How Portable Power Empowers your Alaska Aurora Viewing: a Comprehensive Guide

The Aurora (Northern Lights) is one of the most mesmerizing natural phenomena around the world. People from all over the country buckle up every winter to watch the Northern Lights. Alaska is one of the best cities to visit if you want to view the Auroras in clear, dark skies away from ambient city lights. Several hosts across Alaska even hold winter events solely to entertain the travelers coming in for Aurora viewing, including snowmobiling, skiing, sports, and other festivities. 

To fully enjoy your Aurora viewing experience, it’s essential to have a stable energy supply like a solar portable power station to keep your devices and essentials running. A 1000 watt generator could be just what you need to ensure you’re prepared. However, it’s crucial to invest in a reliable portable power supply from a reputable brand like Jackery to guarantee both performance and safety during your trip.

How Does Aurora Form?

Aurora borealis are the brilliant ribbons of light you see suspended in the night sky. They are formed by charged particles released from solar activity, which eject as hot plasma from the sun. These high-speed plasma particles travel at speeds reaching millions of kilometers per hour and subsequently collide with Earth’s upper atmosphere, particularly with oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The energy released during these collisions results in the formation of these beautiful light displays in the night sky. When oxygen atoms are excited, they primarily emit green light, but at higher altitudes, this light can appear red. These intertwined green and red light bands compose the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights. 

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The Alaska Aurora Viewing Guide

• Recommended Observation Points

The first thing you want to note is the recommended observation points. Fairbanks is one of the most popular locations for viewing the Aurora borealis in Alaska, with the most visible Aurora lights at night. Other popular locations include Arctic Alaska, Denali National Park, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley. Going to Alaska alone and navigating the landscape can be a difficult task. Hiring a guide who can take you to the best viewing spots is far easier and more efficient. 

• Necessary Equipment

Once you have an idea of where you will be heading, you can begin preparing the necessary equipment. Here is an overview of what you must carry for a delightful experience.

• Camera and Tripod

At the top of your list should be a camera and tripod. Viewing the Aurora Borealis is a once-in-a-lifetime event that many dream of experiencing. Capturing these moments with a camera allows you to preserve these memories forever. A sturdy tripod can stabilize your camera, helping capture clear, steady images. A camera with a wide-angle lens can encompass the vast landscapes that serve as the backdrop for the Aurora.

Remember to use a portable power source to keep your camera charged throughout the night.

• Cold-Proof Clothing 

Remember that Alaska is a chilly city. The average winter temperature in Alaska from November to March ranges from 0°F / -18°C to -30°F / -35°C. Moreover, Aurora viewing typically occurs at night, and nighttime temperatures in Alaska can drop even lower. It’s crucial to have cold-proof clothing, including thermal underwear, down jackets, gloves, and hats, on hand for a cozy and enjoyable viewing experience.

• Others 

Finally, there are some additional essentials you should invest in. This includes basic first aid such as bandages and gauze to help treat minor cuts and aches. A flashlight in your inventory is also helpful to help navigate the night landscape. And if you want to add a bit of tantalizing fun, you might consider bringing along your favorite snacks and hot drinks!

By preparing with these essentials, especially a solar portable power station, you can ensure a comfortable and stylish experience while witnessing the magnificent Northern Lights display.

• Viewing Skills

Getting the gear is only the first step; mastering the art of viewing the Aurora is equally essential. To ensure you don’t miss out on this breathtaking natural display, here are some expert tips:

• Avoid Light Pollution

The very first rule of viewing the Aurora Borealis is that you must avoid light pollution. The Aurora Borealis may be invisible in the presence of bright lights. In fact, harsh lights can even disrupt its display entirely. Therefore, it is crucial to seek out dark, serene locations far from sources of light pollution to fully appreciate the northern lights, such as national parks, nature reserves, or remote towns. Furthermore, when viewing the Aurora Borealis, avoid using mobile phones and camera flashes, as their light may interfere with the viewing effect.

• Choose the Right Period

Alaska’s Northern light season passes from late August and early September to late April. Among these months, September is considered the best month for viewing this phenomenon. During this time, daylight hours fall short, and night hours are much longer, giving you a higher chance of seeing this beautiful display in the night skies. The peak hours of observation lie between midnight and morning. 

However, if you go too late in the winter, you might encounter cloudy skies, which can hinder your view. Clear skies are more likely during the spring, making March and April excellent months for Aurora viewing as well.

• Observe the Weather Forecast

Weather conditions have a significant impact on the viewing effect of the Aurora Borealis. A clear, cloudless night sky is the best condition for viewing. Before heading out to view the Aurora Borealis, make sure to check the local weather forecast to ensure clear skies.

