Every once in a while, the Aurora Borealis pushes far enough south to create a striking display of dancing colors on the horizon off Mackinac Island. During peak solar activity, you can see the cosmic phenomenon even more often than normal.
In fact, we’re currently in a phase of the sun’s cycle that makes it more likely to spot this magical display of green, red, pink and purple skies on Mackinac Island for the next few years!
Take a look at this compilation of recent Mackinac Island sightings of the gorgeous natural wonder known as the Northern Lights:
Why Mackinac Island Is A Good Spot To See The Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is caused by solar particles entering Earth’s atmosphere. As the name “Northern Lights” suggests, the most intense interaction typically occurs up north, near the magnetic North Pole.
It’s less common for the Northern Lights to be seen as far south as the continental United States. But when they are visible, it helps that Mackinac Island is actually pretty far north. In fact, more than half of all Canadians live farther south than the latitude of Mackinac Island!
Another reason the Northern Lights can be seen more often and more clearly on Mackinac Island is that light pollution is extraordinarily low – especially as you get outside of town and up into Mackinac Island State Park. Because some parts of Mackinac Island get very dark at night, it’s easier to see the colors appear.
Plus, Mackinac Island is surrounded by water. You can find a northward vantage point along the shoreline with zero obstructions in your sightline. It’s as if the Northern Lights are dancing on the surface of the lake!
When To Spot The Northern Lights On Mackinac Island
While the Northern Lights can appear at any time of year, they are most likely to be seen in spring and fall during the weeks before and after the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. From mid-September through the close of the visitor season at the end of October is primetime for viewing the Northern Lights on Mackinac Island. You might also see them during an early spring visit to Mackinac Island.
Whenever you are on the lookout for the Northern Lights, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- The colors of the Northern Lights on Mackinac Island often are most vivid during the darkest part of the night, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
- The higher the Kp-index of geomagnetic activity, the better chance you have of seeing the Northern Lights. Check out the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center for the latest Aurora Borealis forecast.
- If it’s cloudy, or if it’s clear and there’s a full moon brightening the sky, your view may be obscured
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