Dancing Bear Restaurant : Churchill : Seek The Aurora

Churchill

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Welcome to Churchill, a captivating town nestled on the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada. Known as the polar bear capital of the world, Churchill offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience not only these magnificent creatures but also the breathtaking phenomenon of the northern lights. Get ready for an adventure that combines unique wildlife encounters with the mesmerizing beauty of the aurora.

Churchill’s geographical position, far from urban light pollution, makes it an ideal spot for viewing the Aurora. Besides the Northern Lights, visitors can experience incredible wildlife, including polar bears, beluga whales, and various bird species.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Churchill is from November to March, with peak viewing opportunities during the winter months when nights are longest and skies are clearest.

A trip to Churchill offers not only an incredible opportunity to see the Northern Lights but also a chance to experience the unique wildlife and culture of this northern gem. Whether you’re chasing the Aurora or exploring the wilderness, Churchill provides an unforgettable adventure.

How are my chances of seeing the aurora today?

6%

There is a 6% chance of seeing the aurora overhead in the Churchill area (forecast for 19 September 2025 at 9:43am UTC)

Kp 0.67

The Kp-index is a scale used to measure geomagnetic activity. It ranges from 0 to 9, with higher values indicating greater geomagnetic activity.

0-2 (Very low) Far north, quite dim, and not very active.
3-5 (Moderate) Can be seen further south, with increased brightness and activity. Chance of good viewing conditions nearer the pole.
6-7 (High) Visible in many northern regions, with vibrant displays.
8-9 (Extreme) Widespread visibility, often seen in areas much further south than usual, with intense and colorful displays.

Bz 1 nT

Bz refers to the north-south orientation of the magnetic field embedded in the solar wind. It is measured in nanoteslas (nT).

When Bz is negative (southward), it allows solar wind particles to penetrate the Earth’s magnetic field more easily. A strong negative Bz is often associated with increased chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Conversely, when Bz is positive (northward), the Earth’s magnetic field tends to block the solar wind, resulting in reduced auroral activity.

Density 0.56 p/cm³

Solar wind density refers to the number of charged particles in a given volume of the solar wind, typically measured in particles per cubic centimeter (p/cm³).

A typical solar wind density is around 2.76 p/cm³.

The density of the solar wind affects how many particles reach the Earth’s magnetosphere. A higher density means more particles are available to interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. When these charged particles collide with the gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, energy is released in the form of light that we see as the aurora.

Speed 424.5 km/s

Solar wind speed refers to the velocity at which charged particles are ejected from the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

A typical solar wind speed is about 375 km/s. When both speed and density are high, the energy transferred to the Earth’s magnetosphere increases, enhancing the chances of seeing vibrant auroras.

Clouds

9°C Feels like 6°C

High: 16°C
Low: 9°C

Precipitation: 0%
Cloud cover: 26%
Wind: 8 km/h

Moon

Waning crescent

Sun rises at: 6:55am
Sun sets at: 7:25pm
Moon rises at: 3:52am
Moon sets at: 7:02pm

Book an amazing adventure in Churchill

Tundra Buggy Autumn Day Tours

4.3 (14)

8 hours From £305.04

See polar bears in the wild — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — on a Tundra Buggy Adventure day tour! This memorable tour is designed for people who are already staying in the town of Churchill, nicknamed the Polar Bear Capital of the World due to the many bears that migrate into the area each year. On board a Tundra Buggy, a safe, specially designed wildlife-viewing vehicle, you’ll traverse the open tundra with an expert guide, searching for polar bears and other wildlife like arctic foxes. Lunch and refreshments are included.