There is nothing quite like the thrill of seeing the bright dancing colors of the Northern Lights (also known as the Aurora Borealis) live and in action. Throughout Alaska, we have some of the best viewing opportunities in the world. So what exactly are the Northern Lights? Well, they are essentially solar particles that are blown into the earth’s magnetic field more than 60 miles above the earth’s surface that move in an east-west direction. These lights are rarely seen during the peak summer months of May, June and July because of the seemingly endless daylight hours. Late August and September have been the best time to spot the lights during the summer season because sunsets start to come earlier and sunrises start coming later.

As for weather conditions, the best time to see the bright, brilliant, beaming colors of the Northern Lights in full action is when you have a dark and clear night. When it is cloudy, your chances of spotting the lights are decreased substantially. In addition to just being in the right place at the right time, visitors that come to Alaska to experience this incredible light show can actually hook up with a tour company to help increase their odds of spotting the lights. And if you’re staying at a hotel in Alaska on a clear night, be sure to ask the front desk if they do courtesy wake-up calls if the lights are out. It’s always worth being woken up to see the best show of your life. This spectacular timelapse video will give you the biggest dose of eye-candy that you’ve ever experienced, we guarantee it!

Does Alaska’s endless outdoor beauty leave you craving for more? Check out these 10 places in Alaska that you MUST see before you die. We promise that you’ll be thanking us later!

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