High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program, Research facility in Gakona, Alaska
The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program is a research facility near Gakona in Alaska focused on studying the ionosphere. It uses an array of antennas that send radio waves into the upper atmosphere to examine its electrical properties.
The United States military established the research station in the early 1990s to study atmospheric phenomena. The University of Alaska Fairbanks took over operations in 2015 and opened the facility for civilian research.
The research station maintains transparency through annual open houses where local residents can explore the facility and learn about ionospheric studies.
The facility sits in a remote wooded area and opens to visitors only during a few days each year. Those who want to join a tour should check ahead for dates of public events.
Scientists can aim the antenna array to study specific sections of the upper atmosphere rather than broadcasting evenly in all directions. Many visitors are surprised that the site covers such a wide area and the antennas stand in neat rows across an open field.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
