Best Time to See Northern Lights Aurora in Michigan

Are you looking for the best time to see Northern Lights in Michigan? This blog has everything you need to know about this stunning natural light display, which is a bucket list must that everyone must witness at least once in their lives!

Have you ever looked up at the night sky, hoping to see the Northern Lights, only to be disappointed because of too many ambient lights around that block out your ability to see this phenomenon? Many of us live in cities or heavily populated areas where light pollution obscures the beauty of the stars and planets.

Still, there are some places in the world where you can see the stunning Northern Lights without any distractions, such as witnessing Northern Lights in Banff, Alberta. One of these places is Michigan, which has some of the darkest skies in the northern United States! Here, you can see the magic of the auroras against the backdrop of clear night skies and low light pollution. It is a rare and magical sight that must be on your Michigan bucket list.

But when is the best time to see northern lights in Michigan? Keep reading to find out when, where, and how to catch the northern lights in the Great Lakes State!

What are the Northern Lights?

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural light display that illuminates the sky in a brilliant range of colors. It occurs mostly in the polar regions. In the Southern Hemisphere, this phenomenon is known as the Southern Lights or Aurora Australis.

Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon that happens when electrically charged particles from the sun enter the Earth’s magnetic field and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. These collisions create a stunning display of lights in the sky, about 60 or 70 miles up high above the Earth, much higher than where airplanes fly. These lights are most visible in the high-latitude regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.

The most common color you see in pictures is a bright yellow-green, but sometimes, the aurora borealis can also make ribbons of blue, red, and violet light. These lights can stretch for hundreds of miles into space. The light of the aurora is the same as the brightness of starlight. That’s why you can see it clearly in the dark sky. It is a rare and magical sight that must be on your bucket list!

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History of the Northern Lights

Aurelia Borealis, or the Northern Lights, has fascinated humans for centuries. The Greek philosopher Aristotle’s first recorded observation of the Northern Lights was in 322 BC. He described a faint glow in the northern sky, which was believed to be a reflection of the sun’s rays. In the 17th century, the lights were given their name when French astronomer Pierre Gassendi named them after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas.

The Northern Lights have been the subject of many myths and legends throughout history. In Norse mythology, these lights were said to be the reflections of the shields of the Valkyries, warrior maidens who carried the souls of fallen soldiers to Valhalla. In Finnish folklore, the lights were believed to be caused by a fox running across the snow, sending sparks into the sky with its tail.

Today, the Northern Lights are a popular tourist attraction. Many people travel to the polar regions to see the spectacular display of colors in the night sky. Michigan is one of the best places in the northern United States!

What is the Space Science Behind the Aurora Borealis?

The Northern Lights is not just a magical event but also a scientific phenomenon that occurs due to space weather. When the sun’s energetic particles, called solar flares, move through the atmosphere on the solar wind, they eventually enter the Earth’s magnetic field. This interaction causes electrons in the Earth’s magnetic field to collide with oxygen atoms and nitrogen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating flashes of colorful light that we see as the aurora borealis. The auroral oval dips are the ring-shaped region above the geomagnetic north poles where auroral activity is centered. The intensity and magnitude of auroral activity within the auroral oval dips are influenced by the solar flares.

Scientists use the KP Index, or Planetary K-index, to measure how strong geomagnetic storms are. This index helps track disruptions in Earth’s magnetic field and allows the Space Weather Prediction Center to warn those who might be affected. Solar wind conditions and geomagnetic storms can affect the power grid, spacecraft, and radio signals.

If you want to know if there will be a Northern Lights show, checking the KP Index is the best way. The higher the KP number (which goes from 0 to 9), the more likely you will see the Northern Lights. In Marquette, for example, you need a KP Index of at least 4+ to see the aurora. For the best view, you should be in a place without too much light around (low light pollution) and with little cloud cover.

Why is Michigan a Great Place to See Northern Light Aurora?

Northern Michigan is a popular destination for seeing the Northern Lights due to its location within the “auroral oval” of visibility, which is centered on the Earth’s magnetic poles.

During nights of strong auroral activity, when the oval dips further south, you can see the most amazing auroras. Its northern latitudes, particularly the Keweenaw Peninsula, witness some of the most remarkable views of the aurora in the 48 United States (The lower states). It provides the same auroral visibility as other famous locations such as Norway, Finland, and Alaska.

Even though Michigan is farther south, it experiences longer nights from spring to fall, making it great for seeing the best northern lights. Northern Michigan has a lot of wilderness and few big cities, so the skies get really dark at night. The state has several miles of coastline along the southern shore of Lake Superior with open skies.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with its numerous Dark Sky Parks and Preserves, provides an ideal location for stargazing and aurora displays. The very dark night skies, less light pollution, and unobstructed views of the horizon make Northern Michigan a popular destination to see the northern lights display.

