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Do We Have An Exciting Forecast?
Forecast for week of October 12-18th
Do we have a an exciting forecast coming this week? There is a lot to look at so lets break it down it. Starting with the filament that has everyone undoubtably heard about. This was actually a filament eruption , so it did not have a flare with it. and the CME came off to side, so it will for the most part not hit us, but there is a small pop that will impact us pushed by winds. This is will give us higher winds and minor CME impact. This should hit after Midnight on the 14th into 15th , depending on wind speeds it is likely to hit during the Day on the 15th. The other two CMEs one I think is going to past to the right of us off outgoing limb. The third I think going straight up is on the back side of the sun.
Huxt shows the third CME we were waiting for is going to be a miss. Then a minor part of what took off on 11th will brush us while the major part of that Filament will pass by out on the incoming limb.
Coronal holes are increasing lately and we have a crazing amount of them turning earth facing impacting us now through the next few days. We have a partial reformed filament where the one yesterday took off from, and one just to the left of that is pretty high off the sun and could produce another Filament release.
The good news will all of this is I have been noticing the increase in back sided CME. You can tell they are back side by looking at Cactus view and looking at the shadow or highlight area right around the edge of the disk. Diagram below shows earth in the middle and back side on either end. so we have a good amount turning in earth facing next week and we will have more opportunities coming through the first part of next month.
9We do have some thunderstorms moving in tonight after 9pm. Nothing is warned at this point but might give you an opportunity to shoot lightning. Traverse will be good about 9pm and Charlevoix after ten will get a one two punch, with the trailing line of last storm moving through Mackinaw after 11pm. I am thinking I am need a de stress day, and spending time with Grandfather thunders sounds like a just thing to relax with. Maybe I will see you out there.
Through Friday is looking pretty cloudy in the Great Lakes and I don’t hold much hope of seeing to much. It is looking a little like we will get skunked during the next Aurora event too. We can always pray that forecast moves a little slower than predicted. I would suggest we start doing that because unless that particular sun spot group blows it’s self out, it might be a really good chance at good storm.
One last note, Media likes to hype things to get viewer ship. Content creator out there will try to get people over excited to boost their followers, I am going to play this straight no hype. I am going to be really conservative here. WE have a problem with this current set of CME and coronal holes stream of it having a southern polarity, meaning BZ was positive. We did see something but nothing really good. Unless you were among the ones to Catch that KP7 before polarity shifted. We are also well into fall weather patterns, and we are soon going to be into the patter of night clouding and lake evaporation. Lakes are warm, weather is cooling… I am personally not getting an really wild headaches and thankfully not in to much pain, which doesn’t bode well for aurora hunting. So I am not getting excited about anything but the lightning tonight. I might check after thunderstorms if clouds aren’t in the way.
That does not mean stay in side. It is important to get out there and practice. Get out there shoot Halloween lights create something creep and share it in groups. Shoot holiday lights next month. This is part that few photographers mention. You have to keep practicing. When you don’t use your skills between aurora events you get rusty. That is when you forget things and miss opportunities.
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Aurora Forecast Update: Patience May Still Be Required
Let’s address the elephant in the room: aurora hunters across Michigan and Wisconsin have been getting skunked by aurora forecast and auroras have illusive. With Auroras rarely have met expected predictions.
Over the past several days, forecasts have pointed toward increased geomagnetic activity, but the atmosphere around Earth has simply not responded the way many Predicted. Solar wind speeds have remained disappointingly slow, generally staying below 400 km/s and often much closer to 350 km/s. While we briefly touched Kp4 during the day, the enhancement was short-lived and lacked the strength needed to produce a widespread Northern Lights display across the Upper Great Lakes.
The question many skywatchers are asking is whether the anticipated Earth-directed CME has fully arrived. Based on current conditions, it is difficult to make that case. What we are seeing suggests either a weaker-than-expected impact, a delayed arrival, or possibly only glancing blows from some of the solar material that was expected to influence Earth’s magnetic field.
The Sun itself, however, has not been quiet. Over the last 36 hours, several C-class flares were observed, including a C7.9 event, along with an M1.3 flare. Ending Today in a in a massive long duration series of flares that lasted 5 hours. It came from 4549, started with X2.7, into M1.2 and M 6.6 to a C4.6. Those eruptions help extend the period of interest for aurora watchers through approximately October 16, depending ion how if this swirls back, if it had horizontal shape, and windspeed. 4549 is pretty far out on the limb and Huxt has this last one going Just past on off outgoing limb. NOAA gives us a chance at Glancing blow of the outside edge of storm. After today I don’t think we have much chance of that sunspot hitting us again.
