Picture yourself bundled up in a warm puffy coat, sipping a thermos of hot mulled wine. You’re looking up at the clear night sky, freckled with bright stars in every direction. Suddenly, you notice a hazy fog forming due north. Your guide enthusiastically grabs the camera and announces that this is it. The moment you’ve been waiting for …

You’re about to meet the Aurora Borealis.

If you’ve been dreaming of a celestial vacation, then experiencing the majestic phenomenon of the Northern Lights should be on your bucket list.  

Today, Traveling with AAA host Angie Orth welcomes Valerie Stimac, a travel and space tourism writer who grew up in Alaska. She’s the author of Lonely Planet’s Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourismand has previously been on the show to share her astrotourism expertise. Raised under skies filled with the famous Aurora Borealis, she joins us to share her knowledge on traveling to witness this colorful, heavenly event. 

You’ll discover the science behind the aurora phenomenon and the weather conditions necessary for them to be visible. You’ll learn which locations are most active in the United States and abroad as well as get tips that could increase your chances of seeing them. You’ll also hear helpful packing tips for staying cozy and learning which apps to download before you go.

What You’ll Learn:

• (2:36) Why we see colors during the Aurora Borealis
• (5:42) The best seasons and locations and to see them
• (9:15) Apps to use and the KP index explained
• (12:44) Packing tips for a Northern Lights vacation
• (15:36) The number one mistake most people make

Connect with Valerie Stimac:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vstimac

Book: Stargazing Around the World: A Tour of the Night Sky https://shop.lonelyplanet.com/products/stargazing-around-the-world-a-tour-of-the-night-sky

Previous Episodes:

Astrotourism: Visiting the Heavens with Valerie Stimac

5 Biggest Upcoming Astronomical Events and Where to See Them, with Valerie Stimac

Connect with AAA:

Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprises

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises