What’s the Most Amazing Thing to See in Alaska?

Alaska is full of natural wonders. In today’s blog, we are going to take a look at some of the state’s incredible natural phenomenon and decide which one is the most amazing. This is a tough job but I feel like we are up to the task.

How will we choose the winner?

Good question. I am going to pick the winner, which is a totally unbiased way to ascertain the most amazing thing in Alaska. After all, I live in Alaska and I write this blog, so it only seems fair that I make the final choice. 

And away we go!

I will list each natural wonder, give a brief explanation, and then rate it on a scale of 1 to 50. 

• The Northern Lights – You knew this one would be on the list. A lot of people come to Alaska in the winter just to glimpse the northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis. When you see colored lights dance across the sky, it’s an amazing sight that stirs the soul. Indeed, seeing the northern lights are an experience you will ever forget unless you get amnesia or you’re drunk when you see them. The only downside is that it’s always cold when the northern lights are out and that’s no fun. Rating – 43

• Light Pillar – Light pillars are an atmospheric optical phenomenon in which a vertical beam of light magically appears to extend above and/or below a source of light. The effect is created by tiny ice crystals or it may actually be the ghosts of deceased ancestors. Nobody is really certain. One thing is certain, you will be amazed if you see a light pillar but the odds of seeing them are very slim. Rating – 38

• Alpenglow – Another optical phenomenon, alpenglow is pink light reflected onto landscapes opposite the horizon where the sun already set. Alpenglow on a snowy mountaintop is very pretty but it’s not anywhere near as amazing as northern lights and light pillars so there’s no point in discussing the topic any further. Rating – 12

• Calving Glaciers – When tidewater glaciers break apart, large chunks of ice fall in the ocean. This process is called calving even though it has nothing to do with cows or lower legs. When the ice crumbles and splashes into the water, it is an amazing spectacle of nature. You can feel deep vibrations within your body when glaciers calve, so it’s like watching a movie with the volume turned all the way up. I saw a glacier calve once. Unfortunately, I was in a canoe and almost died. Pretty amazing stuff. Rating – 43
  

So what natural phenomenon was the winner?

On no! We have a tie between calving glacier and northern lights. Breaking this tie is up to you. Let me know whether you think calving glaciers or northern lights are the most amazing thing to see in Alaska. The winner will be announced by a note in a bottle that I throw out to sea on March 1, 2020.