We do have 4551 rotating into view it remains a Beta class sunspot. It does how every have a 55% chance at C Class flares. If it tracks with typical pattern it will become more magnetically connected and active once it reaches center disk.
We have also observed several backside CMEs, along with an eruption near the outgoing limb that may produce some wraparound effects. At this time, however, none of those events appear likely to deliver a major direct impact to Earth. If they contribute at all, they are more likely to provide minor enhancements rather than become significant drivers of geomagnetic activity.
Meanwhile, attention is beginning to shift toward activity rotating onto the Earth-facing side of the Sun. It is still too early to determine exactly what may be emerging around the incoming limb, but it will be one of the more important features to watch over the next couple of weeks. This has been producing back side eruptions and it appears to be active. If it holds together coming around the limb will be what produces the end of the month activity which is already predicted to hit KP5.
Unfortunately, another factor is beginning to enter the forecast. Weather systems are expected to move into the Upper Great Lakes by Tuesday, bringing increasing cloud cover across Northern Michigan and Northern Wisconsin. If the timing holds, those clouds could obscure viewing opportunities during a period when some of the current solar activity may finally begin reaching Earth.
Forecast Conclusion
For that reason, I believe it is best to err on the low side of the predictions. We are battling low windspeeds, 4549 rotating out of range, 4551 is only a Beta, and we are hitting the fall rain period. Also humidity has been high enough we are getting low level clouds that lay right in the space auroras occupy. Ten day forecast has Great Lakes region having thunderstorms Tues Oct13 fading in to heavy clouds through the Oct 16th. Then clearing to partly Cloudy through Oct 24 with day time temperatures sinking to 58 degrees.
We are growing closer to that winter pattern of paternal cloudy skies that frequently make aurora hunting in Great Lakes region difficult. The whole region is predicted to have warmer than normal winter, this means Lakes won’t freeze and Michigan will likely have more lake effect snow and clouds. Anyone guess to what winter will actually be, El Nino is now 3.7 degrees above normal temperatures. Well above record high El Nino. This is likely going to chaos world wide with dramatic weather changes.
Bottom Line: The chance for Northern Lights has not disappeared, particularly from Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Current data suggests a conservative forecast is the most responsible approach. The Sun continues to provide opportunities, but slow solar wind speeds remain the biggest obstacle. With clouds expected to move into Northern Michigan and Northern Wisconsin by late Monday, the coming weekend may offer the best viewing opportunity in the near term. Keep watching the data, keep an eye on the incoming solar activity, and be prepared for conditions to change quickly if the solar wind finally decides to cooperate.
The opportunity for auroras remains real, and conditions can change quickly if solar wind speeds increase or magnetic field conditions strengthen. The developing activity coming around the solar limb provides one reason to remain interested in the forecast beyond this weekend. If that region holds together and develops further, aurora prospects could improve somewhat during the middle of the month.
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Best Cameras for Northern Lights Photography: A Practical Buyer’s Guide for Aurora Hunters
Every year, thousands of people purchase a new camera with dreams of capturing the Northern Lights, only to discover their expensive purchase was never really designed for serious night photography. Camera advertisements often focus on zoom range, megapixel counts, stabilization systems, touchscreen controls, shooting modes, and dozens of other features intended to attract buyers. While many of these features can be useful in daylight photography, they do not necessarily improve aurora photography. In some cases, additional moving components and unnecessary features can even introduce vibration during long exposures, reducing image sharpness. Northern Lights photography follows a different set of rules. Success depends on how efficiently a camera can gather light, process that light, and preserve the information captured by its sensor.
BIG SENSORS AND FEWER PIXELS ARE KING
One of the biggest misconceptions in photography is that more megapixels automatically create better photographs. Marketing departments certainly want buyers to believe that, but experienced night photographers know the truth is far more complicated.
Imagine two tables sitting outside during a rainstorm. On one table are twenty-four large buckets. On the second table are sixty small buckets. As the rain begins to fall, the larger buckets collect more water because each bucket has more room to gather it. The smaller buckets collect less water because each bucket has less capacity.
