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Northern lights may be viewable in parts of Michigan. Where to see them
Residents in northern Michigan are within the aurora borealis viewline this weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, following a geomagnetic storm watch for areas in the Midwest. The Space Weather Prediction Center classified the geomagnetic storm as G2, the second-lowest level on its scale that sorts intensity from G1 (least) to G5 (most). "For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe. It is the only way for most people to actually experience space weather," the NOAA website said in a report. Here's what to know about the northern lights this weekend in Michigan, and where to see them: According to NOAA, the lights could be visible as far south as Saginaw Bay Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14. "Intervals of G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) storming are expected through 15 June," NOAA said. Solar activity this weekend will reach a Kp rating of 6.0 at about 5 p.m. June 13. The Kp could reach 4.67 at 11 p.m. June 14. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky. More: Photos show northern lights lit up the sky in Michigan. See them here If the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. The agency maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon. There are several sites that track northern lights. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction website shares information about the strength of solar storms, when they will reach Earth and where the northern lights may be visible, among other information. The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said. Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites. To enjoy best views of the aurora, consider a trip to one of northern Michigan's dark sky areas. Here are a few places to check out:More: Not ready to rough it in the woods? Michigan has 2 of the best 'glamping' spots in the US Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County, international spots. The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park. Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area, an international sanctuary. In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park. If you're having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what's dancing in the sky. The Lansing State Journal contributed. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern lights over Michigan. When the aurora could be visible
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Northern lights may be viewable in parts of Michigan. Where to see them
Residents in northern Michigan are within the aurora borealis viewline this weekend, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, following a geomagnetic storm watch for areas in the Midwest. The Space Weather Prediction Center classified the geomagnetic storm as G2, the second-lowest level on its scale that sorts intensity from G1 (least) to G5 (most). "For many people, the aurora is a beautiful nighttime phenomenon that is worth traveling to arctic regions just to observe. It is the only way for most people to actually experience space weather," the NOAA website said in a report. Here's what to know about the northern lights this weekend in Michigan, and where to see them: According to NOAA, the lights could be visible as far south as Saginaw Bay Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14. "Intervals of G1-G2 (Minor-Moderate) storming are expected through 15 June," NOAA said. Solar activity this weekend will reach a Kp rating of 6.0 at about 5 p.m. June 13. The Kp could reach 4.67 at 11 p.m. June 14. The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are waves of light created when the solar wind strikes the atmosphere, creating a display of moving lights in the night sky. More: Photos show northern lights lit up the sky in Michigan. See them here If the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA. The agency maintains an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon. There are several sites that track northern lights. NOAA's Space Weather Prediction website shares information about the strength of solar storms, when they will reach Earth and where the northern lights may be visible, among other information. The color of the aurora depends on which gas is being excited by the electrons and on how much energy is being exchanged, NASA said. Oxygen emits either a greenish-yellow light (the most familiar color of the aurora) or a red light; nitrogen generally gives off a blue light. The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites. To enjoy best views of the aurora, consider a trip to one of northern Michigan's dark sky areas. Here are a few places to check out:More: Not ready to rough it in the woods? Michigan has 2 of the best 'glamping' spots in the US Keweenaw Dark Sky Park in Keweenaw County and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County, international spots. The Alpena area has three Dark Sky Preserves: Rockport State Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Negwegon State Park. Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area, an international sanctuary. In Munising, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. In Paradise, the Great Lakes Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. In Empire, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In Mackinaw City, Headlands International Dark Sky Park. If you're having trouble seeing the northern lights with the naked eye, try using your phone camera in night mode and hold still while capturing the photo. You might be surprised at what's dancing in the sky. The Lansing State Journal contributed. Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Northern lights over Michigan. When the aurora could be visible
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The Northern Lights Will Be Visible This Week — How to Watch the Stunning Spectacle
If you're a fellow stargazer and skywatcher, you're in luck!With March's action-packed skies and the spring season approaching, it's shaping up to be one of the best months of the year for catching a glimpse of the northern lights. Northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, occur when solar activity — such as solar flares or coronal mass ejections — causes magnetic storms. These storms trigger interactions between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun, resulting in the stunning colors that light up the sky. According to NASA solar physicist David Hathaway's 75-year study reveals that March has more geomagnetically active days than any other month. With six days of high geomagnetic activity, compared to just three in December, March offers a prime window for spotting the northern lights. Becoming an aurora chaser this spring wouldn't be unusual, thanks to heightened solar activity as we reach solar maximum — the peak of the sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle. Here's everything you need to know about this month's stellar skies. Related: Spring's Eclipse Season Will Flip the Script for 4 Zodiac Signs, and Their Whole Life Is About to Change March is said to be the best month in 2025 to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, not just because of the heightened solar activity but because the spring equinox (March 20) positions the Earth's axis perpendicular to the solar winds, which can trigger an increase of we continue to reach solar maximum — with the sun gaining more and more strength — aurora displays will be on the rise, per The northern part of the United States, Canada and areas close to the Arctic Circle will offer the best opportunities to witness the aurora borealis. You'll also want to wait for clear skies; too many clouds can block your view of the colorful display on any given is key, and allowing extra time in your "aurora season" itinerary for unpredictable weather doesn't hurt. Related: March Challenges Us with Curveballs and These 3 Zodiac Signs Are Struggling to Keep Up Good news: No fancy tech is needed to witness this magical light show — just look up and let the sky do the rest! However, within an hour or two before and after midnight is best for viewing, per NOA. You'll also want to avoid bright lights for the best viewing says you can't watch the aurora show from the comfort of your home? According to you should check short-term forecasts like those from the Geophysical Institute. You can also track upcoming displays using NOA's Space Weather Prediction website, which offers a 30-minute real-time updates, however, be sure to check out Aurorasaurus, a citizen science platform where aurora enthusiasts share instant reports on new sky shows. Read the original article on People
