Aurora Borealis Notifications, what is it?

Over the years I have changed what I do to help you see the aurora. I have tried different things, and as time moves on, people want to do things different ways. These days, people love to rely on apps instead of actual sightings with the human eye. There is no app that tells you the aurora is out, none…unless you are seeing a webcam app that shows current or live aurora on camera.

I used to only notify people on Facebook and Twitter. I continue to do share on social media with reports from people all over the world. I share current photos that keep you in the know of what is happening in the night sky. If it is happening over my area, I share my own photos. This is not about me though, it is about sharing the aurora seen in the sky so no one misses it. That is the reasoning behind me not sharing only my photos.

For a few years, I notified people by a texting service. Although there were plenty of customers and the system worked, I simply did not have enough time to continue this. With my day jobs and raising 2 kids alone, being up all day and night was very difficult. If it was my only job, I could have done it. Being 100% automated over the past decade was/is impossible. Remember, a Kp alert is not an aurora alert. Someday this will be possible, but has not been and is not as of this post. People love their apps and think they provide aurora alerts.

The biggest retort I get from that statement is “but it worked for me”. No it did not. Aurora happened to be out when you were “notified”. In fact, you probably missed minutes or hours of the show. The aurora is always present, whether it is faint, very low, or the opposite, high up and bright. Formerly, I provided texts for the state of Alaska only. Otherwise, I would’ve had to be watching the sky, webcams, and data, all day when I couldn’t.

I help tourists who want to see the aurora on their own without a tour guide. I send texts and answer questions. One answer I provide is that taking a tour is highly recommended if you are a novice. The correct tour, an experienced guide and not just a driver, can show you a great experience, tell you the science, help with your camera or phone camera, take you to great spots, have fun while waiting for the lights, and keep you safe on icy roads in the middle of the night, sometimes far from a cellphone signal.

Helpful texts include weather reports and where to go, advice on rental cars and places to stay. Up to date aurora forecast, current conditions, and realistic chances. These are not chances that you see on apps, those make no sense at all. A 1% chance on an app is discouraging, whereas my customers will see aurora with 1%. A 95% chance of seeing aurora means nothing on an app. That means the data is good and the weather is clear.

I provide a driving service to aurora tour guides that have too many customers and not enough seats. The guides know, that with me they will get a quality conversation and educated space weather talk, as well as local Fairbanks information. We meet at the same location where the guide will continue their tour with all the guests.

I refer people to tour guides and accommodation. Have you seen the choices of tours and experiences? There are so many. You can read the reviews and see the photos and decide from there. I know all the guides I recommend. Same for places to stay, I have been to all of them. Some tours and places may not fit all people, and some may find it perfect for what they are looking for.

Not all places on short term rental websites have aurora viewing. A photo means aurora was seen there….but is it seen every night (when clear?) maybe not. Can you see it from bed or the living room window?That is where I can help, if that is what you seek.

I see aurora every night from my place in North Pole, Alaska. Sometimes it is faint and fleeting. Sometimes the clouds cover the entire sky. It is sometimes possible to drive away from the clouds. Sometimes clear skies are near, and sometimes more than 100 miles away. My webcam has captured aurora every night it is clear for many years. I am also up and watching the sky and the current space weather data.

Thousands of people have seen the aurora because of Aurora Borealis Notifications and the people who have shared reports and photos. Thank you all for sharing this amazing and magical phenomena.

To sum it up, this website and my social media accounts help people see the aurora (this part is free). In person for a small fee, I help people by texting how to see the lights, where to go, which tour guides may suit them, and ideal places to stay. I also help tour guides by providing needed help. Please text me for more information, my fee is reasonable. ~Amy