Where And How To View The Aurora In Alaska

The northern lights are flickers of solar bits and pieces produced when these solar particles touch the Earth's atmosphere

. The Earth's magnetic fields are responsible why these foreign objects from space enter the atmosphere. As these charged particles come in contact with the atmosphere, they generate into photons of varying colors. The most popular colors that you see during an aurora show are green, yellow, blue, red, and sometimes, violet.

Alaska natives in the past have believed with conviction that the northern lights had powers and that the lights were manifestations of the spirits of babies who died right after birth. Some even believed these lights are spirits of those who have died playing ball with skull of a walrus. A superstition had also been developed suggesting that whistling at the northern lights would cause them to seize the unfortunate victim out of Earth. Knives were believed to be the carried by Alaska natives to keep the aurora from snatching them.

The northern lights appear in random fashion so nobody really knows for sure when and what time they will appear. Some tips to increase your chances of catching the aurora are listed below:

Generally, the months of March and September are the best months to see the northern lights. If you go to Alaska to see the aurora during summer you will only be disappointed, for you won't see them during this season. The sky has to be fairly dark and clear, with least cloud formation possible, for you to enjoy the spectacle.

Most travelers start their aurora hunting an hour and a half after sunset. It is said that peak northern lights activity is between ten in the evening and two the next day (solar time). This only means that the perfect time to spot the aurora during winter is eleven thirty in the evening to three thirty dawn the following day with estimated peak auroral activity at one thirty dawn. On the other hand, the best time to see the aurora during Alaska spring and fall (March and September) is around twelve thirty midnight to four thirty dawn, with peak auroral activity approximately at two thirty.

There are important conditions to be met in order to get the most of your auroral viewing. The skies should be dark and clear. If possible, retreat to the outskirts and stay away from the city lights. There are circumstances beyond your control like the cloud formation. It is quite a challenge chasing after the northern lights but once you catch them, that is reward itself.

by: Sandra Najera

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