Experience Aurora Magic In The Art Coast This Fall
Think you have to travel all the way to Alaska or Iceland to see the Northern Lights? Guess again. This fall (and beyond!), the Art Coast® becomes an unexpected gateway to witnessing one of nature’s most mesmerizing displays. With clear skies and minimal light pollution, our area offers some of the best chances to experience the Northern Lights in Michigan. And beyond this celestial spectacle, Saugatuck/Douglas becomes an even more enchanting destination with our vibrant autumn foliage and fewer crowds.
As autumn unfolds in the Art Coast, a magical opportunity is lighting up our skies. This fall, we’re graced with a rare chance to witness the Northern Lights, a dazzling natural phenomenon that transforms the night sky into a canvas of shifting colors. If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing this celestial display, now is the perfect time to visit.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are created by the sun’s charged particles colliding with Earth’s magnetic field. These particles interact with gases in our atmosphere, creating vibrant ribbons of light in shades of green, pink, red, and more. While auroras are often associated with polar regions, strong geomagnetic storms can push this spectacular show much further south, making Saugatuck/Douglas an excellent viewing spot this season.
Why Now?
This year has been exceptional for Northern Lights sightings along Michigan’s Lake Michigan shoreline. The peak of Solar Cycle 25, which influences auroral activity, is expected between November 2024 and March 2026. This means that, with a bit of luck and some clear nights, you could catch a glimpse of these lights while staying in our scenic region.
Top Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
Timing is Everything
The best time to see the Northern Lights is between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., though they can appear as early as 6 p.m. during intense activity periods and last through 4 a.m. Typically, the best viewing months are during September, October, and November.
Pick a Dark Spot
For the best views, head to the more rural areas around Saugatuck/Douglas/Fennville, where light pollution is minimal. Many of our vacation rentals, listed here, feature properties in secluded areas that provide ideal locations for aurora viewing.
Check the Weather
Clear, cold nights are best for seeing the Northern Lights. Cloud cover can obscure the view, so keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Avoid the Moon
Bright moonlight can wash out the faintest auroras. Plan your viewing on nights when the moon is less visible.
Be Prepared
While auroras are difficult to predict precisely, watch for alerts on geomagnetic storms. According to the Space Weather Prediction Center, a minor G1 (Kp 5) storm can bring the aurora to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, while a moderate G2 (Kp 6) storm can bring them into New York and Idaho. So, a G2 or higher storm will increase your chances of seeing the lights here.
Look North
The aurora is typically visible on the horizon and will appear higher in the sky as you move further north.
Capture the Moment
The Northern Lights may not always be visible to the naked eye, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t see them directly. Often, a camera or smartphone can reveal colors and details that are invisible to the human eye. Even a quick photo might surprise you with a stunning display! When snapping a picture, use a camera with a long exposure setting to capture the lights effectively or your smartphone’s nighttime photo mode.
Resources for Planning Your Aurora Adventure
NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: Check the Planetary K-Index for real-time aurora forecasts and geomagnetic storm alerts. The Viewline map shows the southernmost locations where you may see the aurora on the northern horizon.
Aurora Forecast by Aurora Service: Get detailed aurora forecasts and alerts to plan your viewing.
Space Weather Live: Provides live updates on space weather conditions and aurora forecasts.
Cover photo by Kerry Fox. www.kerryfoxphotography.com
