I used to be shocked that many individuals don’t even have Alaska on their radar for Northern Lights journeys! Go do a search, and also you’ll be inundated with Iceland and Norway, however Alaska continues to be a little bit of an outlier. And you realize what meaning? It’s the proper place to plan your Northern Lights journey as a result of it’s not as crowded or costly!
A couple of key issues make Fairbanks, Alaska, top-of-the-line locations for northern lights viewing. I’ve been there 4 occasions within the winter and have amassed a number of of my finest suggestions for experiencing Fairbanks Northern Lights in an effort to profit from your aurora expertise.
Why Fairbanks, Alaska, is the perfect place for a Northern Lights Viewing
Situated slightly below the Arctic Circle, landlocked, and close to Fairbanks Worldwide Airport, Fairbanks has the proper recipe for viewing the aurora borealis.
The Aurora Oval and Kp Index
The Northern Lights type an oval form above the Earth’s geomagnetic poles. Fairbanks occurs to be completely positioned underneath the oval surrounding the North Pole. Which means that the aurora in Fairbanks is usually seen instantly overhead! This distinctive vantage level is nice for aurora pictures and is just discovered underneath the auroral oval.
The Kp index, a measure of electromagnetic exercise within the environment additionally comes into play for aurora viewing. A studying of two or greater is usually thought of good for Northern Lights recognizing; nonetheless, you may see Northern Lights in Fairbanks even when there may be low exercise due to its place underneath the aurora circle.
“You haven’t seen the aurora till you may look straight up and see it overhead. Whenever you see it overhead – you may see how a lot construction is in it. So it’s finest to return north underneath the aurora oval.”
Aurora Physicist Peter Delemere
Climate in Fairbanks
Aurora season is between August 21-April 21 within the Fairbanks area. And one factor that’s required to see them is a transparent sky. You might be in luck in Fairbanks as a result of it has many clear nights because it’s positioned within the inland Arctic – an space they name Alaska’s inside. By the coasts, there’s extra humidity, precipitation, and clouds. However in Fairbanks, it’s a dry local weather that means a number of clear skies!
“The northern lights are so prolific within the Fairbanks area and the Arctic that guests who keep a minimal of three nights and are actively out in the course of the late night hours improve their likelihood of seeing the aurora to greater than 80 p.c!”
Discover Fairbanks
Fairbanks Geophysical Institute
The Geophysical Institute on the College of Alaska Fairbanks has earned a global popularity for finding out Earth and its bodily environments at excessive latitudes. It consists of seven main analysis models and plenty of analysis assist amenities, and it makes a speciality of aurora analysis on Earth and different planets.
Anybody can go go to the Geophysical Institute and take a self-guided tour, nonetheless, I went to speak to a physicist specializing in aurora analysis, Peter Delamere. Studying the science behind the aurora on Earth and Jupiter was fascinating! I discovered what makes the completely different colours we see and how one can spot a substorm. His total recommendation was to verify the northern lights forecasts and be persistent – very persistent.
A few of the smartest aurora folks on this planet are in Fairbanks, one more reason why it’s an excellent place for a Northern Lights journey!
Go to the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks: Public excursions of the Geophysical Institute are free and supplied on Wednesdays at 1 p.m. by way of the summer time. A self-guided tour brochure is on the market within the foyer of the Elvey constructing. You might be welcome to go to the constructing and take the self-guided tour Monday by way of Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Geophysical Institute Web site
The Fact About How We See the Northern Lights
Till I went to go to Fairbanks, Alaska, I assumed the Northern Lights had been all simply hype. No – I haven’t joined a Flat Earth Society or determined World Warming is a hoax; I simply didn’t know if I absolutely believed in them. I had good purpose to doubt them.
I had ‘seen’ the aurora borealis twice earlier than – however to my disappointment, it was nothing like what I had seen in footage and movies. There was no shade (apart from what lengthy publicity pictures may seize), and there was no dancing. As an alternative what I noticed was a grey, cloudy glowing blob. These aurora sightings may’ve been mistaken for moon glow or fog, and I by no means would have even observed them besides folks instructed me it was the aurora.
After my disappointing experiences, I began to suppose that the Northern Lights had been attributable to a bizarre conspiracy by tourism departments and Northern Lights tour firms.
I instructed Peter Delamere on the Geophysical Institute about my conspiracy principle, and he defined, “When it’s faint, your eye doesn’t detect it as inexperienced; it seems as a grayish glow, and it may be a bit disappointing.”
I assume I simply had unhealthy luck with the aurora depth in line with Peter. To see any shade within the faint aurora, I needed to do pictures to understand it was there as a result of it’s not all the time seen to the human eye.
Our eyes use two several types of cells to see mild: rods and cones. The cone cells understand fantastic element and shade however want vibrant mild. Rod cells can solely see black and white and have poor decision however stay delicate even in very low mild. At night time, with none vibrant mild supply, we usually solely see a monochromatic world. Nevertheless, cameras can present us what our eyes can not see. That is why you see images with vibrant inexperienced lights.
Find out how to See the Aurora in your Northern Lights Journey
Test the Northern Lights Forecasts
There are a selection of real-time aurora tracker GPS cellphone apps and web sites that can assist predict the aurora. I used a mix of all of them!
Aurora Borealis Tracker
Reside Webcam
Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast
See the place the aurora oval is at any time
Take a Northern Lights Tour
You might need to take a tour, or it’s your decision the liberty of a rental automobile and chasing the aurora by your self. Both method is nice, and I attempted out a number of completely different Fairbanks northern lights excursions throughout my journey (extra on these within the subsequent part!).
Aurora Picture Excursions
In case your objective is to get an excellent photograph of the aurora, then I extremely suggest signing up for an aurora pictures workshop the primary night time you arrive in Fairbanks. In any case, this can be a bucket listing merchandise for most individuals, and also you need to just be sure you know what you might be doing, because the aurora isn’t a straightforward factor to {photograph}.
A 40-minute drive from Fairbanks will put you firmly within the inside – an ideal place to view Northern Lights. Simply off the Steese Freeway, you’ll discover Aurora Bear Images Workshops, a small intimate workshop in Frank and Miriam’s off-the-grid residence.
Frank gives starting and superior pictures lessons, and in case you don’t have your individual DSLR or mirrorless digicam, he rents them together with tripods. You’ll depart with some spectacular night time sky and (hopefully) aurora images.
Aurora Viewing Tour
These excursions usually have huge numbers of individuals with a mixture of photograph addicts and simply individuals who need to see the aurora. As you would possibly guess – these aren’t my jam. I hate huge excursions and coach buses. Nevertheless, it really works for some folks, and it’s good to know that Fairbanks gives these kind of excursions to get you out of the town and improve your likelihood of seeing the northern lights.
Lodges Supply Northern Lights Viewing Packages
Some resorts provide aurora viewing choices the place folks can come and keep up all night time in a heat setting like a yurt or lodge however simply run exterior and benefit from the present when it arrives. We went to Style of Alaska Lodge simply exterior of Fairbanks and so they had an ideal setup for viewing. They’d a warm-ish yurt the place we may keep heat and wait, then run exterior and take images simply. The log cabin lodge offered an attractive foreground within the images.
I additionally went to and stayed on the distant Black Rapids Lodge. It’s south of Fairbanks however continuously will get stunning northern lights sightings. The gorgeous factor about Black Rapids is that it’s surrounded by the Jap Alaska Mountain Vary, so you may see the Northern Lights over the mountains!
It’s additionally value noting that all the resorts round Fairbanks may even offer you an Aurora wake-up name in case you join it. This implies you don’t have to take a seat up all night time ready; they do all of the onerous work and name you when they’re out. Nevertheless – it’s onerous to see the northern lights in Fairbanks because of the metropolis lights, so the wake-up name is finest if you find yourself at resorts within the countryside, away from the sunshine air pollution.
Uncover the place to search out autumn colours in Alaska
Have an Journey Whereas Viewing the Aurora
A number of ready is concerned when chasing the northern lights, so it’s possible you’ll need to go for an exercise whilst you wait. Fortunately the folks in Fairbanks know how one can host an excellent out of doors journey! Doing a quintessential Alaska winter journey whereas ready for the lights to indicate up is an effective way to maximise your time…and keep heat!
Listed below are a number of examples:
Lease a Automobile and Go Aurora Chasing Independently
It’s also possible to simply lease a automobile and head out independently for so long as you’d like. Simply guarantee you’ve a full gasoline tank because the automobile will probably be your heat ready spot in the midst of the night time. The Discover Fairbanks web site has detailed viewing areas excellent for the impartial aurora chasers full with maps and descriptions of the place you may pull over and wait. Convey heat garments and meals and water!
My Favourite Fairbanks Aurora Borealis Excursions
Should you resolve to take a tour, listed here are six of my favorites I’ve completed across the Fairbanks space.
1. Aurora Bear – Images
It was 10 PM, and we had been going to the Aurora Bear Images Workshop. As we pulled into the driveway lit by torches, it gave the entire space a romantic glow within the snow. My pleasure stage perked up and my sleepiness subsided. This was a small, intimate photograph workshop in Frank and Miriam’s off-the-grid residence.
TIP: Do an Aurora photograph workshop on the primary night time in Fairbanks to make sure the remainder of your time in Alaska chasing Aurora will probably be photographically productive!
Frank and Miriam instantly was quick buddies as we talked of their little cabin lit by candlelight. All of us had a lifetime of travels underneath our belts and we bonded on journey tales over tapas as we bought to know one another. This workshop was personal in that just one occasion may e book it. Frank’s objective was to create one thing extra private and memorable for folks somewhat than doing a tour with a big group.
“Aurora watching is an emotional factor – it’s one thing from their lifelong bucket listing. They dream of it for a very long time. And it’s a number of effort, time and money to get to the place you may see it. After they do see it – it’s emotional and we frequently hear very private tales from folks. And that’s what makes it particular for us too.” Frank defined.
Frank offered us with a scientific background, after which we went into pictures suggestions and settings as he primed us for the large present. I discovered a ton about chilly climate Northern Lights pictures. Frank may even take footage of you with the lights so you’ve an excellent reminiscence of the expertise. In addition they provide different types of issues to do on their property, like snowshoeing whereas watching the northern lights, or you may simply hang around and luxuriate in their canines. The expertise was all the things I may’ve requested for and extra.
I really like this small, intimate setting a lot that I embrace it on my Ottsworld Alaska Winter Tour – and it’s all the time a spotlight of the journey!
Aurora Bear Images: Learn what different folks considered Aurora Bear Images on Journey Advisor. Take a look at all of the Aurora Bear Picture Workshops.
2. Final Frontier Mushing Co-op Aurora Night time – Journey
Amanda and Ryne, the 2 ladies who led our Northern Lights tour, had been each skilled mushing racers. They had been younger, badass, and enjoyable to hang around with. They bought us all suited up for a canine sled experience, one thing I had completed earlier than, however I had by no means mushed at midnight. With the brand new fallen snow, the black spruce timber had been magical, all lined with dollops of white. The canines had been desirous to run, and we had been bundled up a lot that we resembled Randy from The Christmas Story.
Terrified of the chilly climate in Fairbanks within the Winter? It simply takes the proper gear.
Take a look at my Alaska winter packing listing, and go ready!
After the sledding, we warmed up within the cozy yurt and bought our cameras prepared. The forecast was actually optimistic for the night time, and the skies had been completely clear. As we ate scrumptious smoked salmon and reindeer sausage inside, Amanda was exterior waiting for the aurora. The aurora forecast was optimistic for the night time.
“It’s right here!” she exclaimed and we jumped into motion.
We spent the subsequent 90 minutes exterior watching because the lights grew in depth and began to maneuver and circulate like a wave within the sky. This was the substorms I had heard about: streaks of sunshine dancing upwards proper above our heads. At that time, I simply watched in awe. I didn’t take many footage that night time as a result of I used to be mesmerized simply watching it with my eyes. The night time was chilly however excellent. We sat by the hearth, had scorching chocolate, and took footage, however largely, we simply loved the present.
The Mushing Co-op may even take footage of you with the aurora and do enjoyable mild pictures whilst you look ahead to the aurora to look.
Unbelievable canine sledding underneath the starry arctic sky AND dancing Northern Lights…it was two bucket listing gadgets in a single night time!
Aurora Watching and Canine Sledding: Learn what different folks needed to say concerning the Final Frontier Mushing Co-op on Journey Advisor. Take a look at Aurora Watching and Canine Sledding.
3. Borealis Basecamp and Viewing Domes
In case you are searching for an extremely distinctive approach to see the northern lights round Fairbanks and have a much bigger finances, then try Borealis Basecamp. It’s a hybrid glamping and aurora expertise about an hour’s drive north of Fairbanks, the place there’s no signal of sunshine air pollution.
Borealis Basecamp is the latest and most glamorous approach to see the northern lights within the area. I didn’t truly get to have the complete in a single day expertise, however I did go there in the course of the day to take a look at the distinctive glamping buildings.
These fiberglass domes are harking back to igloos and they’re what expedition and analysis groups use within the far polar areas. Nevertheless, these igloos have been transformed to incorporate clear, curved home windows that stretch 16 ft throughout every igloo roof. This enables company to lie in mattress and consider the northern lights with out leaving their cozy cover.
The igloos are in no way primitive although they’re off the grid. They’ve kitchenettes, a full toilet, an actual mattress and mattress, and they’re heated.
