Alaska News

Aurora borealis forecast to bedazzle Alaska skies

Look to the skies Alaskans: aurora borealis were forecast to dance across the skies for most of the state, Wednesday. Weather permitting, northern lights should be visible from Barrow to Anchorage and Juneau, and low on the horizon as far south as King Salmon and Prince Rupert.

The Aurora Forecast at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks gives tonight's aurora displays an "Active" rating, with 4 out of 10, the only night expected to produce dazzling displays through Nov. 13.

And with daylights savings ending last Sunday, the sun is setting even earlier, allowing for plenty of evening hours to witness the spectacle in the skies.

Amy Hartley, Information Officer at the Geophysical Institute, says that this is the first time in a few weeks that that the aurora is forecasted to be active. "Tonight's activity should be something to go out and watch for," she says.

Hartley emphasizes that to improve your chances of seeing the lights, make sure to head outside of city limits so no light pollution is obstructing your view. Beyond that, wish for clear skies.

Luckily for Fairbanks and Anchorage, weather forecasts look favorable to both urban centers. In the middle Tanana Valley, including Fairbanks and North Pole, skies are expected to be clear, with some patchy fog and flurries. But bundle up – low temperatures of 15 to 26 below are forecast.

Anchorage is expected to be clear, with low temperatures 5 to 10 above. The Susitna Valley, including Talkeetna, is also seeing clear skies, with lows around zero degrees.

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Barrow and Kotzebue and forecast to be mostly cloudy, while in Nome, a cloudy day is expected to clear up a little tonight.

Juneau is also expected to ease up its cloud cover this evening, with sun forecasted for Thursday.

Check out the most up-to-date forecast for your area, here.

This could be a great night to brush up on your aurora-capturing photo skills; here's a handy guide to help you snap a great shot.

…And then Send us your photos!

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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