Have you lived in Alaska several months
or even years, and never have seen the aurora?
Visitors, are you here specifically to see the aurora?
WE SEE IT SEVERAL TIMES PER WEEK from North Pole, Alaska! (first week of August to last week of April)
Have a great summer! Interior Alaska will potentially see aurora the first week of August. See you then!
Green does not mean aurora, it means a likelihood of aurora. See legend.
How to see the aurora:
- Learn how to read the data and know the forecast and current data. Sign up for alerts on NOAA Space Weather.
- Check the data often. Daily right before your trip, and hourly and by the minute during.
- Watch the webcams in your area to determine if the aurora is being seen, or to see if skies are clear.
- Join us on social media to see what others are saying. Someone will post the forecast and if it will be imminent. When the aurora is seen, someone will post where they are seeing it.
- Get away from all sources of man made light and city light pollution.
- Drive to clearer skies or wait for clouds to clear. If you can see stars, aurora can be seen.
- Do not drive around from location to location unless you are avoiding light pollution or clouds. Stay in place and wait.
- Sometimes the aurora is faint, and sometimes bright. You must be patient and wait for it to change.
- After seeing the aurora, do not ask “is that it?” unless the sun is rising. Keep watching and waiting, as it comes and goes.
- Consider going with a tour to maximize your chances if you want to learn about the science, photography, or are limited on time, the weather is poor, or to be with other people. Decide by taking this fun quiz, Should you Hire a Tour Guide or Do it Yourself?
- For one on one help with your trip or aurora viewing, get advice on Buy Me a Coffee/AuroraNotify.
