Aurora Borealis viewing, Fairbanks

Fairbanks sits directly beneath the auroral oval, an annular zone centered around the magnetic pole where auroral activity is most concentrated, making the city one of the most reliable locations in the world for observing the northern lights. The aurora season runs from late August through April, with peak activity during the equinoxes in September and March. Clear skies and minimal light pollution in the surrounding Tanana Valley provide long shooting windows for photographers using wide-angle lenses and long exposures.