United States · Aurora guide
Northern lights
in Alaska.
See northern lights activity across Alaska, from the Interior toward the Arctic. Open Fairbanks for a closer view of a major aurora-watching base in the center of the state.
Coming soon for iPhone and Android
Activity model · not a sighting guarantee
The same NOAA aurora model used in the Aurora Signal app. Readings refresh every five minutes.
Take the next step with Aurora Signal
Make the most of
your Alaska nights.
The map shows aurora activity. The app brings your local outlook and favorite places together, so you can decide when to look up.
- Find a time worth considering.Explore activity, clouds, and darkness together in your Premium outlook.
- Keep your skies close.Save Alaska and the other places you care about for your next visit.
- Look beyond one location.Explore the aurora map and surrounding skies from your phone.
The app is getting ready for launch. Some planning features require Premium. Aurora sightings are never guaranteed.
Follow your curiosity north
Keep exploring.
Explore nearby skies and other aurora destinations.
A little sky knowledge
The northern lights
in Alaska.
Alaska covers a large area, and activity around Fairbanks can differ from the southern coast or far north. This statewide map shows the broader shape of the oval before you focus on a destination.
Travel Alaska describes the darker period from late August to late April as the main viewing window. Bright summer skies limit what can be seen, regardless of the colors on an activity map.
Destination reference: Travel Alaska
Model and forecast explanation: NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.
Is all of Alaska equally good for northern lights activity?
No single statewide answer describes every night. Interior and Arctic destinations are close to the usual auroral zone, but the oval moves. Check the layer at the area you are interested in.
When is the northern lights season in Alaska?
Late August to late April. This is a guide to the darker part of the year, not a prediction for a particular night. Aurora activity changes throughout the year.
How far ahead does the map forecast?
NOAA’s OVATION product provides a short-term outlook, typically around 30–90 minutes depending on solar wind conditions. It is not a forecast for the whole night. Check the forecast timestamp and return for a fresh reading.