#NORTHERN LIGHTS FAIRBANKS ALASKA HOW TO#
#NORTHERN LIGHTS FAIRBANKS ALASKA FULL#

The sky may be nature’s theater, but there’s no set time for this show. Watch the Kp-index, an aurora activity indicator to find out when conditions are ideal What is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Alaska? We just headed into a high activity cycle, Solar Cycle 25. The sun alternates between a high activity cycle and low activity cycle every eleven years or so. The northern lights or aurora borealis aren’t predictable, but they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles. They occur all year long but are only visible when the sky is dark and clear. The northern lights happen when charged particles from the sun enter the atmosphere and collide with gas atoms in Earth's atmosphere. The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis are one and the same - most people call them Northern Lights, while the scientific name is Aurora Borealis. Here’s all you need to know to pick the best time to see northern lights in Alaska. But like most things in nature, they might not show, even if you visit Alaska at the best time. Some claim they can even hear auroral sounds! The northern lights or Aurora Borealis is a top-listed experience on many travelers’ bucket lists. Spectators gaze at the sky in awe or snap photos well into the middle of the night. The supernal shimmer of emerald and violet begins with a few streaks and then breaks out into a graceful ballet. Want to learn more about the lights? Then be sure to check out our post 8 Amazing Things About The Aurora Borealis.Viewing the Alaska northern lights takes the right timing, the right location and the right conditions. And if you’re looking for a memorable seasonal job or full-time position where you can watch the Northern Lights every winter, browse our jobs in Alaska and apply today! Though Alaska might not be the first place you’d think of for a wintertime vacation, we guarantee you that our views of the Northern Lights are an once-in-a-lifetime experience. Just about any local can give you solid advice on the best places to see the lights.

#NORTHERN LIGHTS FAIRBANKS ALASKA FULL#

The best part, however, is that one only has to venture a mile or two away from the city for the Northern Lights to come into full view. Though the lights aren’t viewable every night in the winter, when they do show up they can be remarkable. Basically, it’s considered the Mardi Gras of the North. There are snow machine races, bar game tournaments, basketball, art shows, and craft fairs. The official finish line of the race, the city spends the two weeks preceding the race celebrating in a lot of fun ways. If you have access to a 4-wheel drive, you can venture further into the back country and try either Ester or Murphy Dome.įinally, one of our favorite places to see the Northern Lights has got to be in Nome, Alaska during the Iditarod Not only can you get a chance to dog mush and watch some of the best racers in the world, but Nome offers so, so much more this time of year. You might also consider pairing your Northern Lights viewing with a trip to one of the hot water spring pools outlying the city. Make certain you bundle up and stay on roads that have been cleared of snow. Be cautious, of course, since the winter temperatures here can be dangerously cold. Once you’re away from the city, the landscape darkens quickly.

Wait for a cloudless night and make certain you check in with the Geophysical Institute’s website to see how active the northern lights will be. To get the best view, you’ll want to drive away from the ambient lights of the city. Located directly beneath the oval of the Northern Lights, the northerly location of Fairbanks means that aurora borealis hunters don’t have to venture too far away from the city in order to spot the lights. Many people consider Fairbanks the single best place for viewing the Northern Lights in Alaska.

You’ll get to see some of the countryside, have a better chance of glimpsing the lights, and also get the benefit of a tour guide who will have the best idea of where to find a cloudless evening sky. You can also venture into the Glenn Alps for a chance at some spectacular borealis action.įinally, you could always book a day-tour up to Fairbanks. Many locals rave about the views from Flattop Overlook. If you’re the do-it-yourself type, a great option is Nancy Lake State Recreation Area.

#NORTHERN LIGHTS FAIRBANKS ALASKA HOW TO#

Again, you’ll want to head away from those city lights.Īs far as how to venture out of the city for a viewing, there are plenty of great options. Though you might be able to see something of the aurora borealis after sunset in the city, the dense population and light pollution make it a lot more difficult. You will generally be able to spot them a bit lower on the horizon. Though not positioned as far north as Fairbanks, Anchorage also offers some great opportunities for Northern Lights viewing.

Northern lights fairbanks alaska