Aurora Borealis in Glacier Bay

What to Know About Aurora Viewing

Set realistic expectations when looking for the northern lights. The visibility of the aurora is dependent on solar activity, and when combined with atmospheric conditions (Glacier Bay is located in a rainforest ecosystem with very few cloud-free days), seeing a dazzling show of aurora borealis can be exceedingly rare. Photos of the aurora borealis do not always represent what we see with the naked eye. The photo collage at right shows the difference between a long exposure photo (30 second exposure/shutter speed used), and a representation of the same scene to the naked eye (1 second exposure/shutter speed). This photo was taken on a night with low-medium aurora activity. Experiences with the aurora vary widely, and no two shows are alike. The photo at the bottom of this page was taken on a night where the aurora was bright green even to the naked eye, and covered nearly the entire sky!

Here in Glacier Bay, we love sharing stunning photos of the northern lights as they are seen in the national park, but these photos have been painstakingly collected over the course of several years, with many late nights, plenty of strike-outs, and lots of planning. Properly informing yourself on why and when the aurora appears will help you on your aurora-hunt. Using forecasting tools or checking live-cameras will aid your likelihood of seeing these tantalizing lights.

The Aurora Borealis

"Auroras" occur on planets across our universe. The planet Jupiter, similarly to Earth, features a vivid aurora at each of its poles. The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, has a partner, the aurora australis, that occurs at the South Pole. The Earth has a strong magnetic field that protects our planet from harsh solar winds. The solar wind, as you might expect, comes from our sun, and is made up of charged particles, mainly electrons and protons. A coronal mass ejection (CME- a large sudden outburst of solar wind) or coronal holes can cause strong solar winds that affect electronics on Earth. In 1989, a CME caused a massive power outage in Quebec, Canada. The Earth's magnetic field funnels the solar wind toward the north and south poles, concentrating radiation at those points. Don't worry, the solar wind isn't actually reaching the earth's surface, we just see the result of the solar wind's radiation reacting and ionizing with gases in Earth's upper atmosphere.

How to Watch the Aurora Borealis

Find a dark spot

The National Park Service protects and preserves dark skies. Did you know some National Parks are designated night sky parks? Light pollution can greatly affect your chances of seeing the aurora. Find a place far from lightbulbs and other light pollution. Use a red or green light to see your way at night, this will help protect your night vision and ability to see in the dark.

Look North

Assuming you're in Alaska or Glacier Bay, look to the northern horizon for a chance to glimpse the auroral band.

Check the Forecast

Remember, you need two forecasts to line up: the cloud forecast, and the solar activity forecast, so make sure to check both. As with the weather, solar activity forecasts are plentiful. Do some research to find your favorite forecast source, or check these options:

Glacier Bay Weather
Solar Weather Forecast Center (NOAA)
Aurora Forecast (University of Alaska Geophysical Institute)

Aurora Live-Cams

Webcams let us see real-time auroral activity from miles away. While Glacier Bay does not have a northern lights live camera, check these sources nearby:

Aurora All-Sky Camera (University of Alaska Geophysical Institute)
Explore.org Aurora Live Cam (University of Alaska Fairbanks)

Other Tips

Dress for the occasion! Bring the hot cocoa, warm blankets, and make sure you're in a comfortable spot.

Bring a camera, or don't! Some love to document the occasion, some may want to forget the camera and make a lifelong memory without fussing with technology. This depends on your preference. Using a camera with manual controls (film or digital), or a smartphone with a 'night mode' on its camera can enable you to take long exposure images that enhance your view of the lights. Our eyes do not discerne colors as well in the dark, and a camera can show us the colors we're missing with the naked eye.

Enjoy the Experience

Whether you're looking to check the aurora off your bucket list or simply out searching for beautiful night skies, your experience will differ from others looking for the same thing. Don't forget to enjoy the moment!