Northern Lights in Alaska

Aurora Borealis in Alaska

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural spectacle that occurs when solar particles interact with the atmosphere in the Earth's magnetic field. This releases energy, creating peculiar luminous green streaks across the sky that can be complemented by large expanses full of beautiful pillars of light and even moving shapes in green but depending on the strength also in other colors such as purple or pink.

Best time and place

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is from late August to mid-April, with the winter months (with the longest and darkest nights) being ideal. Important factors for admiring the northern lights are clear, dark skies, free of clouds and light pollution. Fairbanks and the Denali National Park area are known as excellent locations away from urban light pollution. Stay at the high and remote Sheldon Chalet and watch the aurora dance above Denali Peak or in the middle of Denali National Park when you stay overnightat Denali Backcountry Lodge.