There’s something about the Aurora Borealis that stirs a deep sense of wonder in my soul—a magical dance of lights that stretches across the sky, casting hues of green, pink, and violet... sometimes even red and yellow painting the night in ways words can't fully capture. For years, I’ve been enamored by the mystery and the majesty of this natural phenomenon. And as the days grow longer and we approach the spring equinox, I feel an even stronger connection to the aurora. We're approaching the anniversary of my first time capturing the aurora. This year, I’m not just gazing at the northern lights from beneath the dark skies; I’m sharing my knowledge with others, educating them on the intricacies of forecasting and photographing the aurora borealis.
My Love Affair with the Aurora Borealis
It all started with three great friends adventuring over the mighty mac towards a night sky photography workshop in Minnesota. These friends would stop to rest for the evening at a hotel in the upper peninsula and awaken around 2:30am when one of their phones started buzzing with aurora app notifications. The aurora borealis was dancing in the night sky, and only one of these friends had seen them before. We quickly packed up our camera gear, dressed in our warm winter clothing, and ventured out into a crisp winter evening in the far north.
The sky seemed so vast, and I struggled to see where it met the frozen lake on the horizon. One friend pointed into the darkness towards the northern skies at what appeared to be some silver cloud formations that shimmered and waved. I did not know that these clouds were actually the aurora borealis dancing through the skies until I aimed my camera at them and composed an image. After the click came all of the green. The experience was humbling, as though I had been invited to witness a secret, a cosmic performance that most people would never see in their lifetimes. Magic memories were made that evening nearly a decade ago, and I was bitten by the aurora chasing bug.
Since that night, I’ve chased the aurora across northern and mid-latitudes, from my home state of Michigan to the wilds of Alaska, each time falling deeper in love with its fleeting beauty. The aurora borealis is a testament to the raw power and mystery of our planet, a reminder that the Earth is alive, pulsating with forces we can only begin to understand.
The Spring Equinox, Solar Maximum and the Chance for the Dance
As we approach the spring equinox, there’s a palpable excitement in the air. This time of year signals a prime opportunity for aurora enthusiasts, as the Earth’s magnetic field aligns in ways that increase the likelihood of spectacular displays. The aurora borealis is powered by the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth's magnetic field, a beautiful cosmic dance that intensifies around the equinox. During this period, we experience the spring solar maximum, which means stronger solar activity, and with it, the potential for even more dazzling light shows.
My hope is that everyone who dreams of dancing under the night sky with the aurora borealis and seeing those magical lights dance gets the chance to do so. I believe that many people have seen the aurora borealis without realizing it because they did not have the knowledge and skill to forecast, locate, and identify the northern lights before chasing them. As I approach the 7th anniversary of my first aurora capture, I reflect on the many aurora events I've been blessed to witness, the many more chases I've experienced, the growth, skills, and knowledge that I've gained, and I'm excited to share them with you. I've combined my passions for aurora and educating to help guide others who wish to forecast and photograph the aurora.
Forecasting the Aurora: A Skill Worth Learning
Many people don’t realize that while the aurora is a natural phenomenon, it’s not entirely random. Solar activity is the key to predicting when the aurora will appear. There are tools available to help us forecast the strength and location of the aurora, based on solar wind speed, the strength of the sun’s coronal mass ejections, and the alignment of the Earth’s magnetic field.
I'll be sharing how to read these forecasts and what to look for. By understanding solar activity data patterns, you can increase your chances of witnessing the aurora.
Capturing the Magic: The Art of Aurora Photography
For those who are drawn to not only experience but also capture the aurora, the right techniques and equipment are crucial. It is not extremely difficult, but does require plenty of patience, a bit of technical know-how, and a deep respect for the landscape around you.
I’m excited to share tips on camera settings—such as required equipment, and balancing your exposure triangle—to help others create stunning images of the northern lights. I’ll also discuss the importance of being prepared: dressing yourself and your camera warmly, and understanding the timing of the aurora’s appearance. The aurora doesn’t wait for anyone, and the lights can fade as quickly as they appear.
Most importantly, though, I will emphasize how to embrace the experience, to find the balance between capturing the moment and being fully present in the beauty of the display. There’s a delicate art in being both a spectator and a photographer.
Sharing the Knowledge
Through online workshops, guided photography expeditions, and blog posts like this one, my goal is to help others connect with the aurora in the same way I have—whether they are budding photographers, astronomy enthusiasts, or simply those who want to witness the magic for themselves.
As we get closer to the equinox and solar activity has been ramping back up, I hope that others will join me in celebrating the northern lights. By understanding the science behind the aurora and learning how to photograph it, we can share in the experience and preserve it for years to come. The aurora borealis is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a chance to connect with the natural world in a way that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
So, as we edge toward the spring equinox and solar activity intensifies, I invite you to look to the skies. There’s a good chance the aurora will make an appearance, and with a bit of preparation, you just might capture a piece of this ethereal wonder for yourself.
You can see the latest class or workshop class schedule HERE.
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