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alaska aurora

Alaska Aurora: The Definitive Guide to Hunting the Northern Lights in Alaska

With its vast open skies, dramatic alpine mountains, and remote terrain, Alaska is an ideal destination for Aurora chasers looking to witness the majestic wonders of the north. From October to April, you can expect a magical light display of greens, pinks and purples that move across the sky—the famous Northern Lights.

But don't be fooled by the display's charm—it is a complex and unpredictable phenomenon that can take a little bit of knowledge and skill to track down. Thankfully, we have put together this definitive guide to tracking down your own Aurora adventure. Here you will learn about the best places for viewing Alaska Aurora and tips for getting the most out of your experience. We'll even answer some common questions about Northern Lights in Alaska, such as when and where to see them! So if you're ready to see one of nature's most remarkable spectacles firsthand, let's get started!

How to Increase Your Chances of Seeing the Northern Lights?

Did you know that over 80% of tourists miss the Northern Lights due to the lack of Aurora knowledge? Don't let that be you! The right time and the right place are the key. Northern Lights Online Course and Aurora mobile app designed for beginners will significantly increase your chances.

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The Vast and Rugged Alaskan Landscape: Perfect for Aurora Viewing

The vast and rugged Alaskan landscape is the perfect place to view the Aurora Borealis. With its diverse terrain, Alaska offers a wide range of unique and breathtaking scenery from mountains, valleys, glaciers, tundra and forests. The snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes and winding rivers create a stunning backdrop for watching the Northern Lights. Plus, it’s dark for optimum Northern Light visibility!

At night, enjoy a landscape transformed by darkness into a ghostly white under the starlit sky. This is when Mother Nature shines her best with unforgettable Aurora displays that range from dazzling greens to neon purples.

Whether you’re an experienced Aurora hunter or just someone who appreciates nature’s beauty, Alaska is definitely the place to be if you want an epic experience with the Northern Lights!
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Alaska’s Long and Dark Winters: Ideal for Northern Lights Hunting

When the Northern Lights appear, it’s in the winter months when the sky is clear and dark. This is why Alaska is a prime location for viewing the Aurora Borealis—Alaska has long and dark winters due to its extreme northern latitude.

From December through March, the state experiences nearly 20 hours of darkness on average each day. This makes Alaska one of the longest winter nights with optimal conditions for Aurora hunting and night photography. Plus, with its incredibly wide open spaces, clear air and no light pollution, you can get an even better view of the Northern Lights than anywhere else in the world.

On top of that, Alaska is home to numerous stunning destinations that offer stunning backgrounds against which you can admire this natural phenomenon. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or a first-timer trying to capture your first shots of the light show in action—you’ll find plenty of locations full of potential!
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Top 5 Places to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

If you're looking for an epic experience, checking out the Northern Lights in Alaska should definitely be on your bucket list. But where are the best places to view them? Here are our top five places in Alaska:

  • Fairbanks: The best spot to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is Fairbanks, primarily because it offers plenty of wide-open spaces and consistently clear skies — making it an ideal place for Aurora viewing and photography.

  • Chena Hot Springs: Located about an hour east of Fairbanks, this area of Alaska is also known as "the Valley of the Aurora" because of its frequent displays of the lights. Soak up some heat at the natural hot springs while you wait for a show!
alaska auroras
  • Talkeetna: This former gold rush town is located about two hours north of Anchorage, with views over Denali National Park and Mount McKinley — offering some pretty spectacular visibility on a clear night.

  • Cleary Summit: This spot near Fairbanks provides one of the highest points in interior Alaska, making it perfect for spectacular views of the horizon without any light pollution interfering with your Aurora watching.

  • Homer Spit: A great spot to take in both nature and a stunning display of lights is Homer Spit — it gives you unbeatable access to Kachemak Bay National Park, with plenty of golden beaches and sweeping sea views to take in before the sky turns into a kaleidoscope above you!

  • €19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

  • Course
  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
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Includes 1 Additional Product

best time for alaska northern lights

Best Months and Times to See the Alaska Aurora

When it comes to the best time of year to see the Alaska Aurora, any period between mid-September and mid-April is ideal. That's right—it's possible to view the beautiful lights in the winter months, but you've got to be prepared!

