Thanks @bashadow for pleasant comment. Same problem over here the most days are cloudy. Pure luck with clear sky and high solar activity at the same time. How many degree north you live? Alaska should give opportunities for picturing the Northern light.
I use a a Sony alpa 5100 a pretty simple camera. The camera must have manual setting and focus. Settings for these pictures (iso 2000 f/3.5 6s)Tree-pod is also necessary.