When to See the Aurora
The aurora viewing season runs from late August through April. The best viewing occurs on clear, dark nights between 10:00 PM and 3:00 AM. Look for forecasts predicting Kp index levels of 3 or higher.
Top Local Viewing Hotspots
Moose Meadows is Girdwood's premier viewing spot, offering open fields with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the northern sky. The highway pullouts along the Turnagain Arm and the upper Crow Creek Road also provide excellent dark skies.
Photography Settings
To photograph the lights, use a camera with manual mode and a tripod. Set a wide aperture (f/2.8 or lower), raise the ISO to 1600-3200, and use a shutter exposure time between 4 to 12 seconds.