4. Aurora Level Tour Expertise
Aurora Level is a comparatively new expertise simply exterior of Fairbanks that caters to quite a few folks without delay. It’s undoubtedly not intimate, however it’s enjoyable and informative. That is mainly a snug viewing level somewhat than a tour. You arrive (you must get your self there) and enter the massive constructing the place you’ll have the ability to comfortably wait indoors.
Consolation is vital on this expertise. There are couches and good tables arrange. There are video games to play, scorching drinks, and all-you-can-eat cookies. Whilst you wait they do a lecture on the aurora explaining the what and the way of the phenomenon.
They’ve somebody who goes exterior and does the ready within the chilly for you after which will inform you when the lights are out. They also have a stay webcam of the sky televised within the constructing so you may also control the exercise and know precisely when to go open air.
As well as, they’ve a few pretty firepits exterior the place you may also hang around and preserve watch on the sky. Or you may hike alongside one of many many paths within the fields to maintain transferring and control the sky.
They’ll take footage of you and the aurora and enable you to with your individual pictures too. This expertise is a superb discount – however you actually received’t be alone.
Reservations are mandatory, and you’ll have to present your individual transportation there.
5. Chena Scorching Springs Resort Aurora Tour
I’m not a giant fan of Chena Scorching Springs – the standard has actually diminished each time I return, it’s not properly run in my view, and it’s outdated. Nevertheless – they do have an excellent and distinctive aurora tour they provide that’s value one in a single day keep. Plus, you get to benefit from the scorching springs, too, after all.
The tour is like nothing I’ve skilled earlier than. They name it a snow coach tour, nevertheless it’s not a bus, it’s an previous military-style observe car related like a practice to different ‘automobiles’. It slowly and loudly makes its method up the mountain to the highest of Charlie Dome, the place there are two Monolgian-style yurts. That’s your base for the night time – removed from any civilization and much from the resort, too!
They supply scorching drinks and snacks in the course of the night. Once I went, it was a full moon, however don’t let that deter you. You possibly can nonetheless get good pictures throughout a full moon. In actual fact, I bought this cool shot of a moondog and the lights on the similar time!
6. Arctic Circle Northern Gentle Tour
It is a lengthy 16-hour tour, nevertheless it’s a approach to expertise the perfect of the area and cross the Arctic Circle!
Embark on a journey excessive above the Arctic Circle to Coldfoot by air. Get pleasure from lunch on the truck cease (a singular expertise itself), after which transition to a van for the fascinating return drive alongside Dalton Freeway to Fairbanks.
Alongside the best way, we made stops to marvel on the pipeline, interact in some exhilarating sledding, and savor the distinctive landscapes of the Arctic Circle and the Yukon. Roughly 90 minutes north of Fairbanks, we stopped at a small cabin to see the aurora. It regularly emerged throughout our van experience, reaching its full, mesmerizing show by the point we reached the cabin.
This was one among my most memorable nights for aurora exercise, with the lights gracefully dancing throughout the sky for hours. Furthermore, the cabin supplied a pleasant haven for warming up and indulging in snacks throughout breaks between aurora spectacles. This was a protracted day – nevertheless it was value it.
E-book this tour by way of the Northern Alaska Tour Firm. They provide drive-up/fly-back variations in winter.
Why an Alaska Practice Journey Ought to Be On Your Winter Itinerary
What Time Do the Northern Lights Seem in Fairbanks
The everyday time the northern lights seem round Fairbanks is 10 PM to three AM. Oof – thanks, Aurora Oval, for holding me up all night time. I made a decision an Aurora Borealis journey in Alaska could be like a journey to Vegas. You find yourself in a bizarre sleep sample the place you might be awake from 10 PM to 4 AM when the lights are hopefully seen after which sleep till 11 AM the subsequent morning.
There are tons of nice issues to do in Fairbanks moreover chasing the Northern Lights, however simply don’t plan too many early-morning actions. Late nights and early mornings don’t combine!
TIP: Take a nap within the afternoon to organize to your late-night aurora chasing.
“Every part good occurs after midnight right here.”
Peter Delemere Aurora Physicist
I’ve visited Fairbanks quite a few occasions and loved viewing the Aurora Borealis there greater than I may depend. You might have all the things you want in Fairbanks, Alaska, for an excellent Northern Lights journey. The perfect half is that you simply really feel like you’ve a spot for your self since you’ll be blazing your individual path whereas others head to costly Scandinavian international locations. Come to Fairbanks, Alaska, to see for your self!
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Disclosure:
I used to be a visitor of Discover Fairbanks throughout this journey, nonetheless all opinions expressed listed here are my very own. This submit comprises some affiliate hyperlinks. Should you select to buy gadgets by way of these hyperlinks, I’ll earn a small fee at no further price to you. These commissions assist scale back the prices of working this website