In the past few days (November 11th and 12th), many people living across the United States have been sharing photos of the aurora borealis on social media. Many people have seen the magnificent and colorful aurora borealis from their balconies, doorsteps, or roadsides in the city, which is both magical and enviable! Many people choose to go to places like Iceland and Canada to see the aurora borealis. In fact, the probability of seeing the aurora borealis in Fairbanks, Alaska, is as high as 80% to 90%. You don't need to rely on luck or anything else. You can see the aurora borealis dancing about once every three days.
Why are auroras so frequently seen in the United States? — The magic of the solar activity cycle
Since 2025, aurora photos have frequently flooded American social media, with sightings ranging from high-latitude states like Wisconsin and Illinois all the way south to Texas and Arizona. This is related to the solar activity cycle; approximately every 11 years, the sun's magnetic field reaches its peak, ejecting large amounts of solar wind and charged particles. When these particles collide with the Earth's magnetic field, auroras form in high-latitude regions. Recent particularly strong solar storms have caused the aurora belt to temporarily shift southward, making these rare aurora sights visible in the central and southern United States.
Friendly reminder: The period from now until early 2026 is the golden year for exceptionally active aurora borealis. Refer to this information now.Winter Alaskan Aurora Chasing Trip
Fairbanks, Alaska: The place with the highest success rate for viewing the aurora borealis in the world
Fairbanks, Alaska, is located right in the center of the aurora oval. Thanks to its excellent geographical location, dry and stable climate, and vast, flat terrain with minimal light pollution, the probability of seeing the aurora is as high as 801 TP3T to 901 TP3T from the end of August to April of the following year. This means that if you stay for more than three nights, you are guaranteed to witness the aurora. Whether you are soaking in a hot spring, on the balcony of a cabin, or gazing at the stars in the snow, you have a chance to witness the green curtain of light dancing across the sky.
Discover Alaska's Aurora Borealis
See the Aurora Borealis with a local Chinese-speaking tour guide and exclusive tours!
The unique charm of chasing the Northern Lights in Alaska
Compared to the romantic atmosphere of Scandinavia, Alaska offers a more natural, wild, and free-spirited ambiance. An Alaskan aurora tour emphasizes experiencing the wonders of nature, including glacier tours, glacier hiking, soaking in polar hot springs, and wildlife viewing. It allows travelers to appreciate the beauty of the Earth sculpted over millennia amidst the vast mountains and rivers of North America, and witness the magical light created by the sun's energy. It's perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who want to immerse themselves in breathtaking scenery.
Besides the natural scenery, Alaska also offers some unique local activities, such as dog sledding and...Canoeing on an almost deserted glacierVisit settlements or museums with local culture, and witness the take-off and landing of the largest seaplane airport, etc.
Furthermore, Alaska is one of the few tax-free states in the US, meaning all shopping and dining is tax-free. Compared to other states with sales taxes as high as 101 TP 3 T, shopping there is essentially a 10% discount. While some cities may levy their own city taxes, Fairbanks and Anchorage, popular tourist destinations, do not have state or city taxes (except in Anchorage, where alcohol purchases incur a 51 TP 3 T sales tax).
Alaskan Culinary Delights: Seafood, Caribou Sausage, Craft Beer
Of course, no trip is complete without delicious food!
In Alaska, you can savor wild salmon, prepared in various ways from grilling and smoking to making soup and burgers. Not only is it fresh, but its meat quality and nutritional value far surpass that of farmed salmon. King crab is another must-try delicacy; whether steamed or grilled, enjoying it at its source is both tastier and more affordable than elsewhere. Other seafood such as scallops and halibut are also abundant in Alaskan waters, with delicate, sweet flesh that is unforgettable. While these seafoods are available in Asia, they are usually transported frozen or served in restaurants. Experiencing these premium seafoods firsthand at their source is a truly luxurious culinary experience. Another unique and hard-to-find item is reindeer sausage. Many Alaskan restaurants serve reindeer products, and reindeer sausage is a classic breakfast dish, often served with scrambled eggs and potatoes, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack – a fun and unique culinary challenge.
On a chilly, snowy day, a cup of coffee or hot cocoa is a must. Americans have a deep love for coffee and desserts, so in the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, small coffee shops and dessert shops line the streets, offering a casual way to enjoy a hot coffee or hot cocoa with cinnamon rolls and sourdough bread, leisurely whiling away a northern afternoon. Furthermore, Alaska boasts a decades-long history of brewing, and thanks to its favorable climate, it has produced many award-winning alcoholic beverages, making it a must-try local experience for those who enjoy a drink and savoring the flavors of spirits.
Chasing the Northern Lights in the United States is becoming more friendly to Asian travelers.
Although the aurora borealis in Alaska is not as famous as in Northern Europe, and few people would even think of it as a place where one can see the Northern Lights."Go to the United States to see the Northern Lights"However, considering the aurora sighting rate and the ease of travel, going to Alaska may actually be easier and more welcoming for travelers from Taiwan or other Asian countries.
- Convenient flightsSeveral airlines in Taiwan offer direct flights to Seattle, taking approximately 10-12 hours. There are frequent daily flights, and connecting flights to Alaska are easy.
- Language barrierMost Asian travelers speak English as their second foreign language, so they are less likely to have problems communicating, reading signs, ordering food, or shopping in Alaska.
- More food choicesAsian food culture is heavily influenced by the United States, and the cooking methods and seasonings are more acceptable. Even if you don't like American food, there are many Chinese restaurants and Asian cuisine options available locally.
If you want to visit Alaska and other U.S. cities in one trip, you can include California (San Francisco, Los Angeles) and the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) in your itinerary without adding too much extra burden to your travels. Combining city tours with natural wonders will make your trip more fulfilling.
Why is the aurora borealis in Alaska less well-known than in Northern Europe?
The above has shared many advantages of the Alaskan Northern Lights, but why is its popularity in tourism still not as high as Norway, Finland, or Canada, and why are most tourists local Americans?
The aurora tours in Northern Europe combine glass igloos, Santa Claus Village, reindeer sleigh rides, and other attractions, creating a romantic, fairytale-like atmosphere that attracts many people to want to see it for themselves. Alaska, on the other hand, has a strong "adventure" theme, such as glacier exploration, wildlife viewing, and cruises. The attractions are not limited to the aurora. There is less information about overseas tour groups online, which may make foreign tourists feel more distant from it.
However, precisely because of this, the aurora viewing and tourism experience in Alaska has a more pristine and pure feel, with fewer tourists and less crowds. If you're looking for a unique travel experience, want to avoid the crowds, and create distinctive aurora memories, then Alaska is the perfect choice for you!
Extended Reading:Top 5 Aurora Chasing Spots in the World
This year, be among the first to discover this hidden gem for aurora viewing!
With solar activity reaching its peak, 2025-2026 will be the most active period for the aurora borealis, and also the time with the highest chance of viewing it in the next decade. Although we can't see the aurora borealis right here in our hometown, we can easily fly to Alaska and witness the sky shimmering and dancing with pink and bright green lights in the snow, capturing this once-in-a-lifetime aurora spectacle.
If planning a self-guided trip in Alaska seems challenging, feel free to refer to Sky Horse's itinerary, specially designed for Chinese-speaking travelers.A 7-day aurora chasing tripA local professional guide will lead the group to the best hidden spots for aurora viewing, depending on the weather and conditions of the day. The tour includes at least four opportunities to chase the aurora! For any questions or to rent a car locally, please feel free to contact us.Through LINE Contact us for details.
