Dedicated to helping people understand, experience and catch the Northern Lights, the Michigan Aurora Chasers is a large group of chasers who are very engaged both on social media and in the community.
Our Lead Team consists of Admins, Moderators and about 30 Group Experts who know the game of Aurora Chasing. The group is also sustained by thousands of welcoming members who give generously of their knowledge, skills and talents. We appreciate you!
Whether you hope to attend the next #LiveChase, are eager to tell your story, or want to show your gratitude, there are many ways to show your support. Even the simple gesture to “buy us a coffee” goes a long way, using our tip jar websites!
Founder Melissa F. Kaelin
Founder Melissa F. Kaelin is an author, speaker and Aurora Chaser, who has been chasing the Northern Lights for over 13 years. She wrote the book “Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora in the Mid-latitudes” and co-founded the Aurora Summit. Since creating the Michigan Aurora Chasers, she has led more than 10 Live Chases, helping thousands of people catch the Northern Lights for the first time.
Patrick Grubba
Admin Patrick Grubba has served on the leadership team of the Michigan Aurora Chasers since 2021. Residing in the Mackinaw City area, he is famous for his call to “Get Outside Now,” which has helped people in at least four states catch the Aurora, as well as other countries like Scotland! He has discovered a love for astrophotography, and he volunteers and presents workshops at Headlands International Dark Sky Park. He also serves on the Board of the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council.
Christina Cantu Sharp
Admin Christina Cantu Sharp is an active admin for the Michigan Aurora Chasers. She has taken acclaimed photographs and led Live Chase events across the state.
Kris Knutson
Admin Kris Knutson enjoys adventure and she has chased Aurora to the most northern tip of Michigan by land, catching it in Copper Harbor, Michigan.
Kevin Clark
Admin Kevin Clark has enjoyed astronomy and Aurora since he was a kid. He is an expert in photography, and he enjoys finding like-minded people who have a passion to go out in the middle of the night and look up in wonder.
Marybeth Kiczenski
Admin Marybeth Kiczenski was one of the first admins of the Michigan Aurora Chasers. She has been dubbed “The Extreme Aurora Chaser” and she has been featured by The Weather Channel, catching Aurora in unexpected places and times. She offers workshops, education and prints as Shelbydiamondstar Photography.
Nate Stovall
Admin Nate Stovall is an avid wilderness hiker, Aurora Chaser, and photographer. The first Aurora Chaser selected to help grow the group, he is also the creator of the #LiveChase, an event held during active conditions where our guides lead guests to the Northern Lights.
In Memory
We hold in our hearts the late Gerry Beth Buckel, who was a member of the original Admin Team for the Michigan Aurora Chasers until a few weeks before her passing on October 27, 2024. Her quiet leadership, kindness, humor, and talents will inspire our team forever.
Michigan Aurora Chasers 