Table Of Content
The Borealis is composed of solar particles shooting into the magnetic field of the earth and appear more than 60 miles above the earth's surface. Natives have believed the lights have a mystical force or even marked the appearance of spirits who have passed on. Remember, while these FAQs provide a broad overview, each traveler’s experience is unique.
Aurora Photography Tips
Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska - Travel Alaska
Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska.
Posted: Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:09:44 GMT [source]
Glimpsing the Northern Lights in all their mystical and sky-transforming glory is one of those bucket-list life experiences that many world travelers often wait years to see. We have the answers so your first time will be nothing but smooth sailing. Set sail on an Alaskan cruise and let the magic of the Northern Lights illuminate your journey, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights on an Alaska Cruise
The sun alternates between a high activity cycle and low activity cycle every eleven years or so. Watch the Kp-index, an aurora activity indicator to find out when conditions are ideal. The best northern lights cruises provide plenty of opportunities for passengers to learn about, celebrate and, of course, see the northern lights. But there will also be activities geared to exploring parts of the world filled with many other natural, cultural, and man-made wonders. Alaska cruises from Princess can transport you to enchanting and intimate ports of call that boast culinary and cultural experiences for all.
DAY 4 Glacier Bay National Park & Bartlett Cove
Even if you don’t catch a glimpse, you’ll still have every chance to kick back and experience everything that makes Alaska such a cruise-worthy destination. It’s worth noting that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and can be affected by various factors such as solar activity, weather conditions, and geomagnetic storms. Planning your trip during periods of high solar activity, when the sun is generating more charged particles, increases your chances of experiencing a more vibrant and active display of the Northern Lights. Displays of the northern lights tend to intensify around the equinox months of September and March because Earth's tilt in relation to the sun means that the magnetic field of Earth and the solar wind are in sync. Plus, there's a higher likelihood of clear skies in Alaska during spring, so the best time to maximize your chances of seeing the northern lights is in March.
Enhancing Your Northern Lights Viewing Experience
Plan to put on your clothes or bathrobe quickly — the lights may only appear for a few minutes, or they could last considerably longer. The lights are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere and especially in locations on the so-called auroral oval, a ring zone over the polar regions. In cruising terms, that means prime viewing is in northern Alaska (which is easily accessible on cruisetours), Norway, Iceland, Arctic Canada and parts of Greenland.
I’m so happy you’re here!
This might be a shipwide announcement, a special buzzer in the cabins, or even a wake-up call if you request it. However, the aurora can appear in any direction, so the ship’s open decks, which offer broader views, are generally preferable. Many ships offer heated outdoor areas, loungers, and even blankets for comfort. Onboard experts, aurora alert systems, and photography workshops can further enhance the experience. The Northern Lights can appear anywhere in the sky, so it’s not strictly about choosing a side. However, finding a spot with minimal light interference from the ship is crucial.
Wild Journeys Alaska Northern Lights Tours
Northern lights cruise: How to experience the aurora borealis at sea - The Points Guy
Northern lights cruise: How to experience the aurora borealis at sea.
Posted: Tue, 11 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Incidentally, this is also the time when you'll find cost savings on your cruise since most families tend to vacation while school is out. While the aurora is a spectacle for all ages, consider the late-night hours and colder temperatures. Some cruise lines offer kid-friendly programs and activities to engage younger travelers during the trip.
Its popularity among northern lights seekers has a lot to do with its accessibility. Good vantage points in the vicinity include Cleary Summit, about 20 miles from Fairbanks, which is easy to get to and offers parking and a solid view of the horizon. Those wanting to maximize their chances should head for the more remote northern villages of Coldfoot in the Yukon Territory or to Prudhoe Bay and Utqiaġvik in the extreme north. Hurtigruten is so sure you will see the lights on the October-through-March sailings of its year-round 11- and 12-day Norwegian Coastal Express itineraries that the company has a guarantee called the Northern Lights Promise. If the deck's officers don't announce to all on board that the northern lights are happening, you can get a six- or seven-day Norwegian Coastal cruise for free. Cunard Line and Hurtigruten are among the lines that visit northern Norway in the fall.
