“You can see the aurora borealis – or Northern Lights-an average of 243 days a year in Alaska.”

National Geographic Kids, 5,000 awesome facts

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that occurs 365 days a year, 24 hours a day when energized particles from the sun hits the upper atmosphere of the earth at speeds of up to 45 million mph, but doesn’t result in total annihilation due to the protection of the planet’s magnetic field. It occurs mainly in the high latitudes of both hemispheres, 66.5 degrees N. of the equator, making what is called the Northern and Southern lights. This awesome relationship with the sun and the earth result in luminescent waves rippling in the atmosphere that are usually seen in gray and white tones, lasting 30 minutes long and occurring every 2 hours. Special cameras are used to illuminate the waves into the beautiful colors seen in pictures.

In Alaska, the best time to observe the lights is from August 21 – April 21, which is about 8 months, or about 240 days out of the year when the rivers and lakes aren’t frozen over. The best time to see them is from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. It’s suggested to go on a Northern Light tour in Fairbanks for best possible sightings.

An interesting myth I found regarding the Northern Lights. Don’t whistle or yell at the Borealis for it is said the spirits will come down and whisk you away. Appreciative clapping is o.k.

This fact is very awesome indeed. Amazing.