Camera sensors work much the same way. The table represents the sensor, the buckets represent the pixels, and the rain represents incoming light. Larger pixels can collect more light than smaller pixels. When a camera gathers more light, it captures more information. That additional information reduces noise, improves shadow detail, increases color accuracy, and produces cleaner images in dark conditions.
A professional camera isn’t expensive because it takes prettier pictures. It’s expensive because it captures more information.
WHAT TO AVOID
Avoid crop-sensor cameras when a full-frame option is within reach. Avoid superzoom cameras marketed primarily around huge zoom numbers. Avoid point-and-shoot cameras with tiny sensors. Avoid camera bundles loaded with accessories and inexpensive kit lenses that add little value for night photography. Northern Lights photography is a specialized pursuit and deserves equipment chosen for low-light performance rather than marketing claims.
BEST NEW CAMERAS
The Nikon Z6 III, Sony A7 IV, Canon R6 Mark II, Nikon Z8, and Sony A7R V represent some of the strongest current choices for aurora photography. Each offers excellent full-frame performance and modern sensor technology.
The Sony A7 IV continues to be a favorite among night photographers because it combines excellent low-light performance with flexibility. Sony offers its own premium lenses, has a long history of working with Zeiss on high-end optics, and supports a wide range of third-party options.
BEST USED CAMERAS
The Nikon D750 remains one of the greatest values in night photography and has stayed relevant far longer than most cameras. The Sony A7 III continues to offer excellent performance and can often use Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, and adapted Canon and Nikon full-frame lenses. The Nikon Z6 II and Canon RP also deserve consideration by budget-conscious buyers.
BUYING USED CAMERAS SAFELY
Personally, I have had good experiences with SquareTrade protection plans and have found them worth considering when purchasing expensive used camera gear. Read listings carefully, avoid parts cameras unless you know exactly what you are doing, and understand the difference between authorized and gray market products. Watch shutter counts and seller ratings.
Spend time studying eBay completed sales before making a purchase. If time is on your side, watch for end-of-quarter sales when retailers may discount inventory to improve quarterly numbers. When one major seller starts cutting prices, competitors often follow.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The best camera purchase is rarely made in a hurry. Knowledge of the market often saves more money than aggressive bargaining. Northern Lights photography is not about owning the newest camera or the most expensive camera. It is about gathering light. Choose the best full-frame sensor you can afford, pair it with quality glass, and spend your time under the stars instead of chasing marketing claims. When the aurora finally explodes across the sky, you’ll be glad you invested in equipment designed to capture information rather than simply collect features.
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Are We Going To Finally Get Big Fall Auroras ?
Are we going to finally get big Fall Auroras ? I am not sure? We have some breaks in between storms. a time where things might dissipate between the first two CMEs and the one that happened to day. However we have incoming coronal hole stream as well. So my best guess is that it is all down to trajectory and windspeeds. Will CME combine with another or coronal hole stream.
Good news is there’s are solid M Class flares getting increasingly larger as they go. The are though only listed as Quarter Halo hits. Good thing being they are off the outgoing limb and Centrifugal force will spin it slightly backwards. leading to a good chance the first two CME will be a solid hit coming in between 11pm and 4 am eastern Time Thursday into Friday. The third CME is less certain. It is a possibility that we may only get a glancing blow from it.
The incoming coronal hole is a trans equatorial and quite spread out. The leading edge may still combine with the last CME giving us a chance at snow shovel event. It will take another 3 or 4 days for us to see the effects of the main part of Coronal holes. Plus side this is giving us an extend chance at auroras. Most of the CME are really slow, so there is a greater chance that they may combine with other smaller CME and Coronal holes boosting density for brief periods.
Looks like Friday Morning is going to be our best chance at up to a KP6. Then things will likely dissipate to KP4 and then spike again as coronal hole and third CME come in.
We will still have 4549 with us another day and that is beta-gamma-delta. The CMEs have been getting increasingly larger so it is possible we have something larger from it. 4548 is now rolling into center stage. I don’t know as it will continue to grow, as 4545 and 4549 are continuing to grow. If these two spots continue to grow significantly they may come around in 27 days, as a combined stronger sunspot.
This year has been really funky. Neither weather or space weather are quite doing what they should. So it will be anyone’s guess.
I believe the back side of the sun may provide us with relief as well. There have been some larger eruptions this week from behind the sun, moving away from earth. This indicates we do have a complex group of sunspots just around the back side of outgoing limb. If these hold together these will return toward the end of the month.
