Use these resources to find a viewing location near you!
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When Aurora is strong enough, it can be seen anywhere that is far enough north and has clear, dark skies. In the mid-latitudes, Northern Lights are not always visible to the unaided eye. Often, they are, but sometimes they can only be viewed with the help of a camera.
For great Aurora viewing, find locations with:
- Darkest skies possible
- Farther north, the better
- Open view of the northern horizon
- A latitude north of the 44th-45th Parallel, where Aurora are more common. The 45th Parallel is located on a line from Leland to Gaylord to Alpena.
- During G2 Storm levels (equivalent to Kp6 or K6), any location in the state of Michigan with clear and dark skies could work.
We strongly encourage our members to keep exact viewing locations, such as addresses and park names, off of large public forums to promote safety and keep our passion sustainable. City and state is okay. Learn why.
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Guide from Capture the Atlas
Advice on Viewing Locations
Over the years, our Aurora Chasers have developed many resources, techniques and tips to help you find outstanding viewing locations. It takes time and work, especially to find something truly unique, but having a safe and unforgettable night under the Aurora is well worth the effort!
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Find a Viewing Location Anywhere
Become an Empowered Aurora Chaser
First, please understand that we want to empower you to become awesome Aurora Chasers!
This means showing you the ropes on how to find the best viewing locations, no matter where your travels take you, and going beyond one suggestion, in case you run into closures, inclement weather, or other obstacles.
Learn to scout out locations that work for you, so that you’ll have many options to choose from — in case of clouds, fog, or wildfire smoke. You’ll also be able to find needed amenities, such as well-lit bathrooms or close parking.
Best of all? Scouting out a unique location can help you create unique compositions in your Aurora photography that no one else catches on the same night!
The Empowerment Principle
We empower people to find their own viewing locations and, above all, to keep exact locations or park names off of large public forums, to protect wildlife, vegetation, property, and humans. In countless ways, chasing in small, sustainable groups reduces damage and risk.
Keep locations discreet.
Carefully consider how you share locations inside large groups and on public forums. You can avoid putting too much stress on one spot by sending a private message to the person requesting/advising or by discussing park names or exact locations in small groups only. Names of nearby cities and counties are always ok.
Read up on ideas.
If you’re a beginner, do some reading. You’ll quickly learn where to go! Or you can start with well-known locations that can be found in online listings or guides. These locations are often safer and more accessible.
Scout out your own spot.
Find a place with exciting potential during daylight, so you can go there more confidently in the dark, while avoiding precarious terrain, unexpected encounters, and other pitfalls. Bonus! You can also find a cool composition for a one-of-a-kind photograph.
Remember Night Sky Etiquette.
Become part of the solution! Every night sky enthusiast should take time to learn proper Night Sky Etiquette.
Let’s chase Aurora and enjoy our night skies in a way that shows respect for our natural spaces and the inhabitants. If we can’t take a few steps to keep our pastime sustainable, we may unfortunately see some areas be closed to the public.
In Melissa’s mind, it goes something like this:
“Give an Aurora Chaser one location? And you’ve created traffic hazards for a day. Teach an Aurora Chaser to find many locations, and you’ve empowered them to find clear skies and beautiful views for a lifetime.”
Please take a few minutes to browse The Empowered Guide, written by Michigan Aurora Chasers Founder Melissa F. Kaelin.
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Up to Speed & Ready to Chase?
Browse Recommended Viewing Locations
If you know the ropes and are ready to chase Aurora, skip ahead to find lists of exact viewing locations.
We provide some of the best recommended viewing locations in lists of up to a dozen spots or more, in order to help Aurora Chasers spread out. This ensures that not everyone is going to the same location, all at once, promoting a better experience for everyone.
Michigan Aurora Chasers 