Spotlight on Aurora Trackers

Under the veil of darkness, the aurora borealis, like magic, appears and dances across the sky. This mesmerizing and compelling natural phenomenon lures travelers to the Fairbanks region where the northern lights are commonplace.

“I started chasing the aurora because it's something that's so quintessentially Alaska!”

- Kristen Stengl

Because this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon frequents the skies above Fairbanks there is a growing alliance of Aurora Trackers. People that live for the chase, stay up all hours of the night, delve into the science, have their own secret aurora viewing vantage points and love to tell stories about the magnificent auroras they have witnessed and photographed.

“It’s really rewarding to go out and you feel like you’re a part of something ancient!”

- Jacob Teague

The Aurora Trackers—both local devotees as well as those that have chosen to live here because of the lights—describe how seeing the aurora conjures up feelings of wonder and awe and experiencing something that feels ancient.

“I’ve lived in Fairbanks for 37 years and the thrill of the chase has not changed!”

- Jeff Oden

Fairbanks is a world-famous aurora viewing destination. An ideal place to scan the skies for the northern lights due to its far north location. Spanning all four seasons during nine months of the year, Aurora Season in Fairbanks runs August 21 through April 21.

“It’s just this amazing feeling to catch the lights and watch them dance and sit in wonder and awe!”

 - Kourtney Gundersen

Since natural phenomena are unscathed by viruses, locals are chasing the aurora and have developed ways to safely assist visitors in this pursuit. Whether chasing the northern lights is an unfilled dream or something that you can’t get enough of, with reasonable safety measures Fairbanks can make your aurora viewing wishes come true.

“I’m a science person and I enjoy the processes behind the aurora.”

-Andy Witteman