Best Time to Cruise Alaska to See the Northern Lights
Beyond the rewards of seeing the northern lights, the bonuses of winter season Northern Lights cruises are the stunning contrasts of scenery and the variety of onshore activities. Ports vary greatly from industrial centers and fjord villages to picturesque coastal towns and remote outposts on barren, frozen coasts. And Norway and generally sail 10 to 15-night itineraries during the winter season. Some venture to the Svalbard Archipelago, where the Gulf Stream flows prevent the seas from freezing in winter. Onshore activities for cruisers might range from museum and science center visits to dogsledding with huskies, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, and scenic helicopter rides.
In this guide, we will unravel the mysteries of the aurora and explore the ins and outs of Alaska’s northern lights cruises. So, print out one of our cruise planners, grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s set sail on this celestial adventure. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, have enchanted humanity for millennia. Their ethereal dance across the night sky tells a tale as old as time, combining science, legends, and raw natural beauty. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, aren’t predictable, but they are more likely to display during high solar activity cycles.
Add to that a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring Northern Lights in their full glory, and the adventure possibilities are as varied as Alaska’s magnificent landscapes. Many cruise ships are equipped to cater to passengers with mobility issues, offering accessible areas from which you can view the aurora. It’s essential to discuss any requirements with the cruise line ahead of booking. While the Northern Lights can be seen from late September to early April in Alaska, the equinox months – September and March – often have higher geomagnetic activity, which can lead to more vivid auroras. Most ships operating Northern Lights cruises have an aurora alert system.
Whether you’re nestled amid Alaska’s vast wilderness or sailing through Norway’s dramatic fjords, the experience of witnessing the aurora borealis from the deck of a cruise ship is nothing short of magical. Hike some of the trails to catch a glimpse of the northern lights in Alaska. During the winter, clear dark skies and aurora activity make Juneau an ideal spot to witness the stunning northern lights display. On northern lights-themed cruises, viewing activities and excursions will abound.
Experts predict the next few seasons will be particularly good for northern lights sightings, due to increased solar activity. While seeing the northern lights is never guaranteed, your best chance of seeing them is during these high-activity solar cycles, which occur about every 11 years. For many travelers, catching a glimpse of the spectacular aurora borealis is the dream of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on the chance to see them this year as the sun’s cycle reaches solar maximum, ensuring the best viewing opportunities for the next 11 years, especially during the spring and fall. Plus, there’s no place better than Alaska for stargazing, where vast skies and minimal light pollution create the perfect setting for nature’s light show.
The old gold rush boomtown of Fairbanks is the undisputed capital of the northern lights hunt in Alaska. It's not the very best place for aurora viewing — it's just below the Arctic Circle — but auroras frequently occur here. Cruise lines operating in Alaska, such as Holland America, Princess Cruises and UnCruise Adventures, have northern lights sign-up sheets so you don't have to stay up all night, every night, hoping to see the phenomenon. Put your name on the list, and you'll get a wake-up call or knock on your cabin door should there be aurora action.
And 1st Alaska Tours runs nightly trips to Chena Hot Springs 60 miles north and to Murphy Dome, one of the highest peaks in the Fairbanks area, which has a 360-degree view of the horizon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a Space Weather Prediction Center, which is a great resource for a short-term forecast of northern lights activity. Fairbanks also happens to be the headquarters of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska, which issues a nightly forecast on Aurora viewing alongside a 27-day forecast.
If you’d rather cruise to Alaska in summer, don’t expect to see the northern lights, but do soak up that midnight sunshine. The Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis are one and the same — most people call them Northern Lights, while the scientific name is Aurora Borealis. SolarHam gives a reliable three-day geomagnetic forecast that's often used by aurora hunters, while the Aurora Forecast app shows travelers the position of the auroral oval around the Arctic Circle. It also indicates the probability of seeing the northern lights where you are (green, not so much; red, and they're probably happening right above you).
No comments:
Post a Comment