This is the same principal as how a neon sign lights up. Some of the ions become trapped and will consequently interact with the Earth's ionosphere (an average of 60-80 miles above the surface), causing the ions to glow. As the plasma comes in contact with the Earth's magnetic field, the ions will be agitated into moving around the Earth. What Causes the Aurora? The Sun emits electrically-charged particles called ions, which correspondingly move away from the Sun in a stream of plasma (ionized gas) known as the solar wind. The Aurora Australis is the southern hemisphere counterpart to the Aurora Borealis. For a more adventurous viewing, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Little Presque Isle area are excellent viewing locations for the Northern Lights.The Aurora Borealis (commonly referred to as the Northern Lights) are the result of interactions between the Sun and Earth's outer atmosphere. The M-28 Waysides in Chocolay Township are easy access points in the dark. Recommended Locations for ViewingĪnywhere along Lake Superior where one can look towards the north can be optimal for viewing due to the lake's wide open spaces. Marquette can have snowfall as early as the first weeks of October, so always check conditions ahead of time and dress accordingly. During very active aurora displays, if the moon is behind you (when it is highest in the sky) as you look north to view the Aurora, the moon acts like a light that illuminates the foreground very nicely in your aurora photos ” says Shawn Malone of Lake Superior Photography in our Aurora Q&A blog.ĭress for the occasion by planning ahead, wearing warm clothes, a headlamp, and knowing where you can go to have a fire, and see the Aurora during the cold fall and winter months. However, “In the winter the moon actually rises in the NE and sets in the NW.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FULL
The full moon will be so bright that the Northern Lights will be very dim or not visible at all.
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS FREE
To get the best view of the Northern Lights, the viewing location must be free of light pollution and clouds.Ī great website for the Aurora Forecasts is the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: To see the Aurora in Marquette, a KP Index of at least 4+ is needed. The higher the KP number, the more likely people will be able to see the Northern Lights show. The best way to know if there will be some action in the sky is to check the KP Index. The best time of year to see the Aurora is September and March as it's more active around the fall and spring equinoxes, but it's also possible to catch a chance show during the months of October through February. Geomagnetic storms can affect the electrical power grid, spacecraft operations, and radio signals that operate in the ionosphere. The KP Index tracks the disturbances to the Earth’s magnetic field and allows the Space Weather Prediction Center to issue alerts to those who may be affected by the disturbances. Scientists use the Planetary K-index to track the magnitude of geomagnetic storms, also known as the KP Index. Trying to catch the Northern Lights can be tricky, so here are some helpful tips to see the Aurora Borealis light show in the sky. Some of the colors, other than green, are difficult to see with the naked eye. Hydrogen and Helium are lighter gasses present high up in the ionosphere that creates colors of blue and purple. This red color is a sign of very intense solar activity. The red coloring that is sometimes seen is caused by Oxygen at high altitudes that interacts with solar particles. Oxygen turns green, and Nitrogen emits hints of purple, blue, and pink. The Earth’s atmosphere is mostly composed of Oxygen and Nitrogen, and when heated or excited, the gasses change colors. What causes the different colors of the Northern Lights? The atoms excite, then relax and release a photon, which is light-this is what we see as the Northern Lights. These electrons strike Earth's magnetosphere and travel along magnetic field lines towards the north and south poles where they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms in Earth's upper atmosphere. The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights occur with a strong solar event sending an elevated solar wind of charged particles (electrons) towards Earth. Whether you check it off or not, either way, we hope you’ll enjoy the chase! What is the Aurora Borealis? Is seeing the Northern Lights on your bucket list? We can’t promise you’ll catch the colorful light curtains during your stay, but we can provide useful tips to help plan your visit.
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