For the first time ever in Canada, intrepid travellers have viewed the world’s most spectacular light show from the air. Yukon’s airline Air North, the Yukon Astronomical Society and the Government of Yukon partnered to bring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) from a private, chartered flight that took off from Whitehorse on November 25.
This experience offered unmatchable views of high altitude aurora at 36,000 feet. Limited to just 78 passengers, the Aurora 360 flight ensured an optimal viewing experience. According to one lucky passenger: “We saw northern lights exactly 9 minutes after take-off and then watched them for 3 straight hours before landing back at Whitehorse Airport around 330am!”
The Yukon is one of best places in the northern hemisphere to see the Aurora Borealis. Despite being the size of France, the Yukon has a population of just 36,000 and it only has one city. This means that there is very little light pollution.
Anthony Gucciardo, the President of the Yukon Astronomical Society explains further: “The aurora forms an oval over the northern hemisphere and that oval isn’t exactly centred over the North Pole. So that means it tends to drift a little bit further south and luckily towards the North American side. This flight will allow guests to see the northern lights from within the aurora oval.” He adds: “The perception is that you’re flying through it or in it. And that’s the difference between this experience versus seeing it from the ground.”