We are looking good for Thursday into Friday. Saturday night becomes problematic for Michigan. Monday into Tuesday we see a return to our fall rainstorms. Good News it is rainbow season. The sun is sitting at just the right angle to produce some great rainbow at sunrise and sunset. After the 15th we should see a return to partly clear skies through the 23. The hiccup in all of it will be do we have fog and humidity on the horizon hat will block our view?
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The Gift That Shows Your Love!
Give a gift this year that really says “I love You” ! These beautifully Crafted Cell phone chargers have a BIG SECRET! They have inside them UV light Sanitization that kills over 90% of viruses and Bacteria on your phone. Come home, drop your phone in for a quick charge of 5 minute and you can deep clean your phone at the same time. Preventing Illness from coming into your home. This also works for keys, credit card and other small items, to sanitize them as well.
Few people think of just how dirty our phones really get. We drop them on dirty floors, we handle them in busy places, setting them on counters and tables. We handle them in doctor offices and hospitals, on buses, and in crowded spaces. We take them to bathroom with us. We set them down in our car. Simply wiping the screen off doesn’t mean it is free of contaminants. Those little invisible viruses linger, and will reinfest your hands, your ear, cheek, and anything it touches. Leaving washing your hand constantly a mute point, if you pick up a dirty phone. Scientist rank cell phones dirtier than door knobs, leaving pretty high on the list of ways to spread germs.
These chargers can sit in Kitchen, or where you enter your home. Making it coinvent to drop your phone in for five minutes, preventing things from entering your home. It can sit by your bed and deep clean you phone over night. New moms, can have it where she prepares bottles, convent to drop her phone into while she washes her hands and makes the bottle, preventing baby from coming in to contact with what is on it. Believe me, come croup season, those mothers will love you for this gift and peace of mind. This is also high on the list for every medical professional who deal with sick patients every day or works in hospital where germs spread easily. Make your gift giving count this year, with the one gift that shows your love. Says I want to keep you forever.
Best part of this gift, is it makes a beautiful artwork to decorate your home too. It is elegant decoration, to capture a special place or a memory. It is a three second vacation for the mind every time you stop to drop your phone in it.
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Where Have the Fall Solar Storms Gone? A Look at 2026’s Unusually Quiet Autumn Sky
For sky watchers and aurora enthusiasts, September and October have often been some of the most
exciting months of the year. Strong geomagnetic storms frequently occur during the fall season,
producing brilliant northern lights and occasionally disrupting communications, satellites, and power
systems. Yet in 2026, many observers have noticed something unusual: the absence of major solar
storms during a period when they are commonly expected. While smaller solar events have still
occurred, this fall has so far lacked the kind of powerful geomagnetic disturbances that have become
familiar over the past decade.Historically, some of the most significant solar storms have occurred during the fall months. One of
the most famous was the Halloween Solar Storms of 2003, a series of powerful solar flares and
coronal mass ejections that struck Earth between late October and early November. The storms
peaked on October 28-30, 2003, and included some of the largest solar flares ever recorded. The
event caused satellite disruptions, communication outages, GPS interference, power grid problems,
and auroras visible as far south as Texas and the Mediterranean. [en.wikipedia.org], [ncei.noaa.gov]Other major fall events include the September 2017 Solar Storms, when an active sunspot region
unleashed multiple X-class flares and generated strong auroras across North America. More
recently, the May 2024 G5 Extreme Geomagnetic Storm, sometimes called the Gannon Storm,
became the strongest geomagnetic storm since the Halloween Storms of 2003. It produced
spectacular auroras seen across much of the United States and was classified as a G5, the highest
category on NOAA’s geomagnetic storm scale. en.wikipedia.org], https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14835/ , [en.wikipedia.org]
One reason many experts expected strong storms during the fall of 2026 is that geomagnetic activity
often increases near the spring and autumn equinoxes. Scientists refer to this as the
“Russell-McPherron Effect,” where Earth’s magnetic field orientation can make it easier for solar
energy to couple with our planet’s magnetic field. Because of this seasonal effect, September and
October frequently produce impressive auroral displays. iscwsa.netSo why has this fall been quieter? The most likely explanation is that while Solar Cycle 25 remains
active, the Sun’s activity appears to be moving into the early stages of its declining phase. NOAA
and NASA solar cycle forecasts show that solar activity reached or passed its peak around
2024-2025 and is gradually beginning to decrease. That does not mean major storms are
impossible, but it does reduce the frequency of large Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. spaceweather.gov , https://www.nasa.gov/solar-cycle-progression-and-forecast/Another factor is simple luck. Large geomagnetic storms require several conditions to align. The Sun
must produce a major flare or coronal mass ejection, the eruption must be directed toward Earth,
If you enjoy these image, check out our shop page!
