The northern lights, or aurora borealis, might seem like something you need to travel far north to see — but I’ve had the pleasure of catching glimpses of them right here in the White Lake area. While it’s not an everyday occurrence, the aurora can make an appearance here in Michigan, especially on those crisp fall, winter, and early spring nights. If you’re new to chasing the lights or wondering where to start, I’ve put together a few tips and resources to help you spot the aurora right here in the White Lake Area.
Why Do We See the Northern Lights?
The northern lights happen when solar wind (charged particles from the Sun) collide with the Earth’s magnetic field, causing bursts of light to shine through our atmosphere. The lights are usually more common the further north you go, but the good news is, they can occasionally show up in Michigan — especially during solar storms.
Right now, we’re in the middle of a solar maximum, which is the peak of the Sun’s 11-year cycle. During solar maximum, solar activity increases, meaning more solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can trigger stronger aurora displays. This is exciting for us here in Michigan, as it increases the chances of catching the aurora even at lower latitudes like the White Lake area.
When to Look for the Northern Lights
If you’re hoping to see the aurora in our area, timing is key. Fall and winter are the best times because the nights are long, and we’re more likely to catch a glimpse of the lights. The real trick is keeping an eye on solar activity — the aurora depends on solar flares and geomagnetic storms. Websites like the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute can give you the latest solar forecasts, which will help you know when the aurora might be visible.
The best part? You don’t have to go far. I often catch the lights right from my backyard or take a short drive to nearby farms where the skies are even darker. The less light pollution, the better the view!
Tips for Chasing the Northern Lights
- Use Aurora Forecasting Apps:
A couple of apps I rely on are My Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Hello Aurora. These apps will send notifications when the aurora is visible, so you don’t have to guess when to step outside. I use them regularly to get real-time updates. You can grab My Aurora on Google Play or iTunes, and you can find Hello Aurora at Hello Aurora. - Join the Michigan Aurora Chasers Facebook Group:
One of the best resources I’ve found is the Michigan Aurora Chasers Facebook group. It’s a great community where locals share photos, tips, and updates on aurora sightings. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s worth checking out. You can request to join here. - Look for Darker Skies:
I’ve found that heading to darker areas around White Lake can make a huge difference. The darker the skies, the brighter and more vibrant the aurora will appear. Even though my backyard works for most nights, it’s nice to have a few go-to spots that are more remote. - Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust:
When you’re out looking for the aurora, it’s important to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes for your eyes to fully adapt, so try to avoid looking at bright lights, including your phone, during that time. The darker your surroundings, the better your chances of spotting the aurora. If you rush the process, it can make it harder to see the faint lights. So, take a seat, relax, and let your eyes adjust before you start scanning the skies.
Tips for Taking Photos of the Northern Lights
If you’re like me and want to capture the beauty of the aurora on camera, here are some tips to get the best shots — whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone:
1. Use a Tripod:
A tripod is essential for taking clear, sharp photos of the northern lights, especially if you’re using a camera with long exposure settings. Without a tripod, your photos will likely turn out blurry. This is true for both DSLRs and smartphones. For smartphone photography, look for a compact tripod or a stable surface to keep your phone steady.
2. Set Your Camera to Manual Mode (For DSLR/Camera Users):
For the best results with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, set your camera to manual mode. You’ll want to adjust the exposure time (about 10-15 seconds), aperture (around f/2.8 to f/4), and ISO (around 800 to 1600). If you’re using a smartphone, you can download apps like ProCam (iOS) or Manual Camera (Android) that give you manual control over exposure, ISO, and focus.
3. Increase Your ISO (For DSLR/Camera Users):
Since the northern lights can be faint, you’ll want to use a higher ISO setting to make your camera more sensitive to light. Start with an ISO of 800 to 1600, and adjust depending on the light conditions. Be careful not to go too high, though, as this can introduce grain into your photos. For smartphones, your camera’s automatic settings will typically handle ISO for you, but you can also adjust it in third-party apps if needed.
4. Focus Manually:
The aurora is often far away, and autofocus can struggle in low light. Manually focus your camera on a distant light or an object in the foreground, then lock the focus before starting your shot. Many smartphones allow you to tap and hold on a focal point to lock the focus, which is key for getting clear, sharp photos of the lights.
5. Shoot in RAW (For DSLR/Camera Users):
If your camera supports it, shoot in RAW format instead of JPEG. RAW photos retain more detail, which is especially helpful for editing the colors and contrast of the aurora afterward. While most smartphones don’t shoot in RAW natively, some apps like ProCam (iOS) and Manual Camera (Android) allow for RAW photo capture.
6. Experiment with Settings:
The northern lights can vary in brightness and intensity, so experiment with different exposure times, apertures, and ISO settings. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at capturing the right moment. On smartphones, this may mean experimenting with different exposure times in apps that allow manual control.
7. Use Wide-Angle Shots:
To capture the vastness of the aurora, use a wide-angle lens (something around 14mm to 24mm for DSLRs). For smartphones, you can use the widest lens setting available, or consider using an attachable wide-angle lens to get a broader view of the sky and the aurora’s movement.
8. Smartphone Tips for Night Photography:
- Use Night Mode: Many newer smartphones, like the iPhone 11 and later, and some Android phones (like the Google Pixel), have a built-in night mode that automatically adjusts the camera’s settings for low-light conditions. This can help get better results without manual adjustments.
- Use a Longer Exposure App: Apps like NightCap (iPhone) or Long Exposure Camera 2 (Android) allow for longer exposures on smartphones, letting you capture more light and detail from the aurora.
- Stabilize Your Phone: Since smartphones can be harder to keep steady during long exposures, it’s important to use a tripod or place your phone on a stable surface to avoid any camera shake.
Final Thoughts on Smartphone Photography:
While smartphones may not offer the same manual control as a dedicated camera, they’ve come a long way in terms of night photography. With the right app and a little patience, you can still capture some amazing shots of the aurora. Just remember to keep your phone steady, adjust for long exposures, and play with your settings to get the best results.
Why Are the Northern Lights Hard to See with the Naked Eye?
You might notice that the aurora often looks more vibrant in photos than it does to the naked eye. That’s because the human eye isn’t as sensitive to the specific light wavelengths emitted by the aurora, so it tends to look much dimmer. A camera, however, can capture more light and keep the exposure open for longer, bringing out the bright colors that are harder to see with our eyes. So if you’re hoping to take some good photos, a camera with manual settings (and a tripod) will give you the best results.
Tips for First-Timers
- Dress for the Weather: Michigan winters can be freezing, so I always make sure to bundle up in layers when I head outside to chase the aurora. Bring a blanket or some hot cocoa to stay warm while you wait — trust me, it’s worth it when the lights finally show up.
- Be Patient: Sometimes, the aurora doesn’t appear immediately, so it’s important to be patient. I’ve had nights where I waited for hours, only to see the aurora start to show up just as I was about to give up. It’s all part of the fun!
- Stay Flexible: While I usually look from my backyard, I’ve learned that sometimes you have to get out and explore a little. If the forecast looks good, I’ll drive to nearby parks or open areas where I can get a better view. The aurora can appear in unexpected places!
In Summary
Chasing the northern lights in the White Lake area doesn’t require a trip to the far north. Right now, with the solar maximum in full swing, it’s a great time to start looking for auroras — and with the right tools, a little research, and a willingness to head out on those chilly nights, you can experience this breathtaking natural phenomenon right in your own backyard. So, grab a coat, fire up your apps, and start looking up — you never know when the aurora might appear!
Happy aurora chasing!
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