Northern Lights in Fairbanks Alaska?

Quick question for you all.  Getting Northern Lights in Alaska this time of the year, specifically in Fairbanks.  How far outside of the city lights do you need to go in order to view? 

10 minutes drive, its not a big city

2023 has been an exceptional year for solar activity, with sunspot observations increasing dramatically since the end of 2022. This uptick in solar activity is significantly influencing the Northern Lights. In fact, the next 18 months are expected to bring the most intense Northern Lights activity seen in the last two decades. The lights are likely to be visible more frequently and from more locations around the world than usual​​.

The Solar Cycle 25 Prediction Panel, backed by NASA and NOAA, initially predicted a below-average year for solar activity. However, recent models have indicated that the solar activity could be much higher than anticipated. The activity is expected to continue rising until fall 2024, aligning with the peak period for the Northern Lights​​.

The mechanics behind this are fascinating. Sunspots, which are cooler, highly magnetic areas on the sun, create space weather phenomena like coronal mass ejections. These events send particles across the 94 million miles to Earth, where they interact with our planet's magnetic field to create the Northern Lights. The extra solar activity has already expanded the range where the lights can be seen, with sightings as far south as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and even Arizona this year​​.

Additionally, seasonal factors like the autumnal and spring equinoxes can enhance the visibility of the Northern Lights. During these times, the Earth's magnetic field aligns in a way that makes it more susceptible to solar particles, increasing the chances of seeing the aurora at lower latitudes​​.

For photographers in Fairbanks, this means that the chances of capturing stunning aurora displays are higher than usual. It's an excellent opportunity to venture outside the city lights and witness this natural spectacle in its full glory. Remember, though the aurora can be unpredictable, patience and persistence, along with keeping an eye on aurora forecasts, will increase your chances of a successful photo session. Happy shooting!

Don't forget your tripod.  A good friend of mine flew up to Alaska last winter on a photography workshop he was doing up there.  He had to borrow a tripod from another person because he left his home.  This is still a fun joke with him today!  

Whats funny is Fairbanks isn't as big as many think.  It's a smaller city and really doesn't take long to escape the city lights.  

news.yahoo.com/solar-flare-causes-moderate-radio-233412152.html

Article on Yahoo this morning talking about huge solar flare today that should impact northern lights all over 

I could only wish to see them where i live!  

With all the solar activity happening right now, I bet ititss insane up there! 

Huge hole in the sun that is creating massive solar activity, so northern lights are supposed to be incredible

You had me curious about this and I found this good video: