The solar minimum occurred in December 2019, which kicked off the start of a new solar cycle, known to experts at NOAA and NASA as Solar Cycle 25. This creates a lot of northern lights activity, followed by a couple of years of transition, then three to four years of solar minimum. While they are famously a night-time phenomenon, the northern lights are actually influenced by the activity of the sun.Īccording to Rodney, the sun goes through a roughly 11-year cycle, which includes three to four years of solar maximum. Is 2022 a good year to see the northern lights? The best time to see the lights differs slightly by country, but, in general, the peak season is between November and March. But overall, Rodney has some pretty simple advice for aurora hunters: “be patient and go north”.Ĭlear skies are a must for viewing the lights and, of course, staying in a destination for as long as possible will help increase your chances of spying them. The NOAA website has additional tips on where to view the aurora with links to maps that show where the light show can be seen. According to him, spots like Fairbanks in Alaska, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Churchill in Canada, and Iceland and northern Norway are all safe bets. Rodney Viereck works at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – a US government body that specializes in monitoring weather and atmospheric conditions. Once you’ve decided you’re ready to tick seeing the northern lights off your bucket list, the next decision is where to go. Pack yourĪnd hit the well-marked snowshoe trails while you watch for the sky to light up.The aurora borealis streak across the sky above the Lofoten Islands in Norway © Nutexzles / Getty Images Where is the best place to see the northern lights? With the closest town of Eagle Harbor sitting 30 miles away, Copper Harbor guarantees the dark skies needed for catching the Northern Lights. Head to the Keweenaw Peninsula’s northernmost point for some of the best Northern Lights viewing in Michigan. This natural treasure faces north, making it ideal for watching the bright hues dominate the sky.īest Places to See the Northern Lights in Michigan: Copper Harbor (Credit: Ross Ellet/Shutterstock) Its colorful cliffs and unique sandstone formations provide awe-inspiring vantage points for Aurora Borealis views. Snuggled along 40 miles of Lake Superior’s shoreline, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a magnificent backdrop for Northern Lights viewing. As such, Port Crescent State Park creates the perfect setting for Aurora Borealis to show itself.īest Places to See the Northern Lights in Michigan: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Credit: John McCormick/Shutterstock) This park is a Michiganĭark Sky Preserve, part of a statewide initiative to reduce light pollution and encourage stargazing. The park boasts three miles of Lake Huron shoreline, which provide the necessary blank canvas for the Northern Lights. On a clear night, Marquette delivers good odds at witnessing a memorable light show.īest Places to See the Northern Lights in Michigan: Port Crescent State Park (Credit: Northern Way of Life/Shutterstock)Įxperienced Aurora chasers know to head to the tip of Michigan’s “thumb” to Port Crescent State Park.
On the southern shore of Lake Superior Marquette offers an unobstructed skyline with little to no light pollution. Marquette has earned a reputation as one of the best places to view the Northern Lights in the Continental U.S.
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With two-miles of shoreline completely free of light pollution, Headlands International Dark Sky Park offers a picturesque setting that tops the state’s Northern Light viewing spots.īest Places to See the Northern Lights in Michigan: Marquette (Credit: Matthew J Leppek/Shutterstock) Stargazers flock to this 550-acre park on Michigan’s Northwest Lower Peninsula for their chance at witnessing the lights.
International Dark Sky Park, Headland International Dark Sky Park is protected by responsible lighting policies and community education supported by the International Dark Sky Association. So pack stacks of thermal blankets and plenty of patience, and you just might hit it right.īest Places to See the Northern Lights in Michigan: Headlands International Dark Sky Park (Credit: Bob Simmerman/Shutterstock) These are the five best places to see the Northern Lights in Michigan to up your chances. And while it’s possible to witness the Northern Lights year round in Michigan, the best odds are from August through April. While we can’t guarantee you’ll witness this spectacular light show, you’ll have better luck in certain parts of the state.
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