into the Arctic Skies: Aurora and Astronomy in Churchill

Program No. 7931RJ
Come for the chance to fulfill a dream and witness the northern lights beneath the brilliant skies of Churchill, Manitoba.

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At a Glance

The clear skies of Churchill’s winter will thrill and challenge any sky watcher. With over 300 nights of auroral activity, Churchill is the best spot on the planet to view the northern lights. Our instructor will lead you through the fascinating world of comets, deep sky objects, meteors and northern lights. Visit the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg for an in-depth study of the region’s natural history and an introduction to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Activities may include dog sledding, snowmobiling and walking, dependent on weather.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Discover the world of comets, deep sky objects, meteors and northern lights in the planet’s top viewing spot.
  • Spend an afternoon dog sledding in the boreal forest.
  • Take an exhilarating ride by snowmobile into the boreal forest and experience snowshoeing.

General Notes

This program stays in unique accommodations. Be sure to review the lodging description for the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. If you enroll in a Single room, it is only available for the two hotels in Winnipeg but not in Churchill.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Alan Dyer
Alan Dyer is a writer and producer of planetarium programs for the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. He is one of Canada's best-known astronomy writers and serves as associate editor of SkyNews magazine, Canada's magazine of stargazing. Alan also takes the opportunity as often as possible to visit the southern hemisphere to pursue both interests under southern skies. His other obsession, eclipse chasing, has taken him to every continent, chalking up 15 total solar eclipses. Asteroid 78434 is named for him.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Alan Dyer
Alan Dyer View biography
Alan Dyer is a writer and producer of planetarium programs for the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary. He is one of Canada's best-known astronomy writers and serves as associate editor of SkyNews magazine, Canada's magazine of stargazing. Alan also takes the opportunity as often as possible to visit the southern hemisphere to pursue both interests under southern skies. His other obsession, eclipse chasing, has taken him to every continent, chalking up 15 total solar eclipses. Asteroid 78434 is named for him.
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David Hems View biography
David Hems has had a career centered on the management of cultural heritage sites with a strong focus on interpretation and presentation. After earning a degree in anthropology, he spent nine years working for the Manitoba Historic Resources Branch and 20 years with Parks Canada as an archaeologist and a heritage resource adviser throughout Western and Northern Canada. David was able to follow his passions travel and the sport of ice hockey. He played semi-professional hockey in Germany and another coaching in Northern Italy!
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