Imagine standing beneath a vast, starlit sky as waves of green, purple, and blue ripple overhead, illuminating the night in a mesmerizing dance. Sound like a dream? In Alaska, this dream can become your reality. The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are one of the world’s most magical spectacles, and Alaska is one of the best places to witness them. But why Alaska? And how can you make sure you catch this elusive phenomenon?
Whether you’re a photographer searching for that perfect shot or an adventurous traveler eager for an unforgettable experience, Alaska’s unique positioning, climate, and rich history of Northern Lights sightings make it the ideal destination. Curious about the best time to see the northern lights in Alaska? Wondering what gear to bring or how to capture the moment perfectly on camera? I’ve got you covered.
Best Times and Places to View the Northern Lights in Alaska
When planning your Northern lights, timing and location are everything. Alaska’s position near the Arctic Circle makes it prime for aurora sightings, but understanding when and where to go can make all the difference in catching a clear, vibrant display.
Best Time To See Northern Lights In Alaska
- Optimal Months: Northern lights forecast Alaska shows the best viewed between late September and early April. During this period, Alaska experiences longer nights, giving you extended darkness ideal for aurora visibility. March is often a top choice among travelers, thanks to clearer skies and slightly warmer weather.
- Best Hours: For the brightest displays, aim to be out between 10 PM and 2 AM. However, auroras can appear at any time during the dark hours, so staying out longer may increase your chances.
- Moon Phases: A new moon or night with minimal moonlight improves visibility, as less ambient light allows the aurora colors to stand out more vibrantly against the night sky.
Best Places to See Northern Lights in Alaska
- Fairbanks: Known as one of the most reliable spots for viewing the aurora, Fairbanks is just 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle. With clear skies and tour options that cater to Aurora chasers, this city offers one of the best Northern Lights experiences.
- Anchorage: Anchorage is another great base for Northern Lights seekers. Though it’s closer to the coast, the city has plenty of dark, open spaces perfect for catching the lights. Venture out a bit to places like Eagle River or Girdwood to escape city lights.
- Denali National Park: Imagine viewing the Northern Lights over the iconic landscape of Denali. The park’s vast wilderness provides a serene, undisturbed backdrop that amplifies the magic of the aurora.
- Nome: For a more remote adventure, head to Nome. With its wide-open spaces and clear night skies, Nome is an incredible location for viewing the Northern Lights without the interference of city lights.
10 Photography Tips for Capturing the Aurora
Capturing Alaska’s beauty requires a bit of preparation and a photography guide, but the results are well worth it. Here are ten tips to help you photograph the aurora in all its vivid, glowing beauty:
- Use a Sturdy Tripod
The aurora’s subtle, shifting light calls for long exposure shots. A stable tripod is essential to keep your camera steady and avoid any unwanted blurring. - Set Your Camera to Manual Mode
To get full control, switch your camera to manual mode. This allows you to adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed for optimal light capture. - Select a Wide-Angle Lens
The aurora covers large swaths of the sky, so a wide-angle lens (14-24mm) lets you capture more of the landscape and the lights, creating stunning, immersive shots. - Adjust the Aperture to a Low f-stop
Choose a low f-stop, ideally between f/1.4 and f/2.8, to allow as much light as possible to enter the lens. This is crucial for night photography in low-light conditions. - Set a High ISO
Start with an ISO of 800 to 1600 to capture the aurora’s brightness without creating too much noise. You can adjust it up or down based on the intensity of the lights and your camera’s capabilities. - Experiment with Shutter Speed
Start with a shutter speed of 5 to 20 seconds. Shorter exposures will capture sharp details, while longer exposures create dreamy, smooth aurora waves. Test different settings to find your ideal exposure. - Turn Off Autofocus
Autofocus can struggle in the dark, so switch to manual focus. To set focus, aim at a bright star or distant light, adjust until it’s sharp, then lock the focus. - Use a Remote Shutter or Timer
Avoid any chance of camera shake by using a remote shutter release or setting a 2-second timer. This keeps your camera completely still during the shot. - Shoot in RAW Format
Shooting in RAW preserves all image data, which gives you more flexibility when editing. This format allows you to adjust exposure, contrast, and color to bring out the aurora’s vibrant hues. - Bring Extra Batteries and Keep Them Warm
Cold weather drains batteries faster, so pack extras and keep them in a warm pocket. Swap them out as needed to stay powered up throughout the night.
Where to Stay for the Best Aurora Views
Choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference when chasing the lights in Alaska. Staying in resorts with minimal light pollution and an unobstructed view of the northern horizon increases your chances of seeing the aurora directly from your doorstep. Here are some top options, ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious hotels, that put you near prime viewing spots:
1. Aurora Borealis Lodge – Fairbanks
Located just north of Fairbanks, the Aurora Borealis Lodge is renowned for its clear views of the Northern Lights. In Fairbanks, visitors can expect to see the Northern Lights about 90% of the time if they stay for three nights and actively seek them out during late evening hours. Set away from city lights, this lodge offers spacious rooms with large windows, allowing guests to catch the aurora’s glow right from their rooms. It’s a favorite for photographers and those who want to enjoy the aurora in comfort.
2. Chena Hot Springs Resort – Fairbanks Area
For a unique experience, stay at Chena Hot Springs Resort, where you can enjoy geothermal hot springs while waiting for the aurora to appear. Located about 60 miles from Fairbanks, the resort offers northern light tours, giving guests a chance to see the aurora in one of Alaska’s most scenic and serene settings.