We have a wide selection of great products featuring Michigan Aurora and Lighthouses. These make great and unique Christmas presents, for that person that might have everything. Think about their favorite memories or places, give something that inspires them every day.
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What Is Coming in October? CME, Coronal Hole, and Aurora Watch for the Great Lakes
What is coming for the first Week in October?
Skywatchers across the Great Lakes region are watching a potentially active stretch of space weather as a recent CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) and an Earth-facing coronal hole combine to increase the chances of geomagnetic activity.
A C8.6 solar flare was observed on September 30, followed by indicators that many space weather enthusiasts associate with increasing solar activity. At the same time, a coronal hole facing Earth is expected to send a stream of faster solar wind toward our planet in the days ahead.
Forecast models suggest a possible solar wind impact beginning Friday afternoon, with wind speeds potentially increasing from around 200 km/s to more than 550 km/s. If the incoming CME and high-speed solar wind stream interact favorably with Earth’s magnetic field, aurora visibility could improve across northern-tier states and southern Canada.
Cloud cover may also play an important role. Current forecasts suggest skies could begin clearing from western Upper Michigan and progress southeastward through northern Lower Michigan, including the Traverse City region. Western Minnesota may see increasing cloud cover, while a separate system is expected to affect parts of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Saturday night.
By Sunday, clearer skies are expected across much of the northern Great Lakes region, potentially providing another opportunity for aurora viewing if geomagnetic conditions remain elevated.
As always, the intensity of any aurora display will depend on several factors, including solar wind speed, density, and the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field. Space weather conditions can change rapidly, making this a weekend worth watching for anyone interested in the northern lights.
Keywords: Aurora Forecast, Northern Lights Michigan, Traverse City Aurora, CME Impact, Coronal Hole Solar Wind, Space Weather Forecast, Solar Storm Watch, Great Lakes Aurora, October Aurora Forecast.
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Christmas Gifts for the Hard‑to‑Please Lighthouse Collector
Finding the right Christmas gift for a lighthouse collector can feel impossible. These collectors already know every tower, every shoreline, and every detail of Michigan’s maritime history. They’ve seen the generic coastal décor, Lighthouse figurines and the mass‑produced prints. They have most of the worthwhile thing they have seen. Now they crave unique and something different — a gift that reflects the real lighthouses they love and the Great Lakes stories they connect with. Something that tells what a lighthouse is used for, to guide you out of the Dark Night. That’s where handcrafted, lighthouse‑themed products shine during the holiday season.
One of the most meaningful gifts you can give is a lighthouse Christmas ornament, especially when it features a real Michigan lighthouse. A sled ornament with a nighttime lighthouse scene instantly stands out because it blends holiday tradition with authentic regional imagery. Collectors appreciate ornaments that highlight actual locations, not generic designs, and a lighthouse ornament becomes a keepsake they’ll hang every year.
For collectors who enjoy practical gifts with artistic flair, lighthouse blankets make a perfect choice. A warm throw featuring a vivid aurora sky over a Michigan lighthouse turns a simple bedroom or living room into a coastal winter retreat. These blankets feel personal because they showcase real scenery — the kind collectors recognize and love — while still being cozy, useful, and perfect for the season.
For gift‑givers who want something elegant and meaningful, lighthouse keepsake boxes are ideal. A beautifully printed box with a lighthouse scene on the lid becomes a place to store small treasures, photos, or mementos from shoreline trips. It’s a functional gift with emotional value, and collectors appreciate items that feel crafted rather than mass‑produced. We also have unique Necklaces with popular Michigan Lighthouses any Lighthouse collector or Aurora Enthusiast will treasure.
Even everyday items become special when they feature a lighthouse the collector loves. A lighthouse laptop sleeve or lighthouse phone case turns a daily object into a personal statement, letting collectors carry a piece of Michigan’s shoreline with them wherever they go. And for those who want something both beautiful and practical, the new lighthouse‑themed UV charging cases add an extra layer of value. These cases sanitize your phone with built‑in UV light while it charges, reducing germs and keeping the device clean — a gift that delivers both health and beauty in one simple package. When the artwork includes aurora skies or dramatic coastal lighting, these products become even more meaningful, blending function, style, and Michigan pride into a single holiday gift.
