Northern Light

People at high latitudes sometimes can experience colored lights shimmering across the night sky. Yes, this is the northern light, also called Aurora borealis, which was named after the Roman goddess of dawn.

Nowadays, seeing the northern lights above a snowy Arctic wilderness is on many people’s bucket list, but this is highly dependent on luck. So as a student with limited time, it is very important do all you can to increase the chances to catch a show. So I will provide you some tips of an aurora trip.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks, is known as the “ home of northern lights” and it is located less than 120 miles south of the Arctic circle.This unique location makes Fairbanks an ideal place to see the aurora. It is closer but with best viewing.

So, when should we go?

The storm cannot be predicted any further in advance than about two hours before it happens. And there is no guarantees. But based on experience, the northern lights are most active from December to March.

But January to March are three the most popular months for aurora hunting. Because in March, the aurora will be most active and the weather is getting warmer. So If you visit Fairbanks for 4 days in March, you will have more than 90 percent chance of seeing it.

Traveling Tips

1. Check wether forecast before you go

It is better for you to check weather forecast. In order to see the northern lights, the sky needs to be clear and dark enough to see. Especially, there should be no clouds. So half hour before you go, you can get aurora forecast from the UAF Geophysical institute to see if there will be a big storm tonight.

2. Travel Gears

The peak aurora activity time period will be 11pm and 3 am. The outside weather is usually about 15 F- 5F. Especially in February, it is going to be very cold at the night. So it is very important to pack all your warm clothes. You need to dress in layers, with wind-proof coat and wind-proof pants.

3. Rent a Car!

You can either take a train or rent a car in Alaska. But it would be more convenient and easier if you rent a car not only because you can travel at your own pace but also you need a car to catch the aurora. But you need to caution the Ice Road because if you go in March, most of snow begins to melt and it is going to be very slippery.

Aurora Hunting Formulas

1. Local Expertise and guides

The local guides are more familiar with the best aurora viewpoints and the time it will occur. They have the most knowledge of surroundings such as weather and local conditions. So you can get helpful insight from them and have a bigger chance of seeing aurora.

2. Avoid Light pollution

You should avoid light pollutions. As I have showed you that it has to be really dark to see the aurora because it’s basically same as watching stars in the night. So if you live in the downtown Fairbanks, with all the city lights, you will not be able to see the aurora. So you need to get to a dark countryside as far as you can

3. Being Petient

You need to be patient. The Aurora can occur anytime between late night and early morning, which is usually around 11pm to 2 am. It can be anywhere in the sky and “the intense display tend to last for 20-30 minutes”. The second peak will occur about one or two hours later. So be prepared for long hours waiting in the dark