Nothing prepared me for the first view I had of the aurora. Books, photos, first hand descriptions - none of them adequately capture the glorious display of lights that grace our northern sky in winter. I remember that first sight well. My dog woke me in the middle of the night; dutifully, I took her out. The air was cold and clear, and as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes I looked up into the sky. I was mystified by the strangeness I saw there, thinking “What’s that?” A moment later, I gasped in recognition. It was the aurora!

If you are planning a winter trip to Alaska, put the aurora borealis on your list of things to see. While the aurora is about as controllable as the weather, good planning can maximize your opportunities to view this amazing natural phenomenon. Here are my suggestions.

1. Check the Geophysical Institute Aurora Forecast page (see link below). It provides enough information several days in advance to help you plan. Note that when the aurora is active, it is usually so for several consecutive days.

2. Check the weather forecast. If the skies are cloudy, you won’t see the aurora, no matter how intense or bright the display.

3. Dedicate several days/nights to viewing the aurora. This will allow you some leeway if the weather does not cooperate or if the aurora is weak.

4. Get away from the city. Light pollution impedes good viewing in Alaska just like anywhere else. The good news is you won’t likely have to drive as far to find someplace very dark.

5. Go as far north as possible. Since auroral activity centers around the poles, you have a greater chance of viewing the aurora high in the sky (as opposed to low on the horizon) the further north you go.

6. Find an open area, such as a hilltop or large clearing. If the aurora is less active, or if you are further south, having a panoramic viewpoint will increase your ability to see wisps of auroral activity lower on the horizon.

7. Go with a tour group. Several companies in Alaska specialize in winter tours geared toward viewing the aurora.

8. If you do choose to go with a tour group, be cautious of “guarantees.” While good planning goes a long way toward viewing, the aurora is a natural phenomenon and beyond control.

9. Dress warmly! It is often 20 below during good aurora displays. You don’t want to have to cut your viewing time short because you are not dressed for the temperature.

10. Finally, if you can’t get to Alaska in the winter (or don’t want to deal with the cold weather and snow), check out one of the many films, slide shows, or galleries available for summer visitors.

I hope your first sight of the northern lights is as awe-inspiring as mine was and that with the above suggestions, your encounter won’t be entirely left to chance.