When is the Best Time to See Northern Lights in Michigan?

The best time to see northern lights in Michigan is between August and April. You will see a greater frequency of the northern lights during the months when the nights are longer and the skies are dark and clear.

March and September—the months of the spring and fall equinoxes—experience stronger aurora activity due to the tilt of Earth during this time, which lets more solar energy into Earth’s atmosphere.
The months of October, November, and April are also great for spotting the vivid display of natural lights. Aurora displays also depend on solar activity, which fluctuates over 11-year cycles.

In 2024, scientists predict a significant increase in solar activity from January to October and possibly beyond. This means you’ll have more opportunities to see this natural wonder than in previous years. If you want to see them this year, make sure to check weather forecasts and websites like the 30-Minute Forecast from the Space Weather Prediction Center to see this rare event.

When is the Best Time of Day to See the Northern Lights in Michigan?

The best time of day to see the aurora displays in Michigan is during the late evening or early morning hours. The frequent visible hours are between 10 pm and 2 am. Note that the Northern Lights is a natural phenomenon, and it can be unpredictable. It may not always be visible during these hours, and it may be visible during other times of the day.

Seeing the Northern Lights on the New Moon

If you want to see the Northern Lights in Michigan, it is a good idea to go to places where there’s not much light pollution from cities, making the night sky really dark. This helps you see the auroras better.

The best time to see the northern lights in Michigan is during a new moon, which is when the moon is not visible in the night sky. In 2024, below are the dates when you have the best chance for both stargazing and seeing the Northern Lights:

• 11 January
• 9 February
• 10 March
• 8 April
• 7 May
• 6 June
• 5 July
• 4 August
• 2 September
• 2 October
• 1 November
• 30 November
• 30 December

These new moon dates for 2024 offer you the best shot at catching the auroras.

But don’t worry if you can’t make it during a new moon – you can still see this incredible natural show on any clear night after a solar storm!

Is 2024 a Good Year to Catch the Northern Lights Aurora in Michigan?

According to space weather scientists, 2024 can be a perfect year to see the Northern Lights in Michigan!

Experts predict that the years between 2022 and 2027 will be ideal for Aurora displays. Solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, with the next peak expected to occur in July 2025. This cycle involves periods of minimum and maximum solar activity.

2024 could be a good year to see the northern lights in Michigan as it falls within the peak of the solar cycle. During the peak months, solar particles and solar flares are more likely to create strong geomagnetic storms that make it easier to see the northern lights.

Northern Lights Forecast Services in Michigan

Check out these helpful tools to discover more and plan your aurora adventures in Michigan:

• Aurora – 30-Minute Forecast: Get short-term forecasts about the location and frequency of the northern lights from the Space Weather Prediction Center.
• NOAA’s Northern Lights Aurora Borealis Forecaster: Visit this link to get forecasts specifically about the Northern Lights by NOAA. They provide a forecast track of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).
• Soft Serve News: Receive real-time predictions and forecasts for the aurora borealis on Soft Serve News, where you can even sign up to get aurora alerts and updates on your mobile phone.
• Aurora Apps: Download mobile applications like My Aurora Forecast and Aurora Alerts to stay updated on Northern Lights predictions.

Best Places to See the Northern Lights Aurora in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

If you want to see the northern lights in Michigan, escape the bright city lights and head north towards Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Once you’re in the Upper Peninsula, you can spot these magical lights anywhere along the south shore of Lake Superior.

Looking north over Lake Superior is like having a front-row seat to the aurora show. No trees or hills block your view, just a clear look at the night sky.

Below are some tourist favorite spots to catch this stunning sky show:

Drummond Island

Located in Lake Huron, Drummond Island offers some of the best aurora views in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Glen Cove and Drummond Island Township Park Beach are two great spots to lay down your blanket and enjoy the view of the northern lights.

Brimley State Park

As one of the oldest state parks, Brimley State Park offers a 2,000-foot sandy beach along Lake Superior. It is perfect for watching the Northern Lights on clear nights.

Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point has a rocky, sandy beach along Lake Superior. You’ll find it at the northeastern point of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is a popular spot for northern lights sightings.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

It is the first national lakeshore in Michigan and is popular for its historical sand cliffs. The park provides many spots for watching the northern lights and stargazing, including Miner’s Beach, Twelvemile Beach, and Grand Portal Point.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Traverse City

Travese City is one of the best spots to view the northern lights in northern Michigan. The park’s remote location and absence of light pollution offer a clear view of the night sky. Here, you can see the northern lights from late fall to early spring.

