AuroraMAX observatory

AuroraMAX makes it possible to watch the northern lights in high definition, broadcast live from the Canadian North, during aurora season, between August and May.
The camera turns on automatically as soon as the Sun sets in Yellowknife during the aurora season. The countdown timer shows how much time is left until the broadcast starts.

Why are AuroraMAX images round?

Imagine that you're lying on your back and you can see everything around you. That is what AuroraMAX shows you.

AuroraMAX's main camera is an all-sky imager. It shoots a 180-degree field of view, which produces circular images that show the entire night sky. The circumference of the circle is actually the horizon all around the camera. If you look carefully, you will see the tree tops even in the upper portion of the image.

AuroraMAX: more than just a camera!

AuroraMAX is a public outreach initiative that aims to raise awareness of:

• the northern lights and their beauty
• the science behind the auroras
• how solar activity can affect our daily lives

The AuroraMAX project is led by the University of Calgary, and supported by our fantastic partners, the Canadian Space Agency, Astronomy North, and the City of Yellowknife.

The AuroraMAX logo, designed by James Pugsley of Astronomy North, symbolizes the cause-and-effect relationship between our star and our planet. A prominent green spike represents the changing nature of the aurora, set against the powerful source behind the solar wind—the Sun.

Technical Specifications

• Location: Yellowknife, NWT
• Longitude: 114°21'W
• Latitude: 62°26'N
• Camera: Colour all-sky imager
• Lens: 180° fisheye
• Aperture: f/4.0
• Exposure time: 4 seconds
• Imaging framerate: 6 seconds