Chasing the Aurora: Our Unforgettable Quest for the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska
After over a year of meticulous planning, this past September, my wife and I finally embarked on our dream vacation to Alaska. We were utterly spoiled by the stunning landscapes: colossal glaciers, majestic snow-capped mountains, and incredible wildlife like Steller sea lions, playful sea otters, black bears, and moose. But the true, shining jewel at the top of our bucket list was witnessing the spectacular Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis.
Our final leg was a four-night stay in Fairbanks, Alaska, from September 26th through the 29th—a prime location for aurora viewing.
The Challenge: Beating the Alaskan Cloud Cover
Despite our high hopes, the weather had been persistently uncooperative. Almost solid cloud cover plagued us throughout the trip, and the forecast for Fairbanks looked bleak. Seeing the Aurora Borealis seemed like a long shot.
Undeterred, we committed to an ambitious nightly vigil. Our research pointed us to Murphy Dome, one of the highest points near Fairbanks and a renowned spot for optimal, light-pollution-free viewing. For three consecutive nights, we drove the 40 minutes uphill, reaching the summit and waiting patiently until nearly 3:00 AM.
The first three attempts were a complete washout. Dense clouds, thick fog, and even light snow obscured the sky. Disappointment began to set in, especially as the forecast for our very last night offered no promise of improvement.
Fourth Night’s Charm: A Breakthrough at Murphy Dome
On our final night, fueled by a mixture of stubbornness and hope, we made the drive to Murphy Dome one last time. As we approached the summit, a sudden, exhilarating sight stopped us in our tracks: cars pulled over, people standing outside in the cold, gazing skyward and pointing.
We saw stars!
Excitement surged as we reached the top. Stepping out of the car, I looked up at a slightly cloudy sky, but visible among the clouds was a distinct, faint green tinge. We quickly relocated down the road to a clearer patch of sky, and that’s when the magic happened.
For the next three unforgettable hours, we were treated to a non-stop, mesmerizing display. The sky danced with ribbons of green, white, and purple light—a cosmic parade that was truly a life-changing experience. Did I mention it was 28 degrees! Having now witnessed both a total solar eclipse and the Northern Lights, we can definitively say the Aurora Borealis in Fairbanks is one of nature’s greatest shows.
Capturing the Light: Aurora Photography with iPhone 15
You don’t need professional gear to capture the Aurora! All the stunning images below were taken using my iPhone 15 Pro Max and my wife Ana’s iPhone 15.
Our simple setup relied on long exposures:
- Settings: 10-second exposures (using the Night Mode feature).
- Stability: A compact tripod or simply resting the phones securely on the roof or hood of our rental car.
The results speak for themselves—proof that modern smartphone cameras are incredibly capable for entry-level astrophotography.
What’s Next on the Cosmic Bucket List?
After chasing the shadow of the moon and the light of the sun, what astronomical event could possibly top the Northern Lights?
We’re setting our sights high! I’m hoping we all get to witness a naked eye supernova explosion in the next decade. Is that asking for too much cosmic luck? I certainly hope not!
Did you chase the Aurora in Alaska? Share your best viewing tips and photography secrets in the comments below! Email me with your experience or follow me on YouTube, Facebook Or Instagram.
