Severe solar storms and dazzling Northern Lights displays have been gracing the skies of Michigan more than usual these past few months, and like so many other people amazed by the natural phenomena, I have been relishing every chance I get to see them.
The lights haven’t just been noticeable up north and in places designated for dark skies, although that does make viewing much easier. People downstate and further south beyond Michigan have been witnessing the lights more frequently since last year due to another phenomenon known as a “solar cycle.”
According to NASA, this is the cycle that the sun’s magnetic field goes through approximately every 11 years. In this timespan, the sun’s north and south poles switch places and affect activity on the surface of the sun, causing sunspots to occur. Solar activity and the number of sunspots increase over time, and it’s in the middle of the solar cycle when the sun has the most spots. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are giant eruptions on the sun, also increase during the cycle, creating colorful lights in the sky seen from earth.
The current solar cycle is apparently reaching its peak in 2025, so there’s still lots of chances to see intense energy outbursts of light displays if you haven’t yet. Luckily, social media makes it possible to learn of aurora updates in real time and gives us the opportunity to engage with others in the community who find joy in both seeing and seeking these rare events.
I first wrote about viewing the Northern Lights in April of 2023 during a geomagnetic storm. It was my first time seeing the otherworldly lights dance across the sky, and I spent at least two hours outside in my driveway snapping away on my phone. I thought that was the strongest show of lights I’d ever see, but alas, I was blessed to witness what seemed like brighter and stronger lights in May of this year. I happened to be downstate at the time visiting with my boyfriend, who is also a big fan of the Northern Lights, and we made a night out of chasing them. We saw others taking time to snap photos at the park we went to, which was a bit reminiscent of the scenes I witnessed during the April solar eclipse, another recent stellar phenomenon. Something about people stopping in their tracks to look up at the sky and appreciate all that it is makes me so happy.
I last saw the aurora borealis in our region this month — on June 7 and shortly after that on June 10. My social media feed at the time was blowing up with beautiful shots of the lights in the night sky. They appear in hues of deep purples, magenta, and green that can sometimes be hard to catch with just the naked eye. Smartphones have proven to be especially useful in capturing these moments though, so no need to buy fancy camera equipment (unless you have it) to participate in the fun.
I always take dozens of photos when I do realize the Northern Lights are shining and out — looking back at them helps me to remember that there are so many things bigger than us and the small inconveniences we face. So much had to happen and work out in the right way for us to be in this moment. It’s an important reminder to not just be present, but to appreciate where you are and what’s right in front (or above) you.
