Alaska Introduces New Northern Lights Viewing Opportunities
Alaska's aurora viewing season has begun, with the state's travel industry association highlighting new experiences for witnessing the phenomenon from fall through spring.
The Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has announced that the state's northern lights viewing season commenced in late August and will continue for the next seven months. This period, spanning from fall into early winter, is considered prime time for observing the aurora borealis.
"This fall into early winter timeframe is one of my favorite times of year for aurora viewing. The nights are starting to get longer, but the temperatures are mild," stated Jillian Simpson, President and CEO of ATIA. She noted that locations such as Fairbanks, situated directly under the auroral oval, offer a high probability of clear viewing nights. Simpson also clarified that solar maximums are not a prerequisite for experiencing the northern lights.
Several new ways for visitors to experience the aurora have become available this year. Near Fairbanks, The Orion lodge has opened, specifically designed for aurora viewing with modern amenities. Aurora Black Truck Tours offers private, small-group excursions to view the lights in heated vehicles.
In Southcentral Alaska, Outbound Heli Adventures provides a helicopter-accessible dome overlooking Knik Glacier for a secluded viewing experience. Snowhook Adventure Guides has expanded its operations with a new lodge in Hatcher Pass, enhancing its winter offerings, which include dog sledding and overnight packages for aurora viewing.
Further details on additional northern lights viewing experiences and their cultural significance to Alaska Native peoples can be found at TravelAlaska.com.