Expert Tips for Northern Lights Viewing

Stay in the moment: Guests can have plenty of opportunities to enjoy and photograph the aurora, but Kory Eberhardt, owner of Aurora Pointe, advises people to be sure to spend some time just enjoying the phenomenon. "If there are really good northern lights out, put down your phone and enjoy the natural phenomenon that you traveled all this way to see," he advises.

Seek out darkness: The aurora can potentially be viewed at any time of the year as long as there is darkness. Since Alaska is the land of the Midnight Sun, summer aurora chasing won't work very well. "The northern lights season is […] strictly defined by daylight and darkness," says Eberhardt. "If there isn't darkness there is a 0% chance to see the aurora. The most important consideration is getting away from city lights and to a dark area with a view of the sky above. It is possible to see the northern lights in more illuminated areas, but it's less common as the aurora needs to be very strong and bright [to be able to see it]."

Look for a new moon and clear skies: A new moon or a sliver of a moon is ideal for viewing since the skies are darker then. Clouds and precipitation can obscure views, so clear skies are best. 

Check the aurora forecast: Aurora apps can help predict auroras, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute issues an aurora forecast. While forecasts and apps can be useful tools, don't rely on them entirely. Take some time to look up and see for yourself. 

Dress for the cold: Be sure to bundle up and dress for conditions, since it can get dangerously cold in Alaska during aurora season, which is generally defined as mid-August to mid-April. 

Consider daytime activities: Carl Johnson, owner of Alaska Photo Treks, encourages people to also consider their daylight hours when selecting a spot to view the aurora. "You want to visit a location where there are other things to do during the day," Johnson says. "If the weather is not cooperating at night to see the northern lights, you want to have activities to do during the day: shopping, visiting museums, dog mushing, etc."