Alaska’s all-time cold record turns 50
The reading of minus 80 Fahrenheit was recorded by a weather observer at Prospect Creek Camp just north of the Arctic Circle.
Science
Sightings of lynx, generally stealthy and shrouded, are more common this winter in Alaska’s Interior
Interactions with “nuisance lynx” are leading to speculation that their main food source, snowshoe hares, may be in a down cycle.
A new year brings giant storms, big waves and chilly winds to different parts of Alaska
From minus 78 windchill at Howard Pass to a rarely spotted golden eagle, 2021 has already produced some surprises.
Exploring the gardening potential of the Last Frontier over 100 years ago
Around the turn of the 20th century, Charles C. Georgeson helped establish agricultural experimental stations across Alaska.
‘Granddad’s Arctic isn’t coming back’: Northern Alaska is transitioning to a biologically changed landscape
The 2020 Arctic Report Card, released this month by 134 researchers across Arctic nations, tells a story of change on sea and land.
Where do black-capped chickadees go to survive Alaska’s frigid winter nights?
The tiny birds gorge themselves during the day, find a tiny roost in a tree and shiver their way through the night.
Time stands still on winter solstice, and memories of a friend linger
As we slowly start to regain sunlight later this month, science writer Ned Rozell takes time to remember a friend he lost this year.
This year’s Arctic report tells an ongoing story of change in the north
Scientists and observers gathered virtually this year to review the annual report, but the message remained the same.
6 Alaska island volcanoes may actually be part of a single giant volcano, scientists say
An area in the Aleutians could be a type of large volcano, like the Yellowstone Caldera, that can cause massive eruptions with drastic global consequences.
Meet the northern shrike, a rare carnivorous songbird
They are predatory butcher birds that will dine on everything from insects to small mammals and even other songbirds.
Over 6 decades in Alaska, this contrarian geophysicist has left an indelible mark on aurora studies and Arctic research
After arriving in the state as a student from Japan, Syun-Ichi Akasofu became an authority on the aurora, and later led the Geophysical Institute at UAF and helped establish the International Arctic Research Center.
Remembering Sherry Simpson and her gift of keen observation
Simpson recently died unexpectedly, but she left behind volumes of incisive writings and a collection of writers she taught and inspired.
Even as sea ice dwindles, ocean around Bering Strait still captures bits of carbon
“This could be a region of resilience,” said Steffi O’Daly, a graduate student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
Saying goodbye to a raffish glacier scientist
Considered a luminary in his field, Will Harrison mapped out and executed studies of glaciers from Antarctica to Greenland.
Steller sea lions from the western Aleutians have a higher level of mercury. Where does it come from?
An Alaska scientist is working down the food chain testing samples of fish and squid to try to find out why.
Mother of all jökulhlaups reported by commercial fisherman in Southeast Alaska
The glacial dam release is believed to have flowed under Lituya Glacier and into Lituya Bay back in August.
Tracking down a fireball in the sky over Alaska
At villages in northwestern and central Alaska, from McGrath to Wainwright, people saw what scientists think was a meteorite.
Look up, Alaska: The aurora is expected to be especially active this week
The best nights to view the northern lights from Anchorage are likely Wednesday and Thursday, with the forecast calling for clear skies.
Ravens and crows are hard to fool. These scientists and researchers have tried.
Biologist Stacia Backensto fabricated an elaborate disguise — and even walked with a different gait — in order to trick the birds.
Why is cold tolerance so unique to each individual?
One researched posited that people who were moody and worrisome shivered less than people with sunnier personalities.