I may be going to Alaska (Anchorage to be exact) this November during Thanksgiving. I was wondering if it is possible to see the Northern Lights from Anchorage or if I will need to go somewhere else. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks

I've seen 'em in September on the Kenai, so I assume you shouldn't have too much of a problem in Anchorage. As we get closer to Winter, you should check out this Auroral Forecast (http://www.gi.alaska.edu/cgi-bin/predict.cgi) site.

Solar factors influence specifically how active the Northern Lights are each night. However, I would think that you'll at least get a minimal view during a few nights in Anchorage.

The only thing I would suggest is that Anchorage is a decent-size city, and the city lights are going to affect your view of the Northern Lights. If you're really into seeing the lights, but don't want to drive far, you could spend a night in Girdwood (40-45 mins away from Anchorage).

I like Girdwood.

I lived in Anchorage for a year. The only show I saw was on the Alaska Highway in The Yukon on Labor Day weekend. I saw a better display in Northern Vermont before dawn on a winter morning.

I lived there for 7 years...check the forecasts before you go, and I second Jeremy's recommendation for Girdwood...

You could also go north on the Glenn Highway past Eagle River and get a better view...

Mark