Energy Demands While Viewing the Aurora

Being adequately prepared for your Aurora viewing experience is vital. Another primary factor you need to consider is your energy demands. You will need portable power for several functions:

• Power Demand

When heading out to view the Aurora Borealis, you need to bring along observation equipment such as cameras, tripods, and lighting gear. However, these devices can only work so long as it is supplied with a stable stream of portable power. If you do not have sufficient power, you may miss out on observing this phenomenon. The Aurora Borealis only appears for extremely short periods. Some for just a few minutes before disappearing and reappearing hours later, while others can last for 15 to 30 minutes. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your camera ready at all times. Note to set up your tripod and cameras beforehand to avoid any glare that might affect your vision.

• Heating Demand

The following important factor to consider is heating. In cold weather,  you’ll need heating equipment for a comfortable experience.  The common heating equipment, including electric heaters, electric blankets, and kettles, definitely demands portable power. 

• Emergency Demand

Finally, having an emergency portable power supply on hand is vital. You never know when your essential electronic devices will run out of power. The portable power can keep your phone charged so that you can keep in contact and communicate. Furthermore, navigation devices such as your GPS, and emergency lighting equipment can find your way around the site under the cover of the darkness. 

Jackery Portable Power

Most of the ideal Aurora Borealis viewing locations are in remote areas. Not all of these areas are connected to the grid, so you are expected to bring your portable power supply. Some users might bring along their battery units, but the best choice is a quality solar generator. 

We recommend Jackrey’s range of portable powers for your Aurora viewing adventure.

• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

As one of the best portable solar generators, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus delivers a capacity of 1264 Wh and a 2000 W output, which can power nearly 99% of all devices you will need for your Aurora viewing. What’s more impressive is that you can add battery packs to expand its battery capacity to 5 kWh. 

It’s not just its portable power capabilities that are impressive. It is also shock-resistant and fire-resistant and operates whisper-quiet, perfect for viewing the Aurora borealis. 

• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus delivers a much larger battery capacity of 2 kilowatt hours and it can be expandable up to 24 KWh! The battery technology incorporates a unique variable speed algorithm that is designed to boost the battery life and optimize charging. This portable power supply device is ideal for those who are spending longer Aurora Borealis viewing or wish to power more equipment in one go.

Additionally, this portable power can operate smoothly at temperatures ranging from -40°F to 180°F. This means you can easily power up your devices even in Alaska’s chilly temperatures.

Other Activities to Do in Alaska

Alaska is not just known for the Aurora Borealis but also for other popular activities. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy: 

• Local Cuisine

Alaska boasts a culinary scene that is rich in local flavors. Fresh seafood such as oysters, crab, and fish, along with an array of vegetables, forms the backbone of Alaskan dishes. Surprising creations like reindeer sausage, yak meat, and birch syrup also add to the diversity. A visit to Alaska is incomplete without indulging in its tempting array of local foods. Many fine dining establishments around tourist attractions, particularly those catering to Aurora Borealis enthusiasts, offer these delightful culinary delights.

• Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Driving 

As the name suggests, dog sledding is the activity where you are placed on a sled being pulled by powerful dogs. It is a State obsession in Alaska. In fact, you will find this a common theme across touring groups. The best part is that dog sledding packages cater to individuals of all ages, including children. Popular destinations for dog sledding include Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Girdwood. If sledding isn’t your cup of tea, you can opt for snowmobile rides across the snowy landscapes instead.

• Devil’s Forest Adventure 

If you want to experience raw Alaska in its purest form, don’t miss out on the Devil’s Forest adventure. Several touring guides will take you through the 130 miles or so of land surrounding the Denali State Park. Here, you could be passing through the remote wilderness and witnessing the local wildlife inhabiting it with portable power. The touring guides will also acquaint you with the local flora growing in abundance along the landscapes.

• Chena Hot Springs 

Chena Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination for those seeking relaxation in the fresh Alaskan air. The Chena Hot Springs Resort, a privately owned 440-acre resort dating back to the 1900s, is nestled amidst the hot springs of the Chena River valley. These springs provide a warming escape from the chilly weather. Beyond relaxing in the hot springs, you have the opportunity to partake in a range of leisure pursuits like canoeing, fishing, and hiking.

Final Thoughts

The Aurora Borealis stands as one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world, yet not everyone is fortunate enough to witness its majesty. For those who do have the opportunity, ensuring a fully comfortable and uninterrupted experience is paramount. To achieve this, investing in high-quality portable power is essential. We highly recommend exploring Jackery’s range of products, which provide a consistent and reliable stream of power no matter where your adventures take you. For more information and to find the perfect power station for your needs, visit the Jackery website.