Aurora Borealis Alaska

The aurora borealis or northern lights are one of the major attractions that make Alaska a popular travel destination. However, if you wish to see them, you need to plan your trip carefully. Although the aurora borealis or northern lights aurora is active all year round, they can only be seen when the Alaska night sky is dark enough. Although, this usually happens between late August and early April, it may be different in specific regions of Alaska. Anyone planning aurora borealis vacations should research the particular area they will be visiting in order to determine the best time to see the northern lights.

The aurora borealis or northern lights are a phenomenon that is not completely understood. The aurora gets its name from the Roman goddess of dawn. An Eskimo tale tells us that the lights are sprits in the sky playing catch with a walrus skull. Another legend describes the lights as flaming torches carried by travelers to the afterlife.

On a more scientific level, it was once thought that the aurora borealis was produced by sunlight reflected from polar snow and ice, or refracted light similar to the light that produces rainbows. However, the more recent research suggests that the aurora is caused by radiation, which is emitted as light from atoms in the upper atmosphere as they are hit by swiftly moving electrons and protons. The type of atom determines the color. The sun also seems to have an influence since auroras become brighter, more distinctive, and widespread following two days of intense sunshine.

So, what is so special about the northern lights that people go out of their way to plan specific aurora borealis vacations? Imagine this. You look up and see the undulating, multi-colored ribbons of light dance across the sky. They display visual patterns far more intricate than the most talented artist could create. People take aurora borealis vacations to witness these miracles of nature.

In order to best appreciate the northern lights, many people decide to take aurora borealis tours. This is advisable if you are truly keen on seeing this marvelous phenomenon. A knowledge guide can tell you the best times and locations for viewing the aurora borealis. Some aurora borealis tours have specific themes, such as photography, and others are combined with winter sports.

One of the popular aurora borealis tours for photographers is conducted by Explore Tours. It is lead by Dave Parkhurst, a world-renowned northern lights photographer. The tour travels from Anchorage to Talkeetna. If you want to combine your northern lights viewing with winter sports, we would suggest one of the aurora borealis tours of the Yukon. Whatever type of aurora borealis trip you decide to take, expect to be totally amazed!