Track the Northern Lights in Fairbanks

One of the best places on earth to experience the northern lights is Fairbanks, Alaska, ideally situated under the “Auroral Oval.” Add to that Fairbanks’ low precipitation and distance from coastal areas insure consistently clear nights. Explore Fairbanks has unveiled the Aurora and Midnight Sun Tracker to help you know when and where to be to view both the aurora borealis and the midnight sun. (Photo courtesy of Frank Stelges, Aurora Bear Photography School/ TravMedia)

The Aurora Tracker grants real-time and three-day forecasts of northern lights data correlated to six different locations. The six Aurora Tracker locations include Fairbanks, North Pole, Cleary Summit, Murphy Dome, Chena State Recreation Area as well as Coldfoot, 270 miles or 435 kilometers north of Fairbanks up the Dalton Highway. Chasers are encouraged to check back often as data changes frequently. During Aurora Season, August 21 through April 21, visitors to the Fairbanks area who spend three nights actively searching the night sky for the aurora have a 90% chance of seeing this extraordinary natural phenomenon.(Photo by Frand Stelges, Aurora Bear Photography School/TravMedia)

Giving real- time and three-day forecasts, the Midnight Sun Tracker calculates the number of daylight hours any time of the year for three different locations; it calculates the number of daylight hours, also known as civil twilight, which people can experience in the Far North areas of Fairbanks and Coldfoot at different times of the year. Because Fairbanks is on the 65th parallel, the area experiences 70 straight days of sunlight from approximately May 17 through July 27, and conversely, during the Winter Season, there is a significant reduction in daylight hours.

Visit Explore Fairbanks to access the Aurora and Midnight Sun Tracker, which is compatible with all devices including smartphones, tablets and desktops.

More than lights

Although you could plan a trip to Fairbanks solely to view the northern lights, there is so much more. Ice sculptures and dog mushing top that list. (Photo by Craig Cheledinas)

To make the most of your trip request a free copy of the 2018-2019 Fairbanks Winter Guide. The guide presents Fairbanks attractions and activities and also highlights nearby winter destinations. Visitors are invited to mush a team of huskies across the wilderness, discover Denali National Park and Preserve during the winter months, journey above the Arctic Circle, visit Santa in North Pole, or delight in the warmth of an Alaskan hot spring at the end of an adventure-filled day. Winter activities in the guide includes skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice fishing, curling, tubing and ice hockey.

The calendar of events section provides current information about winter activities, celebrations and sporting events. Showcasing iconic events such as the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, the Festival of Native Arts and the Iron Dog, the world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race. The diverse art scene in Fairbanks, including musical and dramatic performances, Alaska Native cultural events, art galleries and museum exhibits, is also featured.

For a free copy of the 2018-2019 Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact Explore Fairbanks at 1-800-327-5774 or order the guide or view it interactively online at Explore Fairbanks.