The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Yukon in Canada is one of the best places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon. However, there are some common mistakes people make while going on a Northern Lights tour in Yukon that hampers their experience. In this blog, we will discuss 5 such mistakes to avoid for an enjoyable Northern Lights Tour Yukon viewing experience.
Not Checking Weather and Aurora Forecast
The weather plays a big role in visibility of the Northern Lights. Clouds can block the view of the lights. It is important to check the weather and aurora forecast for your dates of travel. Most tour operators and aurora chasing apps provide daily and weekly forecasts. Only proceed for the tour if the forecast shows clear skies with low cloud coverage. Rescheduling the tour for another night is better than wasting time in unfavorable weather.
Not Dressing Appropriately
Since you have to be outside for long hours between dusk and dawn, it is important to dress warmly in layers. Wear thermal underwear, warm pants, gloves, hat, and waterproof winter jacket. Your body loses heat quickly in sub-zero temperatures. Not dressing appropriately can ruin your experience and also pose health risks like hypothermia. Wool and synthetics work better than cotton for insulation.
Using Camera Flash
Using camera flash washes out the natural colors and glow of the Northern Lights. It is best to use a tripod and long exposures without flash. Set your camera to manual mode, highest ISO, aperture between f/2.8 to f/4, shutter speed between 15-30 seconds. This allows more light to enter the sensor and captures the lights beautifully. Photos taken with flash will not do justice to this natural wonder.
Expecting Bright Lights
Unlike how they appear in pictures, the Northern Lights are often very subtle. They may appear as a faint glow or shimmering curtains in the sky. Bright, greenish lights dancing across the sky are not very common. Adjust your expectations and be patient. Look for any change in the darkness above. As your eyes adjust to the dark, you will notice more details of the display. What you see will still be magical.
Getting Distracted by Electronics
Turn off phone screens and avoid using any bright electronic devices when watching the Northern Lights. Their bright blue light washes out your night vision and makes it harder to see the subtle glow of the Aurora. Give your eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to the dark before starting to look for the lights. Minimize distractions and fully immerse yourself in the experience of watching nature’s light show.
Conclusion
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that many travel long distances to witness. Following the tips mentioned above will help avoid common mistakes and maximize your chances of an amazing experience. Being prepared for the weather, dressing warmly, using proper camera settings, adjusting expectations and minimizing distractions are important. With some patience and luck of clear skies, Canada Northern Lights tour can treat you to a truly memorable sighting of this natural wonder.
