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The most common colors of the Northern Lights are green and yellow, which are caused by collisions with oxygen molecules at lower altitudes. Reds, pinks, and purples can also be seen at higher altitudes when the charged particles interact with nitrogen atoms. The lights typically appear in curtains, arcs, or spirals, dancing across the sky in a mesmerizing display that can last from minutes to hours.
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise
They provide opportunities to learn, relax, and connect with other passengers who share your passion for witnessing the ethereal beauty of the Aurora Borealis. In the next section, we’ll explore the onboard activities and amenities that make Alaskan cruises with Northern Lights viewing even more memorable. In the next section, we’ll provide you with some valuable tips to increase your chances of witnessing the Northern Lights during your Alaskan cruise.
Northern lights cruises: A guide to chasing the aurora borealis at sea
You Can See the Northern Lights From This Alaska Train - Travel + Leisure
You Can See the Northern Lights From This Alaska Train.
Posted: Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Still, the journey through these pristine, remote landscapes coupled with the anticipation of an aurora display makes for an unforgettable experience. The dance of colors in the sky isn’t just a natural phenomenon; it’s a testament to the universe’s beauty and wonder. Where you stand on the cruise ship can influence your aurora viewing experience. The Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights, is not just a beautiful display but also a complex natural phenomenon steeped in science and lore. At its core, this mesmerizing light show is the result of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
Lodges & Overnight Tours
There are several apps and websites with real-time updates for aurora tracking, including My Aurora Forecast & Alerts. If the skies are clear in the evening and the forecast looks promising, ask guest relations if there’s a sign-up sheet to get a call or a knock on the door in the event of aurora activity. Norwegian Cruise Line’s six-day pre-cruise adventure begins with overnights in Fairbanks, Denali and Anchorage, where you’ll have the best chances to view the northern lights. Other highlights for the first part of the trip include a deluxe dome car rail journey from Talkeetna to Anchorage on the Alaska Railroad and a private tour to an Iditarod sled dog musher’s kennel.
Witnessing the elusive northern lights flickering across the sky may cause you to gasp because it's actually that cool. The colorful ribbons of green and other hues look like something from outer space — and they are. Chase the lights on a private tour with Wild Alaska Journeys and you’ll be in the capable hands of local guides who know where to look and understand the science behind them. All trips are private, so bring your family or group and spend a night on the lookout for the aurora or make it part of a multi-day journey. Join Alaska Wildlife Guide in exploring one of Alaska’s most desired attractions, Chena Hot Springs Resort. From visiting the most northern Ice Museum, soaking in the all-natural hot springs to viewing the breathtaking Northern Lights dance across the sky, this tour will be a highlight of your Alaskan experience.
Step away from the city lights and into a cozy yurt where you can view the aerial performance from the comfort of your own space. Or, head outside, set up your camera and capture postcard-worthy photos to share with your loved ones. Select ships also offer an onboard viewing experience with the indoor planetarium located in the Princess Theater.
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
There are also two days of scenic cruising through Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage before disembarking in Vancouver. The voyage from Whittier includes three sea days for relaxing activities on board the ship, with two days of scenic cruising around Hubbard Glacier and in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. During your time in Glacier Bay, park rangers will board the ship to offer commentary about this captivating wilderness area’s pristine glaciers and abundant wildlife. Younger cruisers and teens will also appreciate learning about this spectacular place through the Junior Ranger program, which features interactive games, activities and presentations. Before heading off to bed, get an update on aurora activity from the tracker on your smartphone, especially if you have clear skies that night; the app My Aurora Forecast & Alerts has excellent reviews.
Specialized Northern Lights Cruises vs. Regular Cruises
Another option nearby is the fly-in luxury Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge. Coldfoot is 250 miles north of Fairbanks and 60 miles above the Arctic Circle. Fairbanks sits just below the main auroral band, offering dark skies, minimal light pollution, and clear views of the night sky - all of which make the area a sweet spot for northern lights viewing.
The city is full of modern conveniences and there are many Fairbanks northern lights tours. There is also an Alaska igloo hotel 25 miles from Fairbanks, known as the Borealis Basecamp. Southeast Alaska's February and March feature 10 hours of daylight and average temperatures in the 30's F. Perfect for days of snow adventure and nights under the stars and, if we are lucky, the Northern Lights.
Before embarking on your Northern Lights adventure, it’s important to understand the optimal times to catch this elusive spectacle. The next section will guide you through the best time of year to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. If you see them (lucky duck), it’s a faux pas to wave, whistle, or call out—according to legend, that drives them away.
The Southcentral region of Alaska, where you’ll find Anchorage, Talkeetna and the Mat-Su Valley, also offers basecamps for northern lights viewing. Once a gold mining settlement, this Alaskan Arctic destination is now little more than a truck stop at 67° N latitude on the famed Dalton Highway from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. Many aurora adventure tours take guests here, and to Wiseman about 15 miles north, for the high chances of a northern lights display.
And this year is a peak chance to embark on an extraordinary journey with UnCruise with the Northern Lights promising to be more impressive than ever. Generally, the Northern Lights themselves do not affect electronic equipment. However, solar storms that enhance aurora activity can, in extreme cases, interfere with satellite and communication systems. Choosing the right cruise, preparing adequately, and embracing all the adventures en route ensures not just a glimpse of this celestial marvel but a comprehensive, enriching travel experience. A survey by the Discovery Channel noted that seeing Aurora Borealis made it to more “bucket lists” than any other travel adventure. And it truly is an adventure – because its appearance from one sighting to the next is never the same.
If you’d rather cruise to Alaska in summer, don’t expect to see the northern lights, but do soak up that midnight sunshine. Passengers can opt-in for overnight wake-up calls, so they can get some sleep without worrying about missing a Northern Lights sighting. Read on for our comprehensive guide on how to choose the best northern lights cruise for you. While this spectacle can be seen from various ports of call, Princess offers the Aurora Borealis Viewing experience in Fairbanks for an unparalleled experience.
Remember that seeing these lights doesn't involve a cruise director flipping on a switch. Witnessing the northern lights in their prime requires clear and dark skies, sometimes late-night viewing hours, enough solar activity for the colors to appear and a big dose of luck. Keep that in mind before you place all your cruise vacation hopes on this one experience. On the third day, you’ll board the Wilderness Express (a glass-domed railcar) for the ride to Denali.
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