Northern lights in Alaska are some of the most amazing things to see in one’s life. Growing up, I always had a fascination with the night sky. As I got older, I learned there was no better must-see event in nature than the Northern Lights in Alaska.
In this adventure travel guide, we’ll discuss tips and tricks for seeing the northern lights in Alaska. This advice will help your northern lights search be most efficient. By knowing when to look for the northern lights and how to use specific astronomical tools, you, too, can increase your chances.
After extensive research and planning, I finally embarked on my journey to Alaska to witness this life-changing spectacle. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned because it will help you have a better and more efficient experience when you can see them.
What is the aurora borealis?
The Northern Lights, scientifically known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural wonder in the Earth’s polar regions, particularly the north. These gorgeous displays are caused by solar particles that enter the Earth’s atmosphere or charged particles from the bright sun.
The Earth’s magnetic field attracts these particles towards the polar regions, where they collide with atmospheric gases like nitrogen and oxygen, creating a dazzling show of colors.
Different colors of northern lights
The colors of the stunning Northern Lights vary depending on the type of atmospheric gas hit by the solar particles. Nitrogen produces a blue or purple color, while oxygen emits a green or red hue.
The colors can also shift and dance around because of the movement of the solar particles, creating a mesmerizing display of lights that can last from a few minutes to several hours.
Frequency and intensity of the northern lights
Several factors influence the frequency and intensity of the Northern Lights. These factors include the sun’s activity, the Earth’s Earth’s field, and the seasons. The sun displays an 11-year cycle of solar activity, where it can produce solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and sunspots.
When these solar events are vital, they can cause more solar particles to enter the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in more frequent and intense displays of the Northern Lights.
When to visit Alaska to see the northern lights
It is best to visit Alaska between September and April for the most excellent chances of seeing the Alaskan Northern Lights. Due to the dark sky, December and January tend to have the most extended nights, which enhances your chances of seeing Aurora.
However, the winter temperatures are frigid, so pack appropriate travel gear, including heavy jackets, gloves, and hats, to keep warm.
Tools to predict the aurora borealis
For people residing in Alaska, there’s a good chance you will only stay up some nights looking for the northern lights. If you’re visiting to only see the aurora borealis, you might be more likely to stay up every night in the hopes of seeing them.
You can increase your chances of seeing them by using a couple of phone apps. These free apps can predict when the conditions are perfect for seeing the northern lights.
Recommended phone apps for predicting the aurora on any given night
- My Aurora Forecast
- NOAA
- Aurora Now
NOAA and the northern lights
My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Now are unique in providing free updates and notifications. You can subscribe and pay for premium services, but I’ve found you can get all the information you need through their free features. Update your preferences within the app and allow your location in settings (if you have an iPhone).
Each app offers 3-day windows that aid in choosing the best time to view the aurora. I like to use weather apps and my boots-on-the-ground approach to see if the sky is cloudy. Some of the most clear days I’ve had where I’ve seen the aurora were windy days where the clouds blew away.
OTHER GUIDES
Accommodations to see the aurora borealis
Situated below the auroral oval, Fairbanks provides an excellent chance of viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska. For the best viewing experience, I recommend staying on the outskirts of Fairbanks, surrounded by forests.
The isolation from the city will minimize light pollution, enhancing your chances of viewing the Northern Lights more vividly. Check into a cozy cabin or vacation rental that offers a kitchen set up to enjoy homemade meals.
While Fairbanks might give you your best chances in a short period of time, realize you can have a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis anywhere in Alaska when the conditions are correct.
Where to see the Northern Lights
- Fairbanks, Alaska: Greater chance due to proximity below the aurora oval
- Away from the city so there’s no ambient light
- Chena Lakes Recreation Area, Fairbanks, Alaska
Best spots in Fairbanks to see the aurora borealis
The Chena Lakes Recreation Area is the best location for observing the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska. The lake provides a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, and visitors can take a stroll around the lake, enjoying the serene surroundings.
However, if you are looking for a spot closer to your cabin, check out the Murphy Dome, about 23 miles northwest of Fairbanks.
Photographing the northern lights
Capturing the glowing greens and blues in the night sky can be challenging. However, preparation and persistence are the keys to success. The first step is to select the right camera.
The ideal camera should have manual settings, allowing you to alter the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to match the aurora’s brightness. Secondly, bring a sturdy tripod to prevent camera shake and obtain steady shots. Lastly, practice capturing night sky photos before your trip so you have some experience behind you.
iPhone settinigs for viewing the aurora borealis
- Shoot in RAW format (settings>>camera>>format>>proRAW
- Shoot in night mode (in camera mode>>select top arrow>>press half-moon symbol/night mode>>adjust exposure time to 10 seconds
- Get a tripod: If you get a tripod iPhone will recognize this gear and allow you to set your exposure time to 30 seconds
KP values and the northern lights
It’s important to note that other factors, such as location, weather conditions, and light pollution, affect whether you can see the northern lights. However, understanding Kp values can help increase your chances of catching this natural phenomenon.
Kp values in a range of 3 to 5 give you a good chance of seeing the aurora, assuming the skies are clear with little light pollution. So, next time you plan a trip to see the aurora borealis, check the Kp values for your desired location to improve your chances of witnessing this magical light show.
Northern lights: tips and advice
Viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska was the highlight of my travel experiences. From the serene surroundings to the surreal light display, the Northern Lights provide a truly mesmerizing experience. My comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your journey to Alaska to witness this wondrous spectacle.
Eye-opening tips to see the Northern Lights
- Visit Alaska between September and April for the best viewing chances.
- Consider traveling to or around Fairbanks, Alaska.
- Utilize the following apps on your phone: Aurora Now, My Aurora Forecast, and NOAA.
- Learn specific settings for your phone (we’ll review the iPhone settings in this article) to take the best photos of the aurora borealis.
- Wear warm clothing and dress in layers.
- Come to Fairbanks the months December of January for your best chance
- Consider viewing the lights in Fairbanks in low ambient lit areas such as Chena Lakes Recreation Area
- Book flights early
Remember to pack warm clothing, find a dark and isolated vantage point, have your camera settings prepared, get a tripod, and enjoy the added activities that make Alaska an unforgettable destination.
It would be best if you considered booking flights early. Even though you are traveling in the winter, the northern lights can be a big draw for tourists worldwide. You can start here if you’d like to find the cheapest flights.
Most importantly, have fun! Some people are fortunate to watch the northern lights or aurora borealis in a hot tub – I’ve not tried this, but it sounds incredible.
