The months of October, November, and April are particularly great for spotting the vivid display of natural lights. Plus, it’s simply darker during these months which makes seeing the lights easier. March and September-the months of the spring and fall equinoxes-tend to see stronger activity because the tilt of Earth during this time lets more solar energy into Earth’s atmosphere. Plan your visit to see the northern lights between August and April for the best chance of a show. The transition from winter to spring and fall to winter creates the ideal conditions for aurora borealis. The best time to see the northern lights in Michigan is anytime the sky is dark and clear! However, they usually show a greater frequency during the winter months when the nights are longer and the skies are generally void of haze. When is the best time to see the northern lights in Michigan? When you join us for Superior Fridays around the fire, Jason will happily nerd out with you about all things satellites and the night sky, being a rocket scientist and all. The intensity of solar flares varies the intensity and extent of activity within the Auroral oval, the ring-like area above the geomagnetic north where auroral activity is concentrated. The bursts of colorful light- the northern lights-are colliding particles (usually electrons) and atoms at collision, electrons can return to their initial, lower energy state, and in the process, release photons or light particles we know as aurorae. Electrons in the magnetic field sideswipe oxygen atoms or nitrogen molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere. This seemingly magical phenomenon happens when a solar flare (energetic particles from the sun) floats through space on the solar wind (a flow of particles that comes off the sun at about one million miles per hour), eventually penetrating Earth’s magnetic field. The space weather science behind the auroras The most common color displayed is the brilliant yellow-green we most often see in photographs, but the aurora borealis can also produce red, blue, and purple patterns. They show up as spectacular, colorful bands of light that dance in the dark night sky. It occurs around 60 or 70 miles above the earth’s surface-about 10 times higher than a jet aircraft flies-and can extend hundreds of miles into space. The aurora borealis, commonly referred to as “ the northern lights” or simply “the auroras,” is the spectacular result of interactions between the Sun and Earth’s outer atmosphere. That makes this little cabin-loving spot on the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the Keweenaw Peninsula about as good as the northern lights get in the lower 48! So, what are the northern lights exactly? Fresh Coast Cabins sits at 48 degrees latitude, just one degree south of the northernmost latitudinal point in the continental U.S. However, they are usually more visible during the winter months.ĭark skies, unobstructed Lake Superior shorelines, and our location just south of Canada are what makes the Keweenaw a northern lights viewing destination for Michigan locals and visitors alike. The best time to see the northern lights in Michigan is anytime the sky is dark (no moon) and not cloudy.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |