Northern Lights Centre

Tourism Region: Yukon

The Northern Lights Space & Science Centre was constructed in 1996/97 and officially opened its doors on June 17, 1997. The Centre is the only one of its kind in northern Canada. The facility was originally built to highlight the amazing phenomena known as the northern lights or aurora borealis. Today the centre provides a range of educational opportunities for northern students as well as serves as an important community and tourism facility.

The space theater features a Spitz Model A5 star projection system capable of producing 2,354 stars onto the dome. This includes the recognized constellations and all the navigational stars in the Northern Hemisphere. The ElectricSkyTM panoramic projection system features multiple video projectors, which are configured to create seamless video mosaics creating single wide-angle video panoramas.

The laser system for the facility is a 1.5-watt, water-cooled projection system. The sharp graphic images are a hallmark of Laser Fantasy International who are the suppliers of all the animation and special lumia effects provided in the show performances.

The theater system is also supported by allsky, port pan and special effects projectors as well as a full surround sound system capable of supporting top quality arts and entertainment programming.

Using the latest in domed video projection, desktop editing and desktop computer graphics, the new theatre provides opportunities for creating exciting new show material. The centre is currently producing a new 30-minute in-house show production entitled, "Northern Symphony of Light". In the past two years the centre has established elementary and high school animation programs utilizing many of the latest software programs.

Spell of the North was locally produced at the Northern Lights Centre by Hank Bridgmen. Spell of the North features spectacular scenery and wildlife of the Watson Lake Region set to beautiful music by a local musician William Brookfield.

About the Collections

The facility provides a number of interactive exhibits (many of which were designed by the National Museum of Science and Technology) describing the science of the aurora as well as the history of Canadian rocket technology and the role it has played in early northern lights research. Other information including photographs and scale models are also to illustrate Canada's involvement in space research, remote sensing and the study of the northern lights. Also on loan to the centre from the National Museum of Science and Technology is a section of the Canadarm prototype designed by SPAR aerospace.

Services & Activities

Research Services

The centre also provides a link to the NASA network. During the winter months the facility offers licensed DVD movie presentations, laser programming and serves as a videoconference facility.

Films • Conference or Symposium

Educational Programs

Elementary and high school animation programs utilizing many of the latest software programs.

Featured Images

Map

Location

Address:	807 Frank Trail Watson Lake, Yukon Y0A 1C0 See Map
Telephone:	867-536-7827
Fax:	867-536-2823
Mailing Address:	Northern Lights Centre P.O.Box 590, Watson Lake, Yukon Y0A 1C0
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