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Can anyone from Activerain tell me about the Northern Lights in Alaska?

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Industry Observer

 Can anyone from Activerain tell me about the Northern Lights in Alaska?

 Are there any members of Activerain that live in Fairbanks or Nome Alaska? I am planning a trip around February to shoot some photographs and film the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).

 I do know around February in Fairbanks it is about 30-40 below zero temperatures but I can handle it being raised in Minnesota where temperatures can reach 20 below zero.

 Here is a very interesting 3 minute film about the Northern Lights I found on google.

  Alaska.org - Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights ...

 Questions for anyone from Alaska .........

 What is the best place in Alaska to film the Northern Lights?

 What time of the year is the best for taking photos?

 And would anyone like to meet Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob) in Alaska when I visit?

 Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob)

 www.VegasBuildingsForSale.com

 www.SearchMyPics.com

 www.LakeOwner.com

 www.RealEstateNationwideListings.com

 www.UFOsAliens.org

 http://DarksideofDavid.com

 

Posted by

Robert "Vegas Bob" Swetz  

Direct: 408 410 4171

"Have a Wonderful Day"

VIDEOS BY VEGAS BOB

 

Comments(14)

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Brian Lee Burke
Kenna Real Estate - Lone Tree, CO
Broker & Advising Expert-Kenna Luxury Real Estate

I don't know about Alaska but you could take a trip to Finland and find them too :) ~Rita

Sep 22, 2009 03:05 PM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Yea...I think if you call Jesse Cliffton.   Click on States tab, and then on the Alaska tab and you will find he is the 'top dog' up there.  I believe he is from Fairbanks.

Sep 22, 2009 03:10 PM
Kimo Stowell
HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 - Honolulu, HI
REALTOR® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i

Aloha Robert,

I've seen the Northern Lights on several occasions in various states in New England and Canada and I imagine it's very similar in Alaska, as well. The best place to view the Aurora Borealis is in big sky territory at an elevation. The bigger the expanse of the horizon the better. Sometimes in dominates the entire sky undulating quickly while changing color from green to red. Other times it can appear as a ribbon arching across the northern horizon usually greenish blue. It's an amazing light show like none other but it is rather rare, am not sure about it's frequency in Alaska. Good luck and keep your eyes to the north usually between late November to February, It's usually very very cold if I remember correctly.

Peace,

Sep 22, 2009 03:28 PM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

My husband can ... I'm going to point this blog out to him ad let him respond!

Sep 22, 2009 04:28 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

http://www.auroradude.com/  This is my friend Dennis Anderson... I sold him both his houses so far... he won the most prestigious award possible in the world for northern light photos... he is awesome... he lives in Homer Alaska on Diamond Ridge and he chases the lights,

there is no better and he loves to help people figure it out... starting on page one with his advice about no wimpy cameras... got to get a camera that will take at least 40 below..

Feb is probably one of the best months but you just never know... we get them in November, December... Fairbanks and the northers parts are known for the vivid colors...

Where I live we can sit in our chairs and watch them dance across the sky on a cold winter night... legend says the northern lights are the spirits dancing in the sky...scientist say they are gas... I go with the natives...

check out his site... he also has the volcanoes and stars, moon and comets... but the northern lights are spectacular and everyone should see them at least once in their lives...

good luck and dress warm and I would love to meet you... Homer is far from Fairbanks... about 12 hours... but we do have planes...

Sep 22, 2009 07:02 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK

Hey Bob...

The best time to see the lights is anytime from now through early/mid March.  You can see them almost anywhere in the state, so long as you're away from a population center.  It's nearly impossible to see them if you're surrounded by street lights, lighted store signs, etc. We live about 15 miles out of town and cal see them very well when they're out.

They weren't all that active last year and I've heard from friends at UAF that this will probably be another quiet year. That said, if you want to come up, plan on a December/January trip and plan your trip around a cold spell.  If they're out, we'll show you the best place to plant yourself for some outstanding viewing/photography.

Sep 22, 2009 07:09 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

http://www.auroradude.com/AngelFire.html  make sure you check this out... this was taken in Homer in Jan oner year... it was the winning picture for the trip he got to Norway... he is good and you will like him

Sep 22, 2009 07:10 PM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

VB - I know nothing about where to find them....except right here after you get back.  Can't wait!

 

No pressure, though. 

Really.

Sep 22, 2009 08:00 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Well for sure you want to take warm -- very warm -- clothes!!

Sep 22, 2009 08:21 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

VB, I have seen them in AK before. the last time I saw them was in northern MI. They are quite a sight to see...

Helping you live your American dream...

Sep 22, 2009 09:19 PM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

VB, what a great trip you are taking! Alaska is on my bucket list. But I will admit, the thought of an Alaskan winter makes my bones hurt!!!!

Sep 23, 2009 12:54 AM
Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

The Northern Lights are so beautiful I have always wanted to se them in person! Dinah Lee

Sep 23, 2009 04:50 AM
Lee & Carol Barbour, REALTORS
Murphy and Hayesville, NC; Hiawassee, Blairsville, Blue Ridge GA - Murphy, NC
Mountain Living Team in Murphy NC and North GA

The one thing I know is that I hope to one day to be able to experience them. Would love to see your photographs.

Sep 23, 2009 03:16 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

 I would like to thank everyone for their comments and I am very excited about getting back up to Alaska, I was there 10 years ago looking for some Acreage.

 I do have some friends (above) and look forward to meeting you if I come to photograph the "Northern Lights" in Alaska.

 Vegas Bob makes decisions on a whim and will wake up in the morning and be driving home from work and just decide I am going "North to Alaska"

 VB ;o)

Sep 23, 2009 03:47 PM