Hi! I am Amy Stratman, and I run the Aurora Borealis Notifications website and webcam over North Pole, Alaska. Each dollar given is very much appreciated to keep the webcams going and the website up. I thank you very much!
By looking at the webcam, you can see if the northern lights are out or not, and also check the weather. The webcam is for aurora watchers and chasers actively trying to view the aurora in person, and also for people at home to enjoy the night sky from afar. This camera is located near Chena Lakes in North Pole. Areas within 100+ miles can benefit from viewing how the sky looks using this webcam.
Running the webcam takes money. The money not only is for the camera itself, but for the connections, wires, maintenance, the internet, and the computer. I climb up a staircase ladder to clean the dome (birds, dirt, snow, ice) and dismantle the pole with a locking pin to lower the camera for additional maintenance. Of course, living in North Pole, the camera is in the extreme winter elements. A very long wire is better than a wifi connection due to the unreliability of steady internet in my area (even with the best router). Someday, I would like to upgrade the camera, which was made in 2012. It still runs great though, even at -40!
My website also helps you see the northern lights, either on your own, or with a tour. I have lived in the Fairbanks Alaska area more than half my life and can give you advice on any aspect of your trip to see the aurora.
I actively chase the aurora myself almost every night. 3 reasons to "chase" the aurora: to get away from poor viewing weather, to get away from light pollution, or to change the scenery in your photos. Other than that, you do not chase aurora.
I no longer text people when the aurora is out. I served over a decade doing so, and it is time to retire the texting.
Thank you for buying me a coffee!
