We chase the Aurora so you don’t have to! Follow our tips, tricks, and tour recommendations to make the most of your Fairbanks adventure.
Magnetic Midnight
Posted by Aurora Team on August 10, 2025
Magnetic midnight is the time each night when your position on Earth is directly aligned with the “midnight side” of the planet’s magnetic field. Unlike regular midnight, which is based on your time zone and the position of the Sun relative to geographic longitude, magnetic midnight is tied to Earth’s magnetic poles. Because the magnetic poles are tilted and offset from the geographic poles, magnetic midnight often occurs at a different clock time — sometimes earlier or later than what your watch says is midnight.
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The Aurora: Altitude, Visibility and the Spectacle of Substorms
Posted by Aurora Team on August 4, 2025
The aurora, also known as the northern and southern lights (aurora borealis and aurora australis), is a stunning natural light display caused by the interaction between charged particles from the sun and Earth's magnetic field. These particles collide with gases in the upper atmosphere, primarily oxygen and nitrogen, producing vibrant hues of green, red, blue, and purple. The most common color, a bright green, is the result of oxygen molecules being excited at altitudes of around 100 to 300 kilometers (60 to 190 miles). Red auroras, which are rarer, occur at even higher altitudes, up to 400 kilometers (250 miles), where oxygen atoms are more sparse.
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Aurora Season in Fairbanks
Posted by Aurora Team on July 20, 2025
From mid August to mid April, Fairbanks becomes one of the best spots on Earth to witness the Northern Lights. With long, clear nights and minimal light pollution, the city’s location under the Auroral Oval means consistent activity and stunning displays.
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Aurora Tours in Fairbanks
Posted by Aurora Team on July 20, 2025
Take your Aurora experience to the next level with a guided tour. Whether you choose Aurora Black Truck Tours or another Northern Lights tour operator, you will have the choice to travel at your own pace in Fairbanks, Alaska.
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Top Space Weather Indicators to Watch
Posted by Aurora Team on July 20, 2025
Successful Aurora chasing depends on watching space weather. If you're serious about chasing the aurora, it pays to understand the space weather indicators that forecasters and expert chasers rely on. In Fairbanks—where aurora potential is high almost every night—watching the right data helps determine *when* and *where* to go. Three of the most useful real-time indicators are the **GOES Magnetometer**, **solar wind + Bz readings**, and the **Auroral Electrojet Index (AE Index)**.
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Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks
Posted by Aurora Team on July 20, 2025
Fuel your aurora adventure with some of Fairbanks' best local eats.
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Using the GOES Magnetometer to Track Aurora
Posted by Aurora Team on July 20, 2025
The GOES Magnetometer is one of the most valuable real-time indicators for aurora hunters. Operated by NOAA, this tool measures magnetic field strength and disturbances in geosynchronous orbit—giving insights into geomagnetic storms before they intensify near Earth’s surface.
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