3. Northern Sky Lodge – Ester
Situated near Ester, Alaska, Northern Sky Lodge is a cozy, family-owned lodge known for its wide, open views of the aurora. With minimal light pollution, this spot is ideal for a quiet, intimate experience with the Northern Lights.
4. Sheldon Chalet – Denali National Park
If you’re seeking luxury with an unforgettable view, Sheldon Chalet, located within Denali National Park, offers high-end accommodations with a front-row seat to the aurora. Accessible only by helicopter, it’s a remote and exclusive experience that combines stunning landscapes and top-tier comfort.
5. Borealis Basecamp – Fairbanks Area
For a truly immersive experience, Borealis Basecamp offers glass-roofed igloos, allowing you to view the Northern Lights from the warmth of your bed. Located outside Fairbanks, this unique stay combines the thrill of aurora viewing with the comfort of private igloo suites.
6. Alaska Range Lodge – Healy
Alaska Range Lodge, located in Healy near Denali National Park, offers rustic cabins with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Northern Lights. The lodge’s secluded location makes it ideal for aurora watchers who prefer a private and quiet environment.
7. Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground – Bethel
For those who prefer an outdoor experience, the Bethel outdoor adventure and campground provides simple, cozy cabins with clear, unobstructed views of the northern skies. Bethel’s location, away from city lights, makes it a fantastic spot for seeing the aurora, especially for those seeking a more budget-friendly stay.
8. Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge – Talkeetna
Overlooking the Alaska Range, Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge is a charming hotel with comfortable rooms and a deck that offers breathtaking views of both Denali and the Northern Lights. The lodge’s position near Denali provides a unique backdrop for aurora viewing.
9. Winterlake Lodge – Remote Wilderness Location
Accessible only by small plane, Winterlake Lodge is a remote luxury lodge that offers incredible aurora viewing in a peaceful, isolated setting. With guided tours and exceptional amenities, this lodge offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in a stunning wilderness location.
10. Alaska Log Cabins on the Pond – Fairbanks Area
These rustic log cabins near Fairbanks offer the charm of a cabin stay with all the amenities you need. With minimal nearby light pollution, guests can step outside and enjoy an unfiltered view of the Northern Lights over a peaceful pond.
Scientific Explanation of the Northern Lights Phenomenon
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a stunning display of light in the Earth’s atmosphere caused by the interaction between solar particles and Earth’s magnetic field. This phenomenon is driven by complex processes that begin on the sun and end with a captivating light show in the night skies near the poles.
This video provides a scientific explanation of the Northern Lights, detailing how charged solar particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere to create the aurora. It breaks down the process, from solar winds to atmospheric collisions, helping viewers understand the physics behind this stunning phenomenon.
1. The Role of the Sun
The Northern Lights begin with the sun. Periodically, the sun releases bursts of charged particles, known as solar winds, through solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These solar winds carry high-energy particles like electrons and protons, which travel across space and can reach Earth in about 2 to 3 days.
2. Earth’s Magnetic Field as a Shield
As these charged particles approach Earth, they encounter Earth’s magnetic field, which acts as a protective shield, deflecting many particles. However, near the magnetic poles, the field lines dip closer to the Earth’s surface, allowing some particles to enter the atmosphere. This is why auroras are most commonly seen near the poles, where these magnetic field lines converge.
3. Particles Collide with Earth’s Atmosphere
When solar particles interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, a process called ionization occurs. This involves electrons within these gases gaining or losing energy, releasing photons (light particles) in the process. This release of photons creates the glow that we see as the Northern Lights. The color and intensity of the aurora depend on the types of gases involved and the altitude of the collision.
4. Colors of the Northern Lights
- Green: The most common color, produced when solar particles collide with oxygen molecules at altitudes between 60 and 150 miles.
- Red: Seen less frequently, caused by oxygen at higher altitudes (above 150 miles), requiring more energy for these rare red emissions.
- Purple and Blue: Produced when nitrogen molecules are excited, creating a blue or purple aurora at lower altitudes.
5. Magnetic Storms and Auroras
During periods of high solar activity, such as solar storms, larger bursts of charged particles reach Earth, causing more intense and widespread auroras. These magnetic storms can expand auroral visibility to lower latitudes, allowing people in areas far from the poles to witness the Northern Lights.
FAQs
When can you see the northern lights in Alaska
Late September to early April, especially from 10 PM to 2 AM.
Which part of Alaska is best for Northern Lights viewing?
Fairbanks is ideal, along with remote areas like Denali and Nome.
What camera settings should I use to photograph the aurora?
Use a wide aperture (f/1.4–f/2.8), ISO 800-1600, and a shutter speed of 5-20 seconds.
How cold does it get during the Northern Lights season in Alaska?
Temperatures can drop to -20°F (-29°C) or lower, especially in Fairbanks.
Are there guided Northern Lights tours available?
Yes, various guided tours operate from Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Can I see the Northern Lights without any special equipment?
Yes, no equipment is needed to view them, but binoculars can enhance the experience.
What should I do if I encounter wildlife while viewing the aurora?
Stay calm, keep your distance, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
How far in advance should I plan a trip to see the Northern Lights?
Ideally, plan 6-12 months for the best accommodations and tours.
