NORTHERN LIGHTS

Let’s be honest: No matter where you go, it’s nearly impossible to guarantee witnessing the Northern Lights. Many dream of viewing the majestic bands of light dancing across a star-filled night sky. But very few ever get to see it in-person.

It just so happens that if you’re in the continental United States (sorry Alaska and Hawaii), the Keweenaw Peninsula might be your best bet to catch this phenomenon caused by solar flares and Earth’s magnetic field.

WHY WILL 2024 BRING GREATER CHANCES OF SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS? WHAT CAUSES AURORA BOREALIS?

If you have yet to see the aurora - 2024 may be your year. Based on the sun's changing activity, scientists believe our current solar cycle will peak in 2024. That means you're going to have a better chance of seeing the aurora borealis when the skies are clear. Solar cycles last around 10-11 years, bringing a range of solar activity. Despite being mostly unpredictable - they build to a maximum before settling and starting a new cycle. 2024 will be the peak of this decade's current solar cycle.

During the peak of a cycle, space weather like solar flares and coronal mass ejections occur more frequently. These solar events have a direct effect on the northern lights and space weather we can see from Earth. Solar flares packing enough power can trigger coronal mass ejections. This astral catalyst can release plasma and magnetic force from the sun - sending it to Earth carrying "fast-moving charged particles". While these can cause radio and electric disruptions - it's also responsible for triggering what we see as the northern lights.

WHAT MAKES THE KEWEENAW PENINSULA A GREAT PLACE FOR NORTHERN LIGHTS VIEWING?

The rationale is pretty simple:

• The closer you are to the North Pole, the better you are. The Keweenaw happens to be pretty close to the Canadian border (especially Isle Royale).
• You need dark skies. So avoiding the big city lights is a must. Given that Copper Harbor is about as far away as you can get from a US interstate, I think we’ve got that covered. Plus, shorter days mean less sunlight and more opportunities to view the Northern Lights.
• You need unobstructed views of the horizon at this latitude. So avoiding forest lines, towers, and mountain ranges (unless you’re on top of them) is necessary. Luckily, the Keweenaw has hundreds of miles of unobstructed Lake Superior shorelines facing north.

Photo credit: Eric Hackney @eahackne. Northern Lights over Calumet Waterworks Park.

OUR PRO TIPS

So now that you know that the Copper Country is the place to go, how can you up the chance of viewing these elusive lights?

1. GET YOUR TIMING DOWN

According to our good friends at Michigan Tech, you’re more likely to see the Northern Lights between August and April, with the peak months being April, October, and November. Those kids are crazy smart, so I’ll trust them on this.  That doesn’t mean you can’t see them at other times of the year (solar flares don’t keep a calendar), but this is prime time.

 Bonus: leaf-peeping season and waterfall seasons also happen around the same time.

2. SIGN UP FOR ALERTS

There are a lot of great free websites and mobile apps that communicate when the Northern Lights can likely be viewed. Many will send you notifications, text messages, or emails to tell you if something’s happening. Here are a few websites that can help:

• https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/planetary-k-index 
• www.swpc.noaa.gov/products/aurora-30-minute-forecast
• www.weather.gov/fsd/aurora  

3. FIND YOUR SPOT

As stated above, there are a bunch of places to choose from to wait out the lights. Again, head north away from light pollution and be sure you have an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Here are a few to get you started:

• Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (Keweenaw Dark Sky Park HQ) – Copper Harbor 
• Brockway Mountain Drive – Copper Harbor
• Fresh Coast Cabins – Eagle Harbor
• McLain State Park – Hancock
• Esrey Park – Eagle Harbor
• Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Hotel – Eagle River
• Calumet Waterworks Park – Calumet
• Isle Royale National Park
• Great Sand Bay – Between Eagle River & Eagle Harbor
• Breakers Beach – Stanton Township

Photo credit: @nathanfrazier_20. Aurora at Breakers Park.

4. EMBRACE THE DARK-SIDE

Seriously, take a moment to really look up, and enjoy a clear night sky. For many, this is a rare experience even absent an aurora. Bring a constellation guide and have fun stargazing. The universe truly is a spectacular sight to behold.

5. PRACTICE NIGHT-SKY ETIQUETTE 

Witnessing the Northern Lights and other heavenly displays can truly be a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and following some very simple guidelines can help preserve that perfect photo or moment for a fellow star-chaser:

• Don't Make New Light: come prepared with night-friendly red light headlamps and flashlights, and be mindful where you point them. But don't forget that car dome lights, head lights, cell phones lights, and screens are all unnatural light sources that can bust shots. 
• Be Respectful and Polite: everyone seeks a personal experience under the night sky. You may find yourself near a gaggle of first-time photogs, or someone who just is looking for solitude. Respect their space and in kind, they'll respect yours. 
• Avoid Making Assumptions: be sure to give a courtesy call and communicate as you approach folks in the dark. Don't want to give anyone a fright!
• Travel Cautiously and Considerately: these late-night experiences can be fleeting and exciting, but make sure you drive responsibly to locations, and be mindful of late-night fatigue. It's always best to bring a friend, and exercise caution even in familiar landscapes. Be a friend and kindly let fellow stargazers know if they're approaching known hazards. 
• Follow Leave No Trace and Nature First Principles: plan ahead and prepare for your late-night destination. Be sure to set up on durable surfaces and bring home all equipment and trash. Prioritize nature's wellbeing over the photos, and learn about the places that you're visiting!
• Be Ready to Help: cell phone and emergency services can be limited, or weather can change on a dime - be sure to stay aware and help any fellow stargazers!
• Respect Private Property: Do not trespass on private or tribal lands without permission. Respecting property boundaries helps maintain access rights and fosters goodwill with landowners. For accessible private lands, follow any use restrictions diligently in order to preserve these privileges.

(These guidelines are provided by Thomas Oliver, Keweenaw nature and night sky photographer.)

6. DON’T GIVE UP

Honestly, no matter what the forecasts say, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.  But with some persistence and a bit of luck, you’ll be rewarded with one of nature’s most memorable experiences.