Rainbow in the Sky

Northern lights in Alaska, Creamers Field, Fairbanks.

Time's running out to see the northern lights. I won't get into the science of it, because quite frankly I'm super unqualified. But, I do know we're getting to the end of an 11-year cycle where it will reach its solar maximum. The prediction, by people with lots of letters after their names who work for NOAA and NASA, is that July 2025 will be the height of activity. Well, it's summer in July and daylight for all but an hour of twilight, so you won't be seeing them, even if they're dancing like there's no tomorrow. But, it's dark now, and the lights are active. That's right. You have a better opportunity to spot them over the next few months of winter than you'll have for another decade or so. And, while it's been a fantastic thrill when they've appeared in the Lower 48, they're still better up north. Epic, actually. So if you plan on seeing them once in your lifetime, make it now, and make it in Alaska (or Iceland or Norway or Canada).

For Alaska, plan on spending a week or so in case the weather doesn't cooperate. You need clear skies (no snow, no light pollution) and active solar flares. My go-to spots in Alaska are in Nome or Fairbanks. Nome in March allows you to see the Iditarod and musk ox as a bonus. Chena Hotsprings outside of Fairbanks provides a nice hot soak to keep you ice free while you wait. Wherever you go, if you can't see them with the naked eye, just point your smartphone camera north, and if they're there, they'll show up. Cameras pick up wavelengths our eyes can't always detect. That said, when there's strong activity, you can see a lot of color, including pinks and purples mixed with the green.

It's worth a few tries to experience the aurora in full-blown color and motion. It's certainly thrilling to see a few streaks in the night sky, but being surrounded, well, that's bucket-list surreal terrestrial territory. Beam me up.