For as long as I can remember, seeing the Northern Lights sat high on my bucket list, one of those “someday” dreams that felt too rare to ever check off.
At 36, I finally got that chance. And lately, it feels like the sky has been gifting us the opportunity more and more. It’s something you should absolutely seize, because once you witness it for yourself, you’ll understand why people call it magic.
That night in May of 2024, I couldn’t help but tell my kids what a gift it was to see. I told them how it had always been on my dad’s bucket list – and how maybe now, he’s seeing them from a different angle in the sky. Each time the lights return, I find myself telling everyone I know: go outside, look up, don’t miss it.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the Aurora Borealis for yourself (or just need a reason to slow down and look up) here’s a mom-friendly guide to chasing the Northern Lights right here in Michigan.
🔭 How to Know When to Look
You don’t need to be a space expert — just a little prepared. Solar activity can make Michigan’s skies dance a few times a year, especially during strong geomagnetic storms. Start with these tools and pages:
- Aurora Alerts App (iOS & Android) — My personal favorite. It gives both short- and long-range forecasts, your personal viewing odds, and push notifications when activity increases near you.
- Space Weather Live — Great for tracking the KP index (look for 6 or higher for a good Michigan chance).
- NOAA Aurora Forecast — The official map showing real-time auroral activity.
- Facebook pages to follow: Aurora Forecast – North America and Great Lakes Aurora Hunters and our personal favorite for all MI Weather & Sky Events, Michigan Storm Chasers.
Tip: Don’t just stare straight up! The first glow often appears low on the northern horizon and can look like faint clouds until your camera reveals the color.
📸 How to Capture the Magic (Even With Your iPhone)
Let’s be real — most of us don’t carry professional cameras, but your iPhone or Android can absolutely capture the Northern Lights beautifully with a few quick settings. 
📱 iPhone Photo Settings
- Open your Camera app.
- Tap the arrow ↑ at the top of the screen to reveal extra settings.
- Tap the moon icon/striped circle icon 🌙 (Night Mode) and drag the slider to 10 seconds (the longer, the better). This icon will ONLY show up when the automatically detects low light — so if you’re looking in middle of day the moon feature will not exist.
- Turn off the flash (lightning bolt icon).
- Tap the screen to focus on the horizon, then slide down slightly to lower exposure OR utilize the +/- button when hitting that up arrow to adjust exposure.
- Prop your phone on something stable — a car roof, cooler, or tripod — and press the shutter gently.
Optional: Turn on the self-timer (3s or 10s) to avoid camera shake.
📷 Pro-Mode Tips (Android or Manual Apps)
- Shutter: 5–10 seconds
- ISO: 800–1600
- Focus: Infinity (mountain icon)
- White Balance: Auto
Avoid all artificial light (headlights, porch lights, flashlights) — they’ll drown out the color.
🌟 Bonus tip: If the sky looks grayish or cloudy, take a test photo in Night Mode. Often your camera will reveal the green, purple, or pink hues before your eyes can.
🌠 Make It a Family Adventure
When an alert pings, pile the kids into the car — pajamas, blankets, hot cocoa, and snacks. Drive away from the city glow and find a dark, open spot like a lakefront, field, or roadside pull-off. Even if the lights don’t dance that night, you’ll still get something rare: an hour of peace, quiet, and connection under the stars.
WORD OF WARNING: We were hit by a drunk driver attempting this while parked off in a field in October of 2024 to view Northern Lights – not even kidding. So make sure you check your surroundings, and if sitting in the car children etc. stay buckled. I realize the odds of this are very low but ours happened at 8p on a Tuesday and this person drove WAY off the road and by the grace of a higher power only sideswiped my car vs. driving through multiple vehicles full of kids making memories.
“Sometimes the sky doesn’t show the colors we expect, but it still gives us a moment we’ll never forget.”
🌎 A Few Fun Northern Lights Facts
- The Aurora Borealis happens when solar particles collide with Earth’s atmosphere, exciting gases that emit light.
- Green is most common (oxygen at ~60 miles up), while pink, red, and purple appear during stronger storms.
- Michigan is one of the most southern U.S. states where they can be regularly seen — especially along Lake Superior.
- They’re best viewed in dark, clear skies around new moon nights, usually between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
The first time I saw the Northern Lights, it felt like heaven opened just long enough to say hello (Hi, Dad!). Now, whenever I see that familiar glow, I take it as a gentle reminder to slow down and look up… because sometimes, the most breathtaking things come when you least expect them. So download the app, keep a blanket in your trunk, and when the alerts start buzzing… go. Because some gifts are too beautiful to miss.