The peak months for viewing the Alaska Aurora are September through March, with November and February being prime times. The winter temperatures can get pretty low in Alaska at this time, so bundle up and be prepared for anything! As for timing, you'll want to pay close attention to weather forecasts and look for clear nights that offer dark skies.
best time for alaska northern lights
The Aurora show itself is hard to predict because of its random nature. But there are several resources available online that will help you track the solar winds and projected Northern Lights activity. A few of these websites can also alert you with notifications when there might be an Aurora visible—so keep those handy!

Regardless of when you decide to go Aurora hunting in Alaska - whether it’s in autumn or winter - remember that patience is key. You might have a great night sky above you, but it doesn’t mean that a colorful light show awaits. It’s best if you give yourself plenty of time outdoors so that you increase your chances of witnessing this natural phenomenon firsthand.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Northern Lights in Alaska

If you are considering visiting Alaska to view the Northern Lights, you may have a few questions. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked:

What are the best months to see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
The best time to see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska is during winter and early spring. The months with the best chances of spotting it are September, October, March and early April.
when are northern lights alaska
What time can you see the Northern Lights in Alaska?
Generally, the best time to watch for them is when it's dark out—from about 9 p.m. until 3 a.m. The Northern Lights may appear at any time during this period, so it’s important to be patient and alert after nightfall. Be sure to dress warmly!

How long do the Northern Lights last in Alaska?
The lights can last from a few seconds up to hours depending on solar activity and luck! So it pays to stay out for a while and keep an eye out for them if you have time.

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Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

  • Course
  • 21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.
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when do you see northern lights in alaska

Photography Tips for Capturing the Alaska Aurora

Capturing the Alaska Aurora in photos can be a tricky process, but with a few simple tips, you'll be able to capture the beauty of the night sky with ease. Here are some tips to get you started:

Use a tripod
Setting up your camera on a tripod and using remote control allows you to set up your shot quickly, minimize camera shake, and take multiple shots with less effort. Once you're all set up, remember to use the timer feature and also press the shutter button gently.

Use low ISO
Using lower ISO values will reduce digital noise and help you take better-quality photos of the Northern Lights. The optimal ISO setting is usually between 100-400.
when do you see northern lights in alaska
Set White Balance
To make sure the colors in your photos are true-to-life, it's best to use auto white balance mode or choose daylight white balance if it's available. This will ensure that colors in your photos appear as close as possible to what you see with your eyes.

Use Wide Angle Lens
Having wide-angle lenses will not only help you capture more of the night sky but they will also add dramatic effect to your photos. Try different angles and get creative! Shoot from low angles for an interesting perspective or try capturing movement by setting your shutter speed for longer periods of time (2-4 seconds).

Have Fun!
Most importantly, don't forget to have fun and let yourself be creative! Don't worry about getting every single detail right — just keep experimenting until you find something that works for you. Chances are, even if it doesn't look perfect in the camera — it can still look great once post-processed
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Conclusion

Alaska is the ultimate destination for Aurora viewers and photographers. With its breathtaking landscapes, long winter nights, and a wide variety of unique destinations, Alaska is an unbeatable place to experience the Northern Lights. Whether you are hoping to take stunning photos or just simply sit back and take in the beauty of nature, Alaska is the place for you. Whether you are looking for a peaceful and serene retreat or an exciting and action-packed adventure, Alaska has something for everyone. So grab your camera and your warmest winter clothes, and prepare for an unforgettable experience under the Northern Lights!

Find out how the Northern Lights work and all you need to know to avoid missing the show

All our courses are designed for beginners and people who never saw the Northern Lights. You can learn about the Northern Lights in an easy way. Enrol Now!

  • €19.99

Ultimate Northern Lights Course

  • Course
  • 99 Lessons
  • Includes 1 additional product

Learn all you need to know to see the Northern Lights. The full package online course. This course includes Basic, Intermediate and Advanced knowledge about the Northern Lights. Great for Beginners. Includes Certificate.
View product

Includes 1 Additional Product

  • €9.99

Aurora Myths & Legends (Ultimate Collection)

  • Course
  • 21 Lessons

Learn about the Top 19 Aurora Myths and Legends. But that's not all. Have you ever thought about how did it happen that people started to believe in these Myths and Legends? What had happened that night? 19 of Aurora Myths and Legends were turned into tales and are right here for you in this collection.
View product
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