Munising

Between Marquette and Munising, you’ll find several pullouts along Lake Superior, where you can admire the Northern Lights or gaze at the starry sky.

Marquette

It is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and a perfect spot for seeing aurora displays in late fall and early winter. You can check out the M-28 pullouts or hike to Sugarloaf Mountain in the summer for an impressive sky display.

Au Train

You can find it in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest. Au Train Beach is a perfect spot to see the northern lights with a dark sky area. It is easily accessible from M-28.

Skanee

Arvon Township Park, located near Skanee, is one of the best places to see Aurora displays in Michigan. You can find it near Huron Bay, one of the largest freshwater fjords in North America.

Copper Harbor – Keweenaw Dark Sky Park

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has a dark sky park certified by the International Dark Sky Association. The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park is located at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge near Copper Harbor and stretches to Brockway Mountain. The lodge opens its grounds nightly for public stargazing workshops and events. It is open year-round and offers free entry.

Isle Royale

Isle Royale National Park is a secluded national park but is a famous spot to see the stunning views of the Northern Lights. It’s only open to visitors in the warmer months, between mid-April and late October.

Eagle River

Another popular place to see Michigan aurora displays is the Eagle River. It is located on the west of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, along M-26 on the Lake Superior coastline. Look up to the north toward Canada and enjoy the sky dance!

Escanaba

It is located along the shores of Lake Michigan. As you travel along US-2, you’ll find spots down the Stonington Peninsula and Garden Peninsula east of Escanaba to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. Sac Bay County Park, Ludington Park, and Fayette Historic State Park & Townsite in Escanaba provide perfect locations to witness the magic of the aurora borealis when the night sky comes alive. These spots open year-round.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Paradise

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, near Lake Superior, is a fantastic park in Michigan. It is the second largest state park and provides an excellent opportunity to see the northern lights easily.

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Best Places to See the Northern Lights Aurora in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

If you are planning to see the northern lights in Michigan, now is the best time! To increase your chances of catching this natural phenomenon, keep an eye on the sunspot activity and check the Michigan Northern Lights forecast. Then, head to one of the many amazing spots in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to see this incredible light show. From the famous Headlands International Dark Sky Park to the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, Michigan offers a wide range of locations to see the northern lights in the Lower Peninsula.

Headlands International Dark Sky Park – Mackinaw

Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a must-visit destination for stargazers. Located in Mackinaw City, Michigan, this park covers over 600 acres along two miles of the Lake Michigan shoreline, providing a perfect, unobstructed view of the night sky. The park’s dark skies and little light pollution make it an ideal spot for stargazing and catching a glimpse of the stunning Aurora Borealis.

Wilderness State Park – Carp Lake

Wilderness State Park is a perfect spot for outdoor recreation and stargazing in Carp Lake. With over 10,000 acres of land and more than 20 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, the park offers camping, hiking, and fishing opportunities. Its dark skies and lack of light pollution make it a great spot to see the northern lights.

Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge is a must-visit destination for those who want to witness the beauty of the northern lights in Michigan. As you drive over the bridge, you’ll see stunning views of the night sky and the Aurora Borealis. The bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and spans over five miles across the Straits of Mackinac.

Whether you’re driving across the bridge or watching the northern lights from a nearby vantage point, you won’t be disappointed by the magical views. If you’re looking for the best spots to watch the northern lights from the bridge, there are several exits and turnoffs along the way that provide clear views of the night sky.

Port Crescent State Park – Port Austin

The dark sky preserve in Port Crescent State Park provides a perfect spot for catching the Northern Lights in Michigan’s Thumb region. Competent kayakers can even venture out to Turnip Rock for an unforgettable nighttime experience.

Negwegon State Park – Ossineke

This newly designated dark sky preserve is a prime location to see the northern lights. Negwegon State Park is located just outside of Alpena and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, hunting, and rustic camping. The park’s location on the Lake Huron shoreline provides the most spectacular light shows.

Rockport State Park – Alpena

Located a few miles north of downtown Alpena, Rockport State Park offers a pier, sinkholes, beachfront, and more. As a dark preserve, it is an ideal place to spend the night gazing at the stars and trying to spot the Northern Lights when the conditions are ideal.

Thompson’s Harbor State Park – Posen

Heading north along the Lake Huron shoreline, Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Posen is a great place for lakeshore stargazing, rustic camping, and hiking. It is another spot to catch the northern lights without traveling too far north.

T.K. Lawless Dark Sky Park – Jones

Situated in southern Michigan in Cass County, Dr. T.K. Lawless Dark Sky Park is the only International Dark Sky Association (IDA) certified dark sky park in this part of the state. Spread over more than 800 acres, it offers various outdoor recreation activities and is an excellent spot for stargazing and catching the Northern Lights in southwest Michigan.

