Aurora Forecast Tonight in Fairbanks: What You Need to Know

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Fairbanks, Alaska during the winter season, one of the top things on your to-do list is likely witnessing the mesmerizing aurora borealis dance across the night sky. But before you head out in search of the elusive Northern Lights, it’s crucial to understand the aurora forecast and how to plan your aurora hunting adventure. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the aurora forecast tonight in Fairbanks.

Understanding the Auroral Oval

Before diving into the aurora forecast, it’s essential to understand the auroral oval. The auroral oval is the region where auroras are most commonly visible, formed by charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. The oval is not fixed but shifts around depending on activity levels.

The Aurora Forecast

The aurora forecast is a prediction of the probability of observing the Northern Lights at a given time and place. There are several resources available to access the aurora forecast in Fairbanks. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides a daily forecast on their website, which takes into account several things such as current solar activity, satellite data, and weather conditions. You can also find aurora forecast apps like My Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Aurora Forecast by WeatherFlow.

Interpreting the Aurora Forecast

The aurora forecast indicates the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights on a scale from 0 to 9. A level 0 means that the aurora borealis is not visible, while level 9 indicates an extremely strong aurora display. When the forecast is 5 or higher, there is a high chance of seeing the aurora borealis.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the aurora forecast is just an estimate, and other factors can influence the visibility of the Northern Lights. For example, the moon’s brightness, cloud coverage, and light pollution can all affect the visibility of the aurora borealis.

Best Time to View the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks

The best time to view the aurora borealis in Fairbanks is during the winter season, from September to April. The winter months are known for their long, dark nights, creating an ideal environment for the Northern Lights to shine. Generally, the best time to view the aurora is between 10 pm and 2 am.

It’s also a good idea to plan your aurora hunting adventure on nights with clear skies and little to no moonlight. In Fairbanks, winter nights can be frosty, so dress appropriately for the frigid temperatures with warm clothing, hats, gloves, and boots.

The Northern Lights Tours in Fairbanks

If you’re not comfortable venturing out into the wilderness by yourself, there are several Northern Lights tours in Fairbanks you can join. These tours provide transportation to prime aurora viewing locations and often include knowledgeable guides who can help you interpret the aurora forecast and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Final Thoughts

Seeing the aurora borealis is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Fairbanks, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon. However, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the aurora forecast and how to prepare for your aurora hunting adventure. With this guide, we hope you’re better equipped to plan your trip and witness the magic of the Northern Lights.