Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights is a natural occurrence which has always interested people. And the best places in the world to witness this spectacle are the sky above Fairbanks, Alaska. Having relatively youthful geography and a stable and clear climate, it can be stated that Fairbanks is one of the best places that can offer the opportunity to observe the aurora borealis. This blog post looks at the adventure of witnessing the aurora lights fairbanks issues such as the science behind the lights, the place to be in Fairbanks, the most preferred periods, the many tips for any chorister, and many more issues.
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What Are the Aurora Lights?
Auroras, also known as polar lights are phenomena which cause light displays in high latitudes predominantly.These interactions create something that looks like curtains of light that move across the sky in greens, pinks, purples and can occasionally be pink and blue or red or blue.
The aurora lights occur in two types: the northern aurora lights fairbanks in places far off in the northern latitudes as well as the southern lights in countries located in the southern hemisphere of the earth. The auroras, contrary to being just a bright light in the sky, are also a way that geophysicists can see how the sun is behaving. Ions produced during a solar storm impact the Earth’s magnetosphere and the emitted charged particles result in the luminous events which are the aurora borealis.
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Watching the Northern Lights
Located at a latitude of 65.0261° N, Fairbanks lies about 150 miles South of the Arctic Circle and is therefore one of the best places from which to observe the aurora borealis. Due to the high latitude of the city there is nightly auroral activity during the winter months, which is ideal for snow and northern lights. Here are some of the key reasons why Fairbanks stands out as a top destination:
Geographical Advantage: As located in the “Auroral Oval,” a region of high activity of the Northern Lights, Fairbanks sees almost 200 aurora-rich nights per year.
Cold Climate: Cold as it can be in some months in Fairbanks, freezing weather tends to enhance clearer skies thus allowing the appearance of the northern lights.
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The Ideal Weather for Aurora Borealis Watching in Fairbanks
Among the questions people interested in the spectacle asked most frequently the following one, “When should one come to Fairbanks to witness the lights?” It is between late August and mid April its. This is the time when Fairbanks has its winter night, its cold and dark climate is perfect for viewing an aurora.
September and October: The early autumn period perfectly accomodates this phenomenon with beautiful auroral light shows whileallowing ampler opportunities of having permafrost-free frolicking amidst of the relatively warm temperatures.
November to March: These are the best months a year in which you can observe the aurora given the fact that nights are long and the skies are comparatively often clear. Nevertheless, expect freezing weather through out this time with the temperature some time falling to as low as -20° F.
There are abundant auroral activity in the period of September and March of the year, therefore, travelling during these times will allow you to have a marvelous spectacle.
- Chena Hot Springs Resor
Situated approximately 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Chena Hot Springs Resort has become a favorite among AOL travelers who are after the northern lights. Not only it provides stunning views of the lights, here, you could also take a dip in natural hot springs before the auroras commence. Daytime aurora tours are just as popular as the winter rental of heated viewing yurts and nighttime aurora tours.
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Murphy Dome
The Murphy Dome is one of the highest points around Fairbanks, and therefore, a good place to go if you want to watch the northern lights. The dome is located at approximately twenty-five miles northwest of Fairbanks and provides a clear, open field of view towards the sky at night.
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Creamer’s field Migratory waterfowl refuge
Located only 20 minutes drive outside the Fairbanks downtown, Creamer’s Field is a relatively dark, flat terrains for viewing the aurora without a need to go too far from the city. Due to the extensive and unobstructed area the big field offers a big vision of the heavens above.
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Aurora Pointe
Aurora pointe is another private location for viewing the northern lights AURORA POINT Our guests who is wishing for the northern light should visit Aurora pointe it is private place that offers best place to view northern lights. Only 15 min from downtown Fairbanks, the facility provides indoor heated spaces, snacks, and experienced staff.
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Aurora Chasing Tips
To ensure you make the most out of your aurora hunting trip in Fairbanks
Here are some essential tips:
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Plan for Cold Weather
It’s chilly to very cold in winter so be sure to dress warm for you will feel the cold in Fairbanks during this time. This includes wearing thermal underwear, a heavy coat, a hat, gloves and warm boots, as well as jumpers. Take hand warmers because after reaching the shooting area, you will spend most of the time standing in the cold weather.
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Be Patient
Anyur is utterly unpredictable as for the northern lights . They are usually slight some of the nights while in other nights they light the skies with bright moving colors. The best strategy therefore is to keep waiting since the auroras can occur at all the night time.
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Use the Right Equipment
If you want to take a shot at the aurora, equip yourself for it. A digital-SLR or mirror-less camera shoot with full-control settings are appropriate for long exposure photography. The camera should be fixed on a strong tripod in order to avoid getting a blurred image due to movement, also try out different settings of exposure in getting the best photos.
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Download Aurora Forecast Apps
There are many applications and websites that give one a forecast on the occurrence of the auroras which will enable one to estimate on the best time that they will be visible. Some of the most popular in this category are, the Aurora Forecast , and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
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Stay Awake and Alert
It should also point out that although the main chances of aurora occurrence are observed from 10 PM to 2 AM, it can happen at any night. Best time to capture the lights is when you are alert during this period of the night, so be sure to avoid dozing off.
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The Viewing of Aurora in Fairbanks
who may be novices at travelling through the Yukon Territory or those who would simply prefer having tours guided by some of the most knowledgeable local professionals. Sometimes these tours include conveyance to various far-flung places, and heated thermal facilities and even paid professional photography.
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Northern Alaska Tour Company
This company provides the guided tours in aurora and will drive you to a location where there is no accumulated lighting to hinder your view. One of their most famous tours is the Arctic Circle Aurora Fly/Drive Adventure that let you cross the Arctic Circle to enjoy fantastic light show of the auroras.
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Aurora Chasers Tour
Aurora Chasers is a photographic tour company specialising in small group tours where clients are taken out to see the northern lights and are also taught how to take good photos of the auroras. But the best thing about hiring professional photographers is that they will even help you with logistics like transportation, taking pictures of the group if that is requested, and if required they can also help with gear.
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Alaska Aurora Adventures
Other aurora-viewing tours by Alaskan Aurora Adventures include lodge-based, overnight tours to locations where even roof luminance would be fascinating. They also include snow mobile, dog sleds or even go for ice fishing as well the Aurora Borealis view.
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Aurora as Culture and History
Even at the dusk, the aurora borealis has always been associated with myths and folklore. Persons living in Alaska and other regions that include the Arctic have for years perceived the lights and associated them with spirits or even divine intervention.
The Inupiat people, for instance, thought that the northern lights were the spirits of their ancestors playing ball in the sky; other Alaskan Native groups thought the lights were otherworldly beings. The aurora still enchants anyone that comes across it, making tourists from every corner of the world visit the area to experience nature’s lighting show.
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Conclusion:
Why would anyone leave their comfortable desk and home to go and climb majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro of Tanzania for a close up view of the majestic ?
When in Fairbanks visiting the aurora borealis is most thrilling and an enchanting experience. It can easily be declared that Fairbanks is one of the best places on the planet to observe the aurora with a suitable weather, clear sky and a great number of objects to watch. Regardless of whether you wish to simply bask in a hot spring while admiring the aurora, take a guided tour or simply marvel at the beauty of the nights sky, Fairbanks presents travellers with the rarity of seeing nature at its best.
