Canadian Space Agency
Longueuil, Quebec

February 25, 2009

AuroraMAX: New Project Puts the Northern Lights Online

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories -- Today, the Canadian Space Agency, the
City of Yellowknife, the University of Calgary and Astronomy North announced
the creation of AuroraMAX, an online observatory and outreach project that
will feature live broadcast of the northern lights from Yellowknife. This
collaborative venture aims to increase an understanding of the aurora both
locally and nationally.

"Yellowknife has long been the greatest aurora viewing destination in the
world, and our community appreciates the opportunity to showcase our
spectacular skies using this technology," says Gordon van Tighem, Mayor of
Yellowknife. "AuroraMAX is much more than just an online observatory, it's
an invitation to come and see Yellowknife auroras for yourself."

"The Canadian Space Agency is proud to be part of this initiative that will
promote the aurora borealis, one of the North's greatest treasures," says
Steve MacLean, President of the Canadian Space Agency. "We have a lot to
explore and learn about the Northern sky from our colleagues in Yellowknife
who have a wealth of knowledge to share with communities across the country
and around the world."

A team led by University of Calgary space physicist Eric Donovan, has
developed and is operating the world's foremost network of auroral cameras
and is providing the scientific and technical support for AuroraMAX. The
images produced by the AuroraMax project will become an important part of
Canada's contribution to NASA's THEMIS mission to study the Aurora, and
these images will be used by scientists around the world. "We benefit from
being involved in this project," Donovan says. "These images will be a
tremendous addition to our science effort."

Project management for the observatory will be led jointly by the Canadian
Space Agency and Astronomy North, a society dedicated to observing,
exploring and explaining the nature and culture of Canada's northern sky.
"The timing of this project couldn't be better," says James Pugsley,
President of Astronomy North. "As the Sun approaches solar maximum there
will be a dramatic increase in the intensity and frequency of the northern
lights. It's the greatest light show on Earth and AuroraMAX will give
Canadians a front row seat."

Auroras occur as charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in
Earth's upper atmosphere. Sunspots are a primary source of these particles,
which is why the peak of the 11-year sunspot cycle (known as Solar Maximum)
is met with high expectations in Yellowknife, a world-renowned Aurora
viewing location.

About the Canadian Space Agency

Established in 1989, the CSA coordinates all civil space-related policies
and programs on behalf of the Government of Canada. The CSA directs its
resources and activities through four key thrusts: earth observation, space
science and exploration, satellite communications, and space awareness and
learning. By leveraging international cooperation, the CSA generates
world-class scientific research and industrial development for the benefit
of humanity.

Sample video of images similar to those that will be produced by the
Observatory and images of the aurora are available at:
   ftp://ftp.space.gc.ca/users/communication/1_SEMAINE/090223_yellowknife/

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For more information:

Media Relations
Canadian Space Agency
450-926-4370
www.asc-csa.gc.ca  

Debbie Gillard
City Clerk
City of Yellowknife
(867) 920-5646
www.yellowknife.ca

Grady Semmens
Senior Communications Manager, Research
University of Calgary, External Relations
(403) 220-7722
www.ucalgary.ca

James Pugsley
President
Astronomy North
(867) 669-0863
www.astronomynorth.com
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