The nights are growing longer, which means it’s a great time of year for northern lights viewing. Keep an eye on the aurora forecast, bundle up in your toastiest cold-weather gear, and head outside to marvel as the spectacular aurora lights up the sky.
Here are some predictions for the coming aurora season, tips on how to have a great viewing experience, and a few of the best spots to relax and look up at the sky.
Northern lights predictions
Solar activity causes the northern lights, so the sun’s solar cycle is key to predicting them.
Solar cycles last around 11 years, and higher levels of solar activity often mean better northern lights displays on Earth.
The sun is most active at the height of its solar cycle, and the current solar cycle just peaked in late 2024. As a result, this year could bring incredible, widespread displays of the northern lights.
Tips for viewing the northern lights
Before heading out to look for the northern lights, take a few steps to ensure the best possible viewing experience.
Keep an eye on the aurora forecast
The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a vast amount of aurora-related information, including a very helpful aurora forecast.
The forecast shows the likelihood of strong aurora activity in the coming hours and days, complete with a map showing which locations will be most likely to see northern lights.
The site also has aurora cameras, so you can check where people can view the aurora before heading outside.
Apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts also provide aurora forecasts, including real-time alerts, so consider downloading an app for aurora season.
Check the weather and plan accordingly
In order to see the aurora, you need a clear sky. Check the forecast to see whether you’re likely to have clouds, snow, or clear skies. Keep an eye on cloud cover and take a peek outside every once in a while, even on cloudy days, because you only need a small patch of clear sky to see the aurora.
Also watch the temperature and wind chill index, since Alaska can be very cold during aurora season. Be sure to bundle up, paying special attention to your fingers and toes, and have a safe, warm place to go inside if you get cold.
Keep safety in mind
Before heading out, make sure you’re dressed in warm clothing to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, and always use caution when viewing the aurora. Be aware of wildlife, and pay attention to your surroundings.
If you’re going to an unfamiliar place, consider heading there during the day first to scope it out and look for potential hazards before heading out at night when the aurora is out.
Rest up for a long night
Be prepared to stay up late. While it might get dark early, peak aurora viewing time is often late at night, typically around 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., or even later.
Plan on staying up well after midnight for a chance at the best views. However, auroras can be visible any time it is dark, so keep your eyes peeled.
Consider taking a pre-aurora watching nap and packing a thermos full of hot coffee to bring along for aurora hunting.
Best places and ways to view the northern lights in Alaska
Head to a dark location away from city lights, and make sure you have a clear view of the night sky for the best viewing opportunities.
Join a tour
One popular and convenient way to see the northern lights is to book a tour. Let your guide focus on the forecast and share their favorite viewing locations.
Guides will also generally have great tips for capturing the best images of the northern lights, both with smartphones and cameras. Bringing a tripod will help hold your device steady for long-exposure shots of the aurora.
Tour companies and guides typically handle the logistics and driving, but check with your operator before booking to see what’s included.
Some tours also combine activities like dog sledding or ice fishing with northern lights viewing for an even more incredible outing.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Soak in the hot pools at Chena Hot Springs Resort and then join an Aurora Viewing Tour for an unforgettable experience.
You’ll climb into a massive tracked vehicle for a ride to the top of Charlie Dome, where you can find 360-degree views. When the northern lights are out, you can sometimes see them stretch from horizon to horizon.
Up top, yurts let you warm up, sip hot drinks, and have snacks. The tour totals five hours, so you’ll be up late, but it’s worth it for the chance to see the panoramic aurora show.
The Aurora Ice Museum is another must during your visit.
A Taste of Alaska Lodge
Situated on 280 acres near Fairbanks, A Taste of Alaska Lodge is a cozy spot to view the northern lights.
The lodge holds three generations of family history, and the owners are kind and friendly, offering great tips on viewing the lights. Stay at the lodge, a cottage, or one of the on-site houses.
An aurora viewing cabin provides a warm spot to watch for the lights.
Borealis Basecamp
For a unique aurora-viewing experience, stay at Borealis Basecamp, located about 25 miles from Fairbanks. Stay in an aurora-viewing igloo with a clear ceiling, or choose an aurora-viewing cube with a floor-to-ceiling window. A cube suite is also available for larger groups and families.
Sign up for a variety of activities, such as snowmobiling and dogsledding, and enjoy dining onsite. A shuttle to and from Fairbanks is also available for guests who would prefer to let someone else do the driving.
Aurora Pointe
Aurora Pointe is a place built specifically for aurora viewing. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Fairbanks, and it provides a warm, comfortable place to wait for the aurora.
Guides share information about the aurora and let everyone know when it’s viewable. Inside, guests can enjoy modern facilities, as well as hot drinks and cookies, while they wait for the aurora. People can play games and converse with fellow aurora-watchers.
Sign up for an aurora viewing session in advance. Sessions begin at 10 p.m. and last about four hours.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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Kristen Pope
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer who covers outdoor adventure, travel, science, and any way people can connect with the outdoors.
