Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome

The Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome is a must-do experience for those visiting Fairbanks, Alaska. This captivating 5-hour excursion transports guests to a former Air Force station, perched atop a mountain at an elevation of 2,930 feet. With unobstructed views and minimal light pollution, the site offers an ideal vantage point to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis. Visitors can expect comfortable van transportation, warm beverages, and knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights on camera settings and techniques. However, the true magic lies in the captivating display of the northern lights, which often paint the night sky with vibrant hues and graceful movements.

Key Points

• Departs from Fairbanks and transports guests to Murphy Dome, an ideal vantage point for observing the Aurora Borealis.
• Offers a 5-hour excursion with unobstructed views and minimal light pollution for an immersive Northern Lights experience.
• Provides a comfortable van journey through the Alaskan landscape, equipped with cozy heating and warm beverages to keep visitors comfortable.
• Guides offer insights into the science behind the Aurora Borealis and advice on photographing the captivating natural phenomenon.
• Pickup and drop-off services are available from hotels within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Overview of the Tour

Departing from Fairbanks, the Northern Lights viewing tour transports participants to the elevated vantage point of Murphy Dome, a former Air Force station now used for long-distance radar surveillance.

This 5-hour excursion, boasting a Badge of Excellence based on 217 reviews, offers a chance to witness the stunning natural light show of the Aurora Borealis.

Travelers will journey in a comfortable van, keeping warm with hot beverages and snacks as they ascend to the 2,930-foot (728-meter) summit.

At the dome, they’ll have the opportunity to take captivating photographs of the celestial display.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks or North Pole city limits, ensuring a seamless experience.

Location and Elevation of Murphy Dome

Murphy Dome, a former Air Force station now utilized as a long-distance radar facility, is located 20 miles northwest of Fairbanks and boasts an elevation of 2,930 feet (728 meters).

This strategic location provides an ideal vantage point for observing the captivating Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) that dance across the night sky.

The dome’s elevated position grants visitors:

• Unobstructed views of the celestial light show
• Minimal light pollution for optimal viewing conditions
• A sense of remoteness, allowing for an immersive and serene experience amidst the natural wonder.

This unique setting makes Murphy Dome a premier destination for those seeking to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis in all its glory.

Travel to Murphy Dome

Travelers embark on a comfortable van journey from their Fairbanks or North Pole hotels, setting out towards the captivating destination of Murphy Dome.

The 20-mile drive northwest of Fairbanks takes them through the picturesque Alaskan landscape, climbing to an elevation of 2,930 feet. Along the way, the tour guide provides insights into the region’s history and points of interest.

As the van approaches the former Air Force station, now a long-distance radar facility, anticipation builds for the upcoming Northern Lights viewing experience.

Warm beverages and snacks help keep the participants cozy and comfortable during the drive, ensuring they’re ready to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis display at the top of Murphy Dome.

Viewing the Northern Lights

Upon reaching the summit of Murphy Dome, the tour group eagerly steps out of the van and gazes up at the night sky, their eyes transfixed by the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) unfolding above them.

The dazzling celestial show features:

• Vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink swirling across the heavens
• Curtains of light dancing gracefully, undulating and pulsating with captivating energy
• Bursts of luminous activity that cast a ethereal glow over the entire landscape

The group snaps photos, awestruck by the natural wonder before them, as the tour guide points out the science behind this breathtaking phenomenon. Truly, witnessing the Northern Lights is a magical and unforgettable experience.

Photographing the Aurora Borealis

As the mesmerizing display of the Aurora Borealis unfolds above them, travelers on the Northern Lights viewing tour eagerly reach for their cameras to capture the breathtaking natural phenomenon.

With the right camera settings and techniques, they can immortalize the vibrant hues and captivating movements of the celestial light show. The tour guides advise using a tripod and long exposure times to create stunning images.

Capturing the Aurora’s dramatic dance of green, purple, and pink requires a high ISO, wide aperture, and slow shutter speed. Photographers must also be mindful of their composition, framing the lights against the silhouetted landscape.

With patience and skill, the tour participants can preserve lasting memories of this awe-inspiring spectacle.

Staying Warm and Comfortable

The tour van comes equipped with cozy heating, providing a comfortable respite from the frigid outdoor temperatures as guests journey to the Northern Lights viewing site at Murphy Dome.

Once there, the van offers a welcoming shelter to enjoy the stunning aurora display. Guests can warm up with:

• Hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
• Tasty snacks to stave off the cold
• Thick blankets to bundle up in while gazing at the night sky

The combination of the van’s warmth, refreshments, and cozy amenities ensures visitors stay toasty and content throughout the 5-hour Northern Lights viewing adventure, allowing them to fully enjoy the natural wonder unfolding overhead.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

The Northern Lights viewing tour from Fairbanks offers convenient pickup and drop-off services for guests.

Tour participants can be picked up from hotels within the Fairbanks or North Pole city limits between 10:00 PM and 10:45 PM. However, no pickups are provided from the airport.

After the tour, guests will be dropped off at their original pickup locations.

The tour operator ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience by handling all transportation needs. Guests can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning Northern Lights display without worrying about driving.

The convenient pickup and drop-off service adds to the overall comfort and convenience of this tour.

Important Additional Information

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off service, there are a few other important details to consider when booking the Northern Lights viewing tour at Murphy Dome.

Confirmation of the tour is subject to availability and will be provided within 48 hours of booking. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests will need to ensure they can comfortably navigate the terrain.

Visitors should also dress appropriately in warm winter attire, as there are no restroom facilities available at the viewing site.

On top of that, the tour operator may use an alternative location if road conditions are deemed unsafe, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Children on the Tour?

Yes, children can attend the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves late night hours and lacks restroom facilities. Parents should consider their child’s age and ability to endure the experience.

Is There a Bathroom at the Viewing Site?

The tour does not have restroom facilities available at the Murphy Dome viewing site. Guests should plan accordingly before the tour, as there are no restrooms at the remote location where the Northern Lights viewing takes place.

What Happens if the Northern Lights Are Not Visible?

If the northern lights are not visible during the tour, the company will offer alternative activities, such as stargazing or visiting a cultural site, to ensure guests have an enjoyable experience. Refunds are available if conditions prevent any activities.

Is the Tour Available Year-Round?

The tour is not available year-round. It’s typically offered during the Northern Lights viewing season, which runs from September through April when the sky is dark enough for the Aurora Borealis to be visible.

Can I Request a Special Dietary Snack?

Yes, guests can request special dietary snacks for the tour. The tour operator is accommodating and will do their best to provide alternative options to meet any dietary needs or restrictions, as long as the request is made in advance.

Recap

The Northern Lights Viewing at Murphy Dome offers a captivating 5-hour excursion from Fairbanks, providing unobstructed views and minimal light pollution to witness the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.

With comfortable transportation, warm beverages, and snacks, visitors stay cozy as knowledgeable guides assist photographers in capturing the vibrant hues and graceful movements of the northern lights.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience at an elevation of 2,930 feet is an opportunity not to be missed.