Sweatshirts and tee shirts in the Special Lighthouse Collection make excellent Christmas gifts because they blend comfort with authentic Michigan imagery. Each piece features a real lighthouse, captured in vivid color and dramatic lighting, turning everyday apparel into something meaningful for collectors. A soft sweatshirt with an aurora sky or a crisp tee shirt showcasing a favorite lighthouse lets collectors wear their shoreline pride wherever they go. These aren’t generic tourist shirts — they’re wearable art tied to real places along the Great Lakes. When someone unwraps a lighthouse sweatshirt or tee from your collection, they’re getting a gift that feels personal, warm, and connected to the Michigan coast they love.
The Lighthouse Collection wine glass makes a beautiful Christmas gift because it blends elegance with authentic Michigan shoreline imagery. Each glass features a real lighthouse wrapped in vivid color and aurora‑lit skies, turning a simple piece of drinkware into a collectible display item. Lighthouse collectors love gifts they can use and show off, and a wine glass with crisp artwork from Point Betsie, Crisp Point, or White River feels both festive and personal. It’s the kind of gift that adds a touch of coastal charm to holiday gatherings and becomes a year‑round favorite for anyone who treasures Michigan’s lighthouse heritage.
The reason these lighthouse gifts make such meaningful Christmas presents is that collectors want items connected to real places that matter to them. Some people feel a deep emotional attachment to the symbolism of a lighthouse — strength, guidance, and standing firm through storms. Others have formed special memories at a favorite lighthouse, whether it was a childhood trip, a family vacation, or a moment that stayed with them. And many lighthouse fans simply love the adventure of visiting every Great Lakes lighthouse, checking each one off their list as part of a lifelong goal. When you choose a lighthouse ornament, blanket, collage, keepsake box, apparel piece, or tech accessory from the Special Lighthouse Collection, you’re giving a gift that feels intentional and personal. It speaks directly to their connection to Michigan’s shoreline, whether that connection is emotional, nostalgic, or part of their lighthouse‑collecting journey. For people who are famously hard to shop for, that blend of authenticity and meaning is exactly what makes the gift unforgettable.
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Aurora Hunters Turn to Michigan’s Shorelines as Dark Sky Season Peaks
Seeing the Green Michigan is best state in Lower 48 for Aurora Hunting.
Aurora Hunters Turn to Michigan’s Shorelines as Dark Sky Season Peaks in September and October. The Great Lakes shoreline has some of the best northern‑lights viewing in the Lower 48. Michigan boasts one official International Dark Sky Park, Numerous State Dark Sky Parks and 2 Federal Park, numerous State and local parks all with good views. It also has numerous Lighthouses with northern views. Experienced hunters start heading to Iceland and Norway for Auroras and often overlook, the locations in Lower 48 states. Michigan is better situated with their miles of lake shores around three of the Great Lakes. These Lakes offer, darker views with light pollution than many states.
Headlands Dark Sky Park: Official, But Not Ideal for Auroras
Michigan’s only certified International Dark Sky Park, Is Headlands Dark Sky Park, draws heavy attention from tourists and astronomy groups. The park has worked hard to limit lighting around this area and make it more friendly to Photographers and Astrophotography enthusiasts. Depending on type of photography you want to do it can be a great place to visit. It hosts an Observatory with a host of programs. There is plenty of historical information about Astronomy on facts along the drive.
It is not best for Auroral photography. First the most open area of the park faces west not north. There is a way down to the North Shore, but in winter it becomes inaccessible, due to a steep hill that they don’t keep plowed well. This beach is good as long as it not icy. It as part of Headlands Park requires use of red lights. Which can be problematic if you have 50 people snapping on readlights every few minutes. It makes getting a good shot difficult because you can’t adjust for redlights in your image. This often leaves water and shoreline colored red. Because it is international dark sky park is heavily visited by first time aurora hunters that don’t know what they are doing, which means a lot of red light use. Headlands remains a strong location for Milky Way photography, but seasoned aurora chasers say it’s not the top choice for northern‑lights visibility.
.Don’t despair though there are other areas around Mackinaw that are less used. Or are more frequented by professional Aurora Hunters where you have an easier time. Up by Mackinaw Lighthouse is a good location by keep in mind you will need to do some compensation or bracketing to balance light around the Mackinaw Bridge. There are several location from Downtown where you can get a City view and there is a road side park east of Mackinaw that does have a northern view. I recommend before going to that area, searching Google earth & Maps to find public areas that could be alternatives to Headlands Dark Sky Park.
Crisp Point Lighthouse: Remote, Dark, and Facing North
On the southern shore of Lake Superior, Crisp Point Lighthouse is one of the darkest area’s I have visited. However it is about 20 miles of gravel roads that twist and turn back to the Lighthouse. It can be difficult sometimes to to reach it due to rough roads. It was recommended to me by every local not to try it in the dark at three in the morning alone. I did it anyone and found road well graded and fine as long was you went very slow. I do not recommend drivers try this at night if they are not extremely comfortable with night driving. When I visited I could hear animals in the woods around me. I would caution people afraid of the dark and prone to getting scared easily to be prepared.
Whitefish Point: One of Michigan’s Darkest Accessible Shores
Just east of Crisp Point, Whitefish Point offers another exceptional northern view. The point extends into Lake Superior, giving hunters a clean horizon and some of the darkest skies in the state. This is often more frequently visited. It is more open and not as much wildlife to startle people. there is an outlook directly out on the beach. It most hazardous thing is in the winter don’t step off the packed path. Snow gets deep in this area, particularly in March with the accumulated snow. I have been up there in March and April and plowed snow banks are over car roof tops. Step off packed trail, you could end up hip deep in snow.
Whitefish Point is also easier to reach than many remote U.P. locations, making it a favorite for travelers who want strong aurora potential without extreme backcountry conditions. There is a local hotel on main cross roads that does have a night clerk for late check ins in off season. Main season you will need to book in advance.
Glen Haven: Sleeping Bear’s Hidden Aurora Gem
Along Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore provides high bluffs, and scenic spots through out the park that are excellent Aurora vantage points. These are spread over 50 miles running from Point Betsie Lighthouse to Good Harbor at the North end of the park. In my oppinion they offer some of the most beautiful views in the state. What is unique is areas are all within driving distance so easy to jump from one spot to another during lulls. Giving you more views in a night.
The most recognized views in the park are likely DH Day Barn and Glen Haven. Glen Haven in small storms can be an amazing place to be. You often will meet a few hunters there giving you a chance to meet other Aurora Hunters. Beware though it can become very congested in large storms and people don’t always use common sense when parking. In this area always be aware of road sides and people walking in the dark.
DH Day Barn is Iconic spot people want photos but you should be aware that barn is privately owned and is private property with the fence. I have spoken with the owner in the past. He takes a very dim view of people photographing that barn, though he can’t stop it as long as you are on park property.
Through out the park through that 50 miles you will find a wide variety of interesting topics to shoot beyond Glen Haven and DH Day Barn
Lighthouses are a Favorite for Aurora Photography
Beyond Federal and state parks. Headlands the international dark sky part and the handful of state designated dark sky parks you will find miles of shore line with numerous Lighthouses that can be photographed with Auroras and many inland areas in Northern Michigan great for Aurora hunting. Point Betsie Lighthouse is a lighthouse that is often widely photographed. Convient to Sleeping Bear, it makes a great location to go to. If one area is busy, it is easy to pick a less crowded location.
Old Mission Lighthouse has limited views of the lighthouse, due to how it is situated. But Old Mission has a long shore line to walk and makes for easy location to get away form people. Charlevoix Lighthouse is another good location but there is a trick to shooting it. You must shoot around the green pier light that marks the other side of the channel by either placing pier light behind leg of lighthouse or timing your shot to few seconds that light is out. Empire is a great lighthouse, and is accessable in the winter. Also Empire is handicapped friendly with side walks and paved parking lot.
What Beginners Should Know Before Heading Out
- Check cloud cover first — Michigan gets frequent clouding, particular in winter when lake is not frozen over all the way. Typically Cloud cover breaks with season change around March and remains pretty good through November.
- We can see auroras all year in Michigan but your times big storms are more frequently seen is in March and from Aug 20th through Nov 1st.
- Negative Bz can trigger surprise auroras even on low forecasts. If the BZ is positive watch for the flip in polarity before going to far.
