Get Mesmerized with the Northern Lights of Alaska

Visitors from around the globe stop at Alaska, during the winter to have a look at the magical display of the flamboyant stripes of light, that party in the dark sky in the night. It is worth getting up in the middle of the night to experience this enchanted moment. The view is available thorough out the winter season and till the early summer season in September. Apart from viewing the Northern lights, the tourists can experience a number of snow sports like skiing, dog mushing, snowmobiling and other sporting events.

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are also called as the aurora Borealis. The activity of the aurora increases with the bustle of the sunspot, or when the solar particles are thrown into the earth’s surfaces at a speed of 60 miles per hour.

This speed and density of the ionized particles rouse the magnetic field of the earth’s surface and produce amusing patterns of lights, which is radiant, wavy, powerful and attractive. The most common colors that we get to see with the lights are brilliant yellow-green, red, blue and purple patterns.

Spots to view the Northern Light

The Lights can be viewed from any place that falls within 60 to 65 degrees on the Northern Latitude.

Fairbanks: is one such place that falls under the list of places where the lights can be viewed clearly. The view of the lights from this place is the most colorful and the brightest. A better accommodation facility with sports facility is available in this place.

Denali: This is also a good place to view the Lights of Alaska, with options of good accommodation and snow sports.

Anchorage: If you stay in Anchorage, you will be taken on an expedition to the spots where the Northern Lights of Alaska can be viewed clearly.

Eagle River Nature Center: This spot is located 31kms away from Anchorage. This center is kept open all through the winter, and it focuses on events connected with star gazing.

What is the best time to view the lights?

The lights or aurora can be viewed only in the nights. The time of the year to view this magical twinkling is from the month of September to April. Only during these months the skies with be clear with good weather and recurrent spectacles of light emissions. The crowning aurora activity during the winter is from 11:30 pm to 3:30 am. During the spring and fall season, the best time to view is from 12:30 am to 4: 30 am.

Tips to follow:

• Alaska is very cold, so get dressed up in layers and be very careful about the fabrics you choose. Also, wear a wind-proof coat and pants. Wear a warm wool blend sock too, if you are planning for a sporting event.
• Put on the winter boots or hiking boots to avoid cold.
• Check the climate of the area you are planning to visit from the dailies or the internet and check if the sky is clear.

Apart, from gaining the delight of the lights, you can also hire a vehicle and explore the Arctic Circle. If you hire a guide, he will explain you the history and culture of Alaska. You can travel through Alaska in depth and get to view, fox, moose and lynx. Dog mushing is also available in the Fairbanks. It is a one hour dog sled tour available at the lodging properties. The Northern Lights, in Alaska is one good place to visit during your lifetime to experience a fairy-tale like moment.