Astronomical Discoveries
The far northern latitudes offer perhaps the best views of the night sky on Earth. There are stargazing points of interest throughout the tundra, and many organizations exist to bring you to the tundra during times of peak astronomical activity – such as during major meteor storms. With an unpolluted view of the night sky, and darkness that may last nearly 24 hours during the Arctic winter, these trips offer an unprecedented opportunity to discover the stars. The Aurora Borealis is also visible frequently in the tundra, with the multi-colored bands of light far more vivid and long-lasting than at more southern latitudes. Places like Chena Hot Springs in Alaska are designed to give guests a warm and comfortable place to view the aurora clearly.
|
Cultural Activities
The culture of the tundra is rich and distinctive. Living in incredible cold, with no reliable agriculture, native peoples of the tundra have been forced to adapt to impossible situations. As cultural awareness has increased throughout the world, the governments of these tundra regions have worked to preserve the native cultural heritage. In Canada, for example, visitors can learn about the traditional way of life of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in people at the Danoja Zhou Cultural Center. In Inari, Finland, visitors can go to the Sami Cultural Center to learn more about the Sami people and their traditional dances, clothing and hunting practices.
|
Wildlife Expectations
The tundra regions contain some unique wildlife which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Throughout the tundra tours can take you to polar bear country for a photo safari. Other notable wildlife in the extreme northern climes includes moose, caribou, Arctic foxes, musk oxen, tundra wolves, Arctic wolves, Arctic hares, lemmings, snowy owls, ermines and wolverines.