If you are a photographer, you get it. “Art in nature” abounds in Alaska. The deep blue hues of a glacier. A mountain’s silhouette framed by a crimson sunset. The sparkle of a spontaneous light show in the dark night sky. These are the experiences that touch your heart and bring peace to your soul.
Surely, one of the most magical is watching the spectacular celestial performance of the Northern Lights also known as Aurora Borealis. No two light shows are ever the same and once you’ve seen these in person, you will yearn for more. This month we share how you can maximize your opportunities for experiencing the aurora between late August and mid April on a vacation to Alaska.
And Dr. Melanie Windridge, a plasma physicist from the U.K. and author of Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights, shares with us the science behind aurora borealis.
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your “must do” bucket list, we’ve got some ideas for you!
Our Alaska Glaciers, Hot Springs and Northern Lights tour, a week-long adventure, combines a glacier trek near Anchorage with a train ride on the Alaska Railroad up to Fairbanks where you can you can soak in the natural warm waters at Chena Hot Springs while you search the skies for views of the aurora.
You might also enjoy our Aurora Train Travel in Winter. On this 5-day tour, you’ll get to experience some of Alaska’s most popular winter activities out of both Anchorage and Fairbanks including a guided tour of Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway, a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a scenic trip by train to Fairbanks where your guide will take you on a special tour to prime Northern Lights hot spots.
And for those who want a more relaxed pace, you’ll love our Chena Hot Springs Alaska Winter Tour. This historic, year-round resort near Fairbanks is internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs and is a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. In addition to world class aurora viewing, Chena Hot Springs offers guests numerous resort-based outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, dog sledding tours, snowmobiling, massage and more.
Venture north this winter and experience “art in nature” and the beauty of aurora borealis!