- Avoid bright moon nights for best color. If the storm is bright then moon is actually a help as it will light paint your landscape, giving you a completely different look.
- Patience is requirement. Sometimes you have to wait our the solar storm. It is normal for storms to come before or after predicted. Trick is knowing when it will fall short or out perform predictions.
- Do not walk out on Great Lakes Ice Shelves in the winter they are not stable. It is generally not good to walk on any lakes in winter. You can freeze to death before anyone would have chance to save you. If you insist on being in risky situations then it recommended you use Mustang Gear, which is an insulating winter gear that doubles as a flotation device. They are really warm and if you fall through ice it will hold you up, and stave off hyperthermia for an extra 20 minutes.
- Please read our posts about Aurora Hunting and Basic. to be frank, people have died by stepping out in front of cars. If we are all on the same page on how to behave in the dark and are away of how to be safe it prevents injury.
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Forecast for Sept 2,2026
Current Forecast
Forecast for Sept 2, 2026 is expected to be quiet today and tomorrow. We did have a 3.1 M Class flare at 1600 UTC. Depending on where this flare happened and it’s trajectory it is likely to change forecast for the weekend. As it just happened, models have not had a chance to update or give prediction changes. The 3.1 M Class flare was long duration and this likely means that there was an accompanying CME. But what direction that will take I am not yet sure. The proceeding C class flares look like they are going toward the incoming limb and maybe coming from those spots on back side. If this is the case, then likely it will largely miss us. You can see though from Castus image that there is faint slow wind better than half way around the disk, which means maybe between a KP2 and Kp3 bump up on Friday.
What is on the Back Side of Sun
We do have some deep spots on the back side of the sun that are just behind the limb. Those should be visible this next week. I expect the leading sunspot and trailing lower sunspit to be little stronger. If these are significantly active they could give us an abrupt storm condition that is unexpected. We likely would have a 24 hour lead time to prepare.
Twenty Seven Day look.
Twenty Seven Day forecast is not giving us much for the middle of the month and aiming our largest storm conditions at the 25th -27th. But we shall see what happens. It just takes one good CME to change everything on a dime, and for the last few years, there has consistently been something in the first half of Sept not later than middle of month.
Long Range Look, beyond Aurora
Side note, you should be keeping an eye on El Nino, Earthquakes and Volcanic activity. I get this is an aurora hunting channel. But nothing happens in isolation. Solar storms affect more than pretty lights and we do well to understand that. Everything is a bit strange at the moment, with Die Pole earthquakes bouncing back and forth around the globe. This has been worrying as there have been a number of very large earthquakes and is showing a distinct shift in the ring of fire.
Now it is not unusual to have around 40 volcanoes active around the globe on any given day. But it is the volcanoes they are putting on alert that matters. Several of these historically have given large enough eruptions that have altered weather patterns around the world for anywhere to a season to 10 years. It is the particular Volcano’s history of eruptions that is worrying and how high the spew dioxides and ash into the atmosphere. Here is a link that tells you about the most dangerious volcanoes https://volcano.si.edu/faq/index.cfm?question=eov_noteworthy Currently on the worrying list is Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli,Santori, Krakatau, Popocatépetl and Tambora. Tambora is a volcanoes that has been heard around the world and has a history of having eruptions that have changed global weather pattern for more than year. They are currently seeing earthquake swarms around Mount Rainer. The worry with this is pyroclastic flows could be deadly to wide area. The Coso Volcanic Field in Southern California has been seeing unusual earthquake activities and scientist are watching this area closely, as it is not just one volcano but a range of the. Of course there has been changes in YellowStone around some mud volcano field. At this time though these are not hugely worrying.
El Nino is are wild card. I have heard a range of forecasts and these keep changing. The only thing agreed on by all is this is the warmest recorded El Nino and they expect a major shift in weather patterns. Our great lakes area could be average to warmer temps with more lake affect snow, or not. Safet bet, prepare for the worst. Make sure you have extra food in the house. have alternative heating plan in place should power go out and make sure you know how to use what you have to better warm your house in an emergency. for example how to blow out pipes, shut off water, so pipes don’t burst. How to use blankets to cover windows to create vapor locks, with draw to smaller area in house to keep warm and in a major event, a tent to set up in the house to sleep in. Heating smaller spaces, can save your life in a major event. Just in case we do get a record breaking storms or two. Better to be prepared and not need it than to do nothing and end up in dire straits.
