As much as I could appreciate warm weather all year round, I’ll always prefer experiencing the change in seasons that we get in the Midwest. Every one of my senses is accustomed to the smells, tastes, sights, and sounds of the passing calendar, anticipating the benefits each season brings.
Long gone are the days when I complain about chilly fingers in 40-degree weather, as I now appreciate the crunch of light snow under my boots after outfitting my hound with the most stylish of winter dogwear for her walk. The advantage of living in Michigan that I feel is not talked about enough is the chance to see nature's most beautiful light show, the Aurora Borealis.
The Aurora Borealis is truly one of the most stunning visuals produced by nature, but its actual cause is pretty fascinating. Humans visualize these ribbons of light dancing across the sky and they’re produced when electrons from solar geomagnetic storms collide with the earth’s magnetic field.
An actual scientist can give you a much better explanation of exactly how these particles interact with the magnetic field, but the end result is dazzling displays of light.
This activity is usually most visible in the Arctic, but 2024 is expected to be a big year for the northern lights. Solar activity could be at its highest this year, meaning states as south as the 40th parallel could see the Auroras.
That means cities like Provo, UT, Indianapolis, IN, and Columbus, OH, might see the lights. Michigan is well above that line, so it’s even more likely we'll see them.
Michigan is a premier state to view the Northern Lights, not only due to its geographical location, but also because of the great ground conditions for sky gazing.
The best viewing conditions happen on clear nights away from any lights. Michigan is a great place for that if you can find a rural spot, an island on the lake, or a dedicated dark sky park.
There are also numerous state parks that provide the perfect cover for watching the northern lights. Michigan DNR has several Best Campgrounds in Michigan with rentable cabins perfect for any time of year time.
A spot that never fails to give viewers a chance to see the auroras is Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in the Upper Peninsula. One of my personal favorites is at Leelanau State Park, north of Traverse City. It’s easy to avoid lights when there’s water surrounding you from three sides.
The Upper Peninsula will give you the best chance to see the northern lights. It’s the northernmost part of the state and it’s very rural in most places. In some cases, you’ll be able to walk out on the frozen lakes to get away from the light pollution.
It’s hard to predict when auroras will happen, but there are several apps you can download that help track and predict the best conditions to see them.
The solar activity tends to be stronger in the warmer months between the March and October equinox, but there seems to be more frequent solar activity in the colder months.
Michigan might be one of the best locations in the lower 48 to see the Northern Lights, and you’re more likely to see them in the colder months than the warmer ones. There’s certainty still time in 2024 to try and view them. Get bundled up to head outside with some help from REI.
Find the perfect place to enjoy some privacy while you wait for the Aurora Borealis on our list of the Most Unique Places To Stay In Michigan.
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