2025 MARCH 1-5 ALASKA AURORA EXPEDITON #29 RESULTS
by Paul D. Maley
Lisa Farin on March 4, 2025. Photo taken with Sony ILCE-7RM5 camera, f/3.2, 8 seconds, ISO1600
This trip was the 29th such group that I led to Fairbanks in an effort to observe the Northern Lights. It was very successful with aurora being seen on all 4 nights which was a record in itself. Temperatures ranged from 25 to 40 deg F but at night seldom dropping at all from 25 deg F with no wind. This trip seemed to be the second time that someone with a birthday at the time also brought good luck with witnessing exceptional aurora.
Another such lucky event was the cancellation of the Iditarod race in Anchorage due to lack of sufficient snow and the last minute transfer of dogs and mushers to Fairbanks during our tour. While we were unable to go to the start line on March 3 it was a great start since Fairbanks had a good snow pack in the area.
AURORA ON MARCH 1/2
Note: I will not repeat camera, ISO and lens after its first definition by the photographer.
Both photos by Jan Hellemans with Canon R6, ISO1600, 15mm lens.
Photo by Fred Farin with Nikon Coolpix at f/2.8, ISO1600, 15 seconds.
Photos above by Paul D. Maley with Nikon D3100, f/3.5 ISO1600, 13 seconds.
AURORA ON MARCH 2/3
This was probably the night of least activity.
10:38pm My first sighting. Paul D. Maley photos
2:06am March 3 was the best view.
AURORA ON MARCH 3/4
First view around 12:30am on March 4. Paul D. Maley photo.
Above 2 photos by Jane Dudik with Iphone 15
Above 2 photos by Jeff Lang with Iphone 14 Pro Max, hand held
Lisa Farin photo.
Zina Mirsky took the above 3 images. Olympus mirrorless 14mm 2.6 with 8 seconds exposure, ISO 1600
Roger Severson photo with Iphone 13 Pro, ISO5000, 2 second exposure.
Last image around 4:00am. Paul D. Maley photo.
AURORA ON MARCH 4/5
10:44pm. Paul D. Maley photo.
Jan Hellemans 11:07pm, 10 sec exposure, f/2.8, 15 seconds
Jan Hellemans 11:11pm, 10 sec exposure, f/2.8, 15 seconds
The next 3 photos are from Paul D. Maley
11:25pm
11:26pm
A bunny rabbit-shaped aurora appearing to eye the local trees as food at 11:27pm. This and the next 3 photos are by Paul D. Maley.
The next two images are from Lisa Farin.
MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS
Ice sculpture photo#1 by Jan Hellemans
Ice sculpture photo#2 by Jan Hellemans
Using my laser to point out T Corona Borealis which is signaled to explode in the coming days or weeks or months. Paul D. Maley photo.
Part of the aurora problem is that the lodge does not have a flat horizon. South is at the top, north at bottom. Auroras typically appear in the north. Here is an example where the Poker Flats aurora web cam sees nice Northern Lights beginning but we cannot yet spot them. Photo courtesy of University of Alaska Geophysical Institute on March 4.
Lisa Farin’s birthday cake. Paul D. Maley photo.
Sunrise on March 5. Paul D. Maley photo.
Bathing in the waters at Chena Hot Springs. Nancy Okamoto photo.
A sun dog seen on March 4. Paul D. Maley photo with Samsung S24.
The start line for the Iditarod 2025 from local media