Tips to See Northern Lights in Michigan

If you want to see the northern lights in Michigan, it can be a bit tricky because they happen naturally, and you need a clear night sky. Here are some simple tips to help you have a better chance of seeing this beautiful light show, no matter where you are in the northern hemisphere:

• Look for a dark place with a wide view to the north: Find a spot where it is dark and you can see the clear sky. Places closer to the North Pole (high latitude) have better chances to see the Northern Lights with the naked eye. Go to areas with low light pollution so that the stars and aurora can be seen clearly.
• Check out Geomagnetic Activity: If you’re wondering if you can see the northern lights in Michigan tonight, keep an eye on two things: the KP Index (1-9) and the NOAA POES Aurora Activity Level (1-10). These readings help predict the strength of the aurora.
• Check NOAA’s forecasts: Take a look at the forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They give predictions for the next three days and even the next 30 minutes so you can see if there’s a chance of seeing the northern lights.
• Dress warmly and be patient: It can get chilly at night, especially when you’re waiting to see the northern lights. Make sure to wear warm clothes, especially in the chilly UP environment. Sometimes, you might have to be patient – the lights don’t always show up right away!

Tips for Northern Lights Photography

If you plan to photograph the Northern Lights, here are some tips to help you get the best shots.

• Use a tripod: To capture sharp and clear images of the Northern Lights Aurora, you can use a tripod. A sturdy tripod will help keep your camera steady and prevent camera shake.
• Use manual mode: Use a camera with manual settings to adjust the exposure and focus. Set the shutter speed to at least 20 seconds, the aperture to f/2.8, and the ISO to around 1600 or higher, depending on the lighting conditions.
• Bring extra batteries and memory cards: Cold temperatures can drain battery life and fill up memory cards quickly. Bring extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t miss any shots.
• Check the focus: Check the focus of your camera before taking any shots. Focus on a bright star or distant light to ensure that your images are sharp.
• Shoot in RAW format: Shooting in RAW format allows you to edit your images later with more flexibility. RAW format captures more information than JPEG format, which means you can adjust the exposure and color balance more easily.
• Be patient: Northern Lights Aurora is an incredible natural phenomenon and can be unpredictable. You must be patient and wait for the right moment to capture the best shots.

Best Places to Stay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a popular place to witness the beautiful Northern Lights Aurora. If you’re planning a trip to see this natural wonder, you’ll need a comfortable and convenient place to stay.

Popular options include Kewadin Sault Ste Marie Hotel, The Beach Inn Motel, Comfort Suites Escabana, Roam Inn, and Drummond Island Resort.

Find the Best Hotels to Stay in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Best Places to Stay in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

If you’re heading to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to see the northern lights, you may need a place to lay your head. No worries! From waterfront hotels to luxury beachfront resorts, you’ll find many accommodation options near the aurora viewing spots.

Some popular options are Aurora Borealis Motel, Island House Hotel, Blossom Hotel & Suites Traverse City, and Grand Beach Resort.

Find the Best Hotels to Stay in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

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FAQs

What are the ideal weather conditions to see the northern lights in Michigan?

The best weather conditions to see the Northern Lights Aurora are clear skies and a dark night sky. City lights and moonlight can interfere with the visibility of the auroral displays. The Space Weather Forecasters provides an aurora forecast that can help you plan your trip to Michigan.

Where is the best spot in Michigan to see the Northern Lights?

The Upper Peninsula, with its dark skies and locations like Lake Superior’s south shore, Marquette, Skanee, Eagle River, and Brimley, offers some of the best views of the Northern Lights in Michigan.

How long do the Michigan Northern Lights last?

Usually, the Northern Lights in Michigan are most visible between 10:00 pm and 2:00 am. The displays mostly last for 15-30 minutes, but if you’re lucky, they might linger for a few hours.

When is the Best time to see Northern Lights in Michigan?

The best months to see the Northern Lights in Michigan are from September to April, especially on dark, clear nights around a New Moon.

Final Thoughts

Seeing the Northern Lights in Michigan is a magical experience you won’t forget. With miles of shoreline and some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the best bet to see this amazing natural display.

The best time to see northern lights in Michigan is during the winter months, from September to April. Whenever planning your trip, don’t forget to check the aurora forecast, solar activity, and weather conditions to get a higher chance of seeing the bright dancing lights of the aurora. With a little bit of luck and planning, you can experience this magical and rare natural phenomenon.

Pack your blanket, grab your camera, and head to one of the viewing areas in Michigan to enjoy nature’s incredible light show!

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