What is the Northern Lights Forecast in WA and How to See Them

If you’re planning to witness the breathtaking natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, it’s important to understand the Northern Lights forecast. Before we dive into the forecast, let’s first understand what the Northern Lights are and what causes them.

The Northern Lights are a natural light display that occurs in the high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is caused due to the collision of charged particles from the sun with atoms and molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision causes energy to be released in the form of light, producing the stunning hues of green, blue, pink, and red that we see in the sky.

If you’re in Western Australia and wondering if you can witness the Northern Lights, the answer is no. The Aurora Borealis is usually visible in high-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere like Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Canada. Western Australia is close to the equator and does not experience the necessary conditions for the Northern Lights phenomenon to occur.

However, if you’re still keen to witness the Aurora Borealis, you may consider traveling to other destinations where the Northern Lights are visible. Now let’s take a look at how to use the Northern Lights forecast to increase your chances of seeing them.

What is the Northern Lights Forecast?

The Northern Lights forecast is an estimate of the likelihood of seeing the Aurora Borealis based on several factors like geomagnetic activity, solar wind, and cloud cover. As it is challenging to predict the exact time and location of the Northern Lights, the forecast takes into account the probability of the lights being visible in a particular area.

To understand the forecast, you need to know about the Kp index. The Kp index is a measure of global geomagnetic activity on a scale of 0-9. The higher the Kp value, the more likely it is to see the Northern Lights.

How to Check the Northern Lights Forecast

Several websites provide Northern Lights forecasts such as spaceweatherlive.com, aurorawatch.ca and spaceweather.com. These sites provide real-time data and predictions about the Northern Lights.

Spaceweatherlive.com provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand Northern Lights forecast for different locations. You can find the Kp index reading for the next three days, a summary of recent Northern Lights activity, and a detailed forecast informative enough for those planning to see the Northern Lights.

Aurorawatch.ca sends Aurora alerts directly to your email or smartphone when the Kp index reaches a certain level. This means you can be notified instantly when there’s an opportunity to see the Northern Lights.

You can also follow the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Facebook page to stay updated on the latest Northern Lights forecasts and activity.

When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights are visible throughout the year, but the best time to see them is during the winter months (October to March) when the nights are longer and darker. Additionally, when the weather is clear and the moon is not in the sky, it increases your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis.

To see the Northern Lights, you must be in a location where there is minimal light pollution, preferably far away from the city lights. Some popular spots to witness the Northern Lights are Fairbanks, Alaska, Tromso, Norway, and Yellowknife, Canada.

Conclusion

The Northern Lights forecast can be useful in increasing your chances of witnessing the Aurora Borealis. Though you cannot see the Northern Lights in Western Australia, you can travel to regions where they are visible.

When planning to see the Northern Lights, it’s essential to keep an eye on the forecast, be in the right location, and at the appropriate time. Keep these factors in mind, and you can enhance your chances of witnessing the captivating beauty of the Aurora Borealis.

Insider’s Guide to Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska is a city that is blanketed in snow for more than half of the year but is still full of wonder and amazement. Visitors flock to this city in the winter to see the Northern Lights, but there’s so much more to discover in this hidden gem. Here’s a guide to the local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your trip to Fairbanks memorable and unique.

Local Attractions: Beyond The Usual Tourist Spots

One of the hidden gems of Fairbanks is Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. In the summer, the refuge is filled with migratory birds and makes for a colorful and lively visit. Come winter, the refuge turns into a magical winter wonderland, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails and breathtaking views of the Northern Lights.

Another must-see park is Pioneer Park, which is an outdoor museum of Alaska’s history. The park has 35 cabins, depicting the various stages of Fairbanks’ history. Visitors can show off their gold pans and try their hand at panning for gold themselves!

Dining Spots and Local Cuisine

Fairbanks offers visitors a variety of dining options, but to get a taste of real Alaskan cuisine, visit either the Pump House Restaurant and Saloon or the Silver Gulch Brewery. Both restaurants offer authentic Alaskan cuisine, including caribou stroganoff, halibut fish and chips, and fresh seafood.

Another quirky destination is The Big I Pub & Lounge, where you can order a Bloody Mary served with a slice of bacon. The pub also has a cool cozy Alaskan vibe with indoor fireplaces and outdoor patio seating.

Cultural Experiences

Alaska Native Heritage Center is a must-visit, where visitors come to learn about the culture and traditions of Alaska Native people. Here, you can experience the performances of traditional dances, and the cultural crafts and tools exhibit. Be sure to stay for the storytelling and talking circle, which features enlightening discussions with native elders and tribal leaders.

Fairbanks also has a thriving music scene, with the Blue Loon and Marlin providing live music by artists from around the region.

Local History

Golden Heart Plaza is a tribute to Fairbanks’ founders, E.T. Barnette, and also served as a meeting place for military training during World War II. The plaza offers a place for quiet reflection and the opportunity to learn about Fairbanks’ early history.

Another tour you can take is a visit to the trans-Alaska pipeline system which began operation in 1977. The pipeline spans more than 800 miles and visitors can see portions of it from the Dalton Highway.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Dog mushing has been an Alaskan tradition for over 100 years and staying in a remote dog mushing camp will provide visitors with a unique experience like no other, where they can learn from the experts and even drive their own dog team on a winter trail.

For another off-the-beaten-path experience, head to North Pole, located about 20 miles from Fairbanks, where visitors can mail letters from Santa Claus House and visit a real log cabin belonging to Father Christmas.

In conclusion, Fairbanks is a city with a rich history and a sense of unique community, offering a range of experiences. From the Northern Lights to local cuisine to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Fairbanks, Alaska.