The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky that can be seen in the polar regions. It is caused by the collision of solar wind and magnetospheric charged particles with the high altitude atmosphere. The Northern Lights are a spectacular sight to behold and are a popular tourist attraction in many parts of the world. In this blog, we will be discussing one small town in Alaska that is considered to be one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.

The Small Town in Alaska:

The small town of Fairbanks, located in the interior of Alaska, is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Fairbanks is located just below the Arctic Circle, which means it experiences long hours of darkness during the winter months. This, combined with its clear, dry climate, makes it the perfect place to view the Northern Lights.

Fairbanks is also located in the “Auroral Oval,” which is an area where the Northern Lights are most active. The Northern Lights are visible in Fairbanks for about six months out of the year, with peak activity occurring in the months of September, October, and March.

What to Do in Fairbanks:

While waiting for the Northern Lights to appear, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Fairbanks. The city is home to several museums, including the University of Alaska Museum of the North, which houses a variety of exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Alaska. The city is also home to the Fairbanks Ice Museum, which features ice sculptures created by local artists.

Other popular activities in Fairbanks include dog sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Fairbanks is also a great place to go shopping, with a variety of local stores and markets selling unique Alaska-made products.

How to See the Northern Lights:

The best way to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks is to head out of the city to a darker location. There are several tour companies that offer Northern Lights tours, which typically include transportation to a viewing location, hot beverages, and blankets to keep warm. Many of these tours also offer aurora photography workshops, so you can learn how to capture the perfect shot of the Northern Lights.

If you prefer to go out on your own, there are several areas outside of Fairbanks where you can get a good view of the Northern Lights. Some popular spots include Chena Hot Springs, the Chatanika River, and the North Pole.

Conclusion:

Fairbanks, Alaska is a small town that offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those looking to see the Northern Lights. With its clear, dry climate and location in the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks is one of the best places in the world to view this natural wonder. In addition to the Northern Lights, Fairbanks also has a variety of other activities and attractions to enjoy, making it a great destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and culture of Alaska.