preface

Don't hesitate, Aurora
Ahead of the peak again

Chapter 1.
All About Aurora

What is the Aurora?
Where can I go to see it?
Aurora, the secret of its light
The various forms of the aurora
About the wonders of the aurora storm
The peak of the aurora, which occurs every 11 years
Moonlight and Aurora
Aurora, the light of life
Aurora forecast and real-time observation data
How to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora?

Chapter 2.
Yellowknife, Aurora Tour

Yellowknife, Canada, the capital of the Aurora
Let's go to Yellowknife
Various Aurora sightseeing programs
Best places to see the aurora
Winter or summer, when is the best time to go?
Yellowknife, Beyond the Aurora
Polar extreme experience

Chapter 3.
Let's take a picture of the aurora

Try taking pictures of the aurora
Take a certification shot with the aurora in the background
Camera care in cold places

Epilogue

Seeing the Aurora Changed My Life

Conclusion

Once in a lifetime, Aurora

When should I travel to see the most spectacular aurora?
Basic knowledge you need to know before your Aurora trip

The Aurora is said to be the greatest wonder humans can experience on earth.
While many travelers in Korea have a trip to see the Aurora Borealis on their bucket list, books that provide a basic understanding of the aurora and help prepare for actual observation are rare.
Part 1 of this book quenches this thirst of travelers.
It comprehensively covers the basic knowledge you need to know before traveling, including why the aurora appears, how it shines in mysterious shapes, differences in observation conditions depending on the region, and how to increase your chances of seeing it.

In particular, this completely revised edition specifically covers how to encounter an 'Aurora Storm' with a higher probability during the upcoming 'peak season'.
Statistically, the aurora cycles with a maximum brightness and movement every 11 years, followed by a minimum, the opposite of the maximum, depending on the activity of the sun.
Aurora observatories evaluate the level of the aurora on a scale of 'Level 1 to Level 5', and 'Aurora Dancing', which corresponds to Level 5, and 'Aurora Storm', which is the level above that, are most active during this 'peak period'.
And experts predict that the peak will be in 2024-2025.
This is why those who have dreamed of the Aurora should open this book right now.

Based on his own expertise, the author details how to increase the probability of seeing the aurora by utilizing aurora forecasts and real-time observation data.
It also explains the areas and seasons with the highest probability of observation, as well as a method for predicting the cycle of auroral storms.
Additionally, QR codes and website guides were inserted to ensure that even novice travelers can easily follow along.

The best weather conditions and various programs for viewing the Aurora,
Why You Should Visit Yellowknife, Canada

Where should you go to see the Northern Lights? Most people probably think of Iceland or the cold Arctic regions.
First, to see the aurora, you need to go to the 'aurora zone' where the Earth's magnetic field lines are strongly formed, but in reality, these are usually cold and desolate areas with poor transportation.
Based on many years of experience, the author says that the best place to observe the aurora is 'Yellowknife, Canada'.
Yellowknife, which was selected as the best aurora viewing spot by NASA in the United States, is actually called the 'Aurora Capital' among aurora tourists.

The biggest reason Yellowknife became the capital of the Aurora is its 'excellent weather conditions'.
Because the aurora is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs in the atmosphere above the clouds, it cannot be observed on rainy or cloudy days.
However, most of the Aurora zone areas have poor weather conditions due to the influence of atmospheric circulation, so tourists are likely to return without seeing the Aurora during their stay.
However, Yellowknife, Canada, has 240 sunny days a year, which is very good compared to Iceland's weather statistics, which show 20 rainy days and 10 cloudy days in December.
According to statistics from the Canadian Tourism Commission, there is a 95% chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you stay for three days, and a 98% chance if you stay for four days.
Yellowknife is also a popular aurora destination for its accessibility and variety of programs from Korea.

Part 2 is a collection of all the information you need for your trip to Yellowknife, Canada, from tips for booking flights, accommodations, and rental cars to comparing the pros and cons of various Aurora sightseeing programs.
Part 2 will be of great help in planning your own trip.
It covers famous observation sites such as Aurora Village, Enoda Lodge, and Bidene Camp, as well as seasonal tourist courses and programs to enjoy during the day when the aurora is not visible, making it an interesting resource for readers who have already experienced the aurora and are planning to travel again.

Want to take a photo of your life with the Aurora in the background?
How to take great pictures without an expensive camera or professional skills

Anyone who goes on an aurora tour will want to capture the enchanting peak moment of the aurora in a photograph.
But without special know-how, it is almost impossible to capture that touching scene on camera.
This is because the camera's technical limitations make it impossible to accurately reproduce the colors of reality, and because there is a grandeur that can only be felt with the five senses.
Additionally, photographing the aurora is technically very challenging.
This is because astrophotography presents the challenges of capturing distant objects in dark environments, and it is not easy to keep cameras and other equipment from freezing in extreme cold.

Nonetheless, Part 3 details how to capture the aurora as close to reality as possible without expensive cameras or professional skills.
We will tell you everything you need to prepare for shooting, including precautions, camera settings, and easy-to-use post-processing programs.
It is no exaggeration to say that Part 3 contains all of the specific and immediately applicable know-how of the author, a world-renowned astrophotographer who also provides photos to National Geographic.
The author's tips for storing camera equipment in everyday items, such as thermoses, are vivid advice derived from his extensive experience.
Additionally, the section explaining how to take good portraits with the Aurora in the background will be the most useful tip for travelers who want to preserve the moment forever.