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If you're not from around here, you might not know that in Saskatchewan, we seem to experience a lot of celestial happenings - from brilliant sun dogs and dazzling meteor showers to breathtaking sun rises and awe-inspiring sun sets, and so much in between. So much so that we are nicknamed 'the land of the living skies'. I mean, it's even boldly stated on our license plates, for crying out loud.
With 2024 tipped to be a super year for Northern Lights (or aurora borealis, if we're being technical), the skies are predicted to spring and dance to life in an unforgettable way, so in preparation you might well be asking: Where can I learn more about these celestial events? How can I predict where and when they will happen so I can experience them for myself? How do I photograph them? Well, the Meewasin Valley Authority might have exactly what you're looking for!
The Meewasin Valley Authority, an amazing organisation doing vital environmental conservation work and amazingly is only 45 years into a 100 year master plan, host the most unique, holistic, and memorable events and experiences that are not only incredibly enjoyable, but are also so interesting and educational!
Now admit it, some of you might be put off by that last one, but don't start scrolling by because of the word 'educational'. They're not 'dry' or 'boring' in the slightest (I'm looking at you, Naughty By Nature Experience!) And, you guessed it, they even host an ongoing series of events dedicated to these living skies of ours.
The Dark Skies Workshops are described as an invitation to "join dark sky enthusiasts, local astronomers and Meewasin guides as we visit different sites around the Valley to learn about our night sky, nocturnal wildlife, and how light pollution affects the natural world." Each Dark Skies event is unique and I was so excited to attend my first one out at Beaver Creek Conservation Area in February.
From the second I saw the event title, I knew I had to check it out: "Northern Lights Photo Workshop with Tim Yaworski, Saskatoon's Living Sky Guy"! Since moving home in 2020, I have been on the hunt for the northern lights and so envious of seeing other people's incredible posts and images on social media the next morning, having missed them the night before. So I was resolved - this year I needed to try a new tactic!
The drive out to Beaver Creek felt oddly rebellious in a way. When the evening rolled around, I admit I was a bit nervous and reluctant to try something new. There was also the hesitation to head out of town ... after dark...alone... in February...in Saskatchewan; rather than stay in my warm house, in the comfort of my sweatpants, on the couch watching Frasier with a glass of vino. But reminding myself why I wanted to go, and how excited I felt when I first heard about it helped motivate me right out the door - so off I went!
About 20km south of downtown Saskatoon, Beaver Creek is a pretty easy drive off of the Lorne Ave exit. Eventually you'll see a sign on the right hand side of the highway to turn, and then a long winding (and on this night, very snowy!) road to the public parking lot. Once parked up, you'll see the Visitor Centre a short walk away, where inside the Meewasin team eagerly greet and offer you a hot drink (Yum Muskeg tea!) and direct you to the theatre, all of which acts as a warm and cozy oasis on a chilly night such as this was.
Once settled, Samantha Cowan (local tourism legend and all around amazing human, who also happens to be Meewasin's Tourism & Experiences Coordinator) welcomed everyone to Treaty 6 Territory and introduced Meewasin, explaining the vital work they do and how we can support them in their important work (#NotForProfit), followed by an introduction to our presenter Tim Yaworski, Saskatoon's 'Living Sky Guy'!
Tim Yaworski is a talented astrophotographer, member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and one of the most genuinely nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is super active on social media, teaches workshops, provides public demonstrations and outreach, and has been featured in publications and media interviews, such as this one where he explains how to view the Geminids meteor shower!
During the evening we learned the most interesting things, including all of the different types of aurora (did you know that there is one called 'Steve' ??!), a variety of photography tips for cameras ranging from DSLR to cell phones, top tips and local locations to capture the best sightings, recommended aurora forecasting apps and how to use them, upcoming celestial events to look forward to, and more!
While on my way home, I couldn't help but reflect on my evening. It was such interesting and stimulating content in such a safe, inviting, and accessible atmosphere. I felt like my soul had been literally filled up, and I was so happy I decided to go, and I can't wait for their next one!
I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking for something to do that's just a little bit different that also supports a vital local organisation at the same time!
DON'T MISS OUT: The next Dark Skies Event has just been announced for April 8th - ten points to those who can guess what celestial event is happening that day!
You'll have check out their website for more information and to see if you're right...
But don't wait - the next time this event happens will be in 2039!
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