If you’re planning an Alaskan cruise, one of the things you might be wondering is whether or not you’ll get to see the Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, these incredible natural light shows are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere.
Can You See Northern Lights on Alaska Cruise?
The answer is yes! Alaska is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, and many cruise ships offer special viewing opportunities for their passengers. But before we dive into how to see them, let’s first talk about what causes these beautiful lights.
What Causes Northern Lights?
As mentioned earlier, Northern Lights are caused by collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere. The earth’s magnetic field channels these particles towards the polar regions, which is why you can only see them in areas near the North and South Poles.
When these charged particles collide with atoms and molecules in our atmosphere, they release energy in the form of light. The different colors of light that we see are determined by which atoms and molecules are involved in each collision.
Best Time to See Northern Lights on an Alaskan Cruise
The best time to see Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise is during the winter months. This is because there are fewer daylight hours, which means more opportunities for darkness and clear skies – both of which are essential for seeing this phenomenon.
Where to Look for Northern Lights
If you want to increase your chances of seeing Northern Lights on your Alaskan cruise, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’re on a ship that offers special viewing opportunities. Some ships have observation decks or even dedicated “Northern Lights rooms” where passengers can gather to watch.
Secondly, try to get away from light pollution as much as possible. This means finding a spot on the ship that’s away from any bright lights or going on shore excursions to areas with less light pollution.
Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast. You’ll want to look for clear skies and a high level of auroral activity, which can be measured using the Kp index.
- Clear Skies: Cloudy or overcast skies will make it impossible to see the Northern Lights.
- Light Pollution: Bright lights from cities or other ships can also make it difficult to see.
- Kp Index: This index measures auroral activity on a scale of 0-9, with higher numbers indicating stronger activity. A Kp index of 4 or higher is considered good for viewing Northern Lights.
In Conclusion
Alaskan cruises offer a unique opportunity to see one of nature’s most incredible displays – the Northern Lights. With some planning and a bit of luck, you can witness this breathtaking phenomenon firsthand. Just remember to find a spot away from light pollution, keep an eye on the weather forecast, and enjoy the show!