Alaska Auto Rental - Chase Stunning Aurora Borealis Northern Lights in Fairbanks Alaska
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a spectacular natural light show visible at certain times of the year in the northern hemisphere. This phenomenon occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth's atmosphere and collide with gaseous particles, such as oxygen and nitrogen. The experience is surreal, with vibrant hues of blue, green, pink and violet dancing across the night sky. The best places to see the aurora borealis offer little to no light pollution, clear skies and no precipitation. Many top viewing spots have websites with aurora trackers and staff members at some hotels will wake up visitors when the lights appear (if requested). Read on to discover the top destination in Alaska, to discover where you can see the kaleidoscopic northern lights. Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view the northern lights as it's located directly under the Auroral Oval. This ring-shaped zone sits over the Earth's geomagnetic north pole, where aurora activity is concentrated. Visitors can expect to see the lights on an average of four out of five clear nights during aurora season, which lasts from Aug. 21 to April 21. Other activities visitors can enjoy in late summer include a ride on the Riverboat Discovery or panning for gold. For a festive holiday experience, visit the Santa Claus House in the city of North Pole (around 13 miles southeast of Fairbanks).
Travelers can also see ice sculptures in February and March at the impressive World Ice Art Championships or take a dog sledding or snowmachine tour. It's no surprise that with Fairbanks' location, it is frequently referred to as the best place to see the northern lights in Alaska, the United States and in many cases, across the globe.
There are many different ways you can chase for the aurora. You can rent a vehicle from Alaska Auto Rental and drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for them to appear, or take a tour and watch them from a heated "aurorium" cabin, yurt, dome or lodge, see them on a dog sled adventure or while you are ice fishing, on a snow cat tour, via a trip part way up the Dalton Highway.
Why is Fairbanks such a great place to view the northern lights? Fairbanks' location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is in the "Auroral Oval zone ," a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Fairbanks' low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights. All combined these variables make the Fairbanks region the best destination for possible aurora borealis viewing.
There are so many different ways, but a great way is to take a northern lights tour with a guide. You can view them from a heated "aurorium" cabin or lodge, see them on a dog sled adventure, on a snow cat tour, via a trip part way up the Dalton Highway or even on a flight above the Arctic Circle. Or perhaps you want to go fishing while you wait and go on an evening ice-fishing adventure on a local lake! All of these are great options, or if you are a do-it-yourself adventurer, you can drive to a nearby vantage point and wait for them to appear. See below for accessible spots around Fairbanks. The best way to chase the Northern lights is by vehicle being mobile and understanding where the best viewing will be is key, Alaska Auto Rental in Fairbanks, Alaska Is your Northern lights chase headquarters are Trucks, and SUV'S we provide your best mobile viewing options. Book now at www.alaskaautorental.com
Fairbanks' location is ideal for northern lights viewing because it is in the "Auroral Oval zone ," a ring-shaped zone over the far north where aurora activity is concentrated. Fairbanks' low precipitation and distance from coastal areas contribute to consistently clear nights. All combined these variables make the Fairbanks region the best destination for possible aurora borealis viewing.
When is the best time of the year to see the northern lights?
Fairbanks' Aurora Season is from August 21 to April 21 and the aurora will be visible in Fairbanks an average of four out of five nights when the sky is clear and dark enough. Scientifically speaking, the aurora is dancing above year-round, but we can only see it during the Aurora Season when we have dark enough skies.
What are my chances that I will see the aurora if I visit Fairbanks?
The northern lights are so prolific in the Fairbanks region and the Arctic that visitors who stay a minimum of three nights and are actively out during the late evening hours increase their chance of seeing the aurora is greater than 92 percent!
What colors will I see on my visit?
Chasers of the lights will witness a swirling array of green, teal, and white. An intense aurora can get a purple or magenta edge. The aurora takes on different shapes such as curtains, bands, rays and coronas.
What should clothing should I wear ?
Layers, layers, layers and dress warmly! You will likely be out in the elements for extended periods of time. Rely on synthetic, wool, and fleece materials, especially in the winter.
So if your dreaming of seeing the northern lights reserve your transportation today at www.alaskaautorental.com
