Northern Lights Dazzle Michigan: When, Where to Look

By MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

The aurora borealis, more commonly known as the northern lights, arrived for some in the Northern continental United States this week, providing a rare glimpse at the phenomenon usually associated with Alaska and Northern Canada and, occasionally, northern Michigan.

It started Monday, with residents in Michigan, New York, Vermont and elsewhere seeing the display. The aurora is expected to continue to be visible through the week.

In the Metro Detroit area, viewing conditions are nearly perfect, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters predict clear skies during prime viewing time — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday — before patchy fog settles in.

Depending on how long the auroras stick around, tonight could be your last chance to see them in this solar storm. Cloudy skies are predicted for the rest of the week.

Here’s what you need to know.

What are the northern lights?

It’s a little complicated, but here’s the basic gist.

The sun releases charged particles that collide with the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those charged particles are drawn to the Earth’s north and south magnetic poles.

As a result, molecules in the Earth’s atmosphere become charged, then revert to normal energy levels. When that happens, they emit energy in the form of light, creating the beautiful displays in the sky.

The same thing happens in those neon signs outside your favorite bar.

Check out the NOAA’s Space and Weather Prediction Center for a more detailed explanation.

Why can we suddenly see them now way down here?

The sun doesn’t produce energy at a constant level.

During periods of higher activity, it will emit more charged particles, increasing the “auroral activity,” as scientists call it, here on Earth.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute measures this activity and makes predictions about where the northern lights will be seen.

On a scale of 0 to 9, the institute rates auroral activity for Tuesday night at a 6.

Where will I be able to see it?

The institute maps out where the northern lights will be visible. You can see the map above, or visit here for more information.

If you are above the green line, you should be able to see the aurora at night, weather permitting, the institute says.

How do I see it?

Like most cosmic events, find a dark place away from city lights and light pollution. The aurora will be visible towards the north pole, so look that way.

The northern lights will be most visible between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to the institute.

Check out photos captured Monday night from Michigan.