Seeking a beautiful night sky, the Aurora Borealis, Alaska

A curtain of light dancing in the night sky: the wonders of the aurora

The fantastic aurora that shimmers and glows in the pitch black night sky is a mysterious luminous phenomenon that has fascinated people since ancient times. The detailed mechanism behind the aurora has yet to be elucidated, but it is thought that the solar wind emitted from the sun blows against the Earth's magnetic barrier, generating a strong electric current, which causes the aurora to glow.

The aurora occurs around the North and South Poles. The area around 60 to 70 degrees latitude where the aurora occurs most frequently is called the aurora belt (the aurora belt in the southern hemisphere is located around Antarctica, so aurora observation trips are generally enjoyed around 60 to 70 degrees north latitude). The aurora is a natural phenomenon that occurs in space all year round regardless of the season or temperature, but it is difficult to observe in high latitudes in summer because of the midnight sun. Therefore, the best season for aurora observation is from September to March, when the nights are long. If you travel to Alaska during this time, you will likely hear locals ask, "Did you see the Northern Lights (the North American name for the aurora) last night?"

Head to Fairbanks, the base for aurora viewing

Located at the northwestern tip of the North American continent, Alaska stretches from 51 degrees to 71.5 degrees north latitude. Fairbanks, the second largest city in Alaska, is famous as a base for aurora viewing. During the aurora season from September to March, many people from all over the world flock to the city.

So why is Fairbanks a good place to see the aurora? The first reason is that it is located at about 65 degrees north latitude, directly under the aurora belt. Another attractive feature is that Fairbanks has a high rate of clear skies throughout the year, meaning there is a high probability of seeing the aurora. In addition, the suburbs of Fairbanks, Alaska's second largest city after Anchorage, are dotted with many hotels and lodges that can be used as a base for aurora viewing. Many aurora viewing tours are also run from the city. Of course, Fairbanks also has many spots and activities that can be enjoyed during the day, so you can also plan your trip by enjoying sightseeing during the day and seeing the aurora at night.

Prepare your cold weather gear and camera to enjoy the aurora even more!

The Aurora is a mysterious luminous phenomenon created by nature. No one knows exactly when the light will appear in the night sky and when it will disappear. In most cases, you can wait for the Aurora to appear in a warm place such as a lodge, a hut, or a car, but you will be exposed to the outside air while the Aurora is shining. Fairbanks is a harsh environment in winter, with temperatures sometimes dropping to minus 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, so it is essential to take measures to protect yourself from the cold when waiting for the Aurora under the night sky. Prepare a thick down jacket, down pants, gloves, hat, socks, hand warmers, etc. You can buy cold weather gear at local stores, and some tours will lend you cold weather gear. Don't forget to check carefully before you leave, including whether you can get it locally.

Observing the aurora is a priceless experience that will become a lifelong memory. To record that excitement, we recommend bringing camera equipment capable of photographing the aurora. Equipment you'll want to bring includes a single-lens reflex or mirrorless camera that allows you to manually set the shutter speed, exposure, and sensitivity, a sturdy tripod that can withstand long exposures, and a wide-angle lens with a bright maximum aperture (F-stop). Batteries will consume a lot of power in low temperatures, so be sure to bring spare batteries and a hand warmer to keep them warm. If you prepare well before heading out to photograph the aurora, you're sure to be able to capture the perfect shot that you'll be proud of when you return home!

Enjoy the Aurora and more in Fairbanks in winter

Besides the Northern Lights, there are many other attractions to experience in Fairbanks in the winter. For example, dog sledding is one of the most popular winter activities in Alaska. The feeling of speed that only a dog sled can give you as it races straight across the silvery white land is sure to become a vivid memory of your trip. Another activity that allows you to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Alaska is a scenic flight that offers a panoramic view of North America's highest peak, Mt. Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley), and the Arctic land. We also recommend traveling to Chena Hot Springs, which was discovered during the Gold Rush era, to enjoy the hot springs and the Northern Lights!