Insights from Astrophysicist Ogetay Kayali on the Lake Superior Podcast
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a mesmerizing display of colorful lights dancing across the night sky. They’ve captivated human imagination for centuries and continue to inspire awe, particularly in regions around Lake Superior.
In a recent episode of the Lake Superior Podcast, hosts Walt Lindala and Frida Waara sat down with Ogetay Kayali, an astrophysics graduate student at Michigan Technological University, to delve into the science behind the Northern Lights, why they’ve been particularly active recently, and how to best experience them.
What Are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights occur when high-energy particles from the sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere. According to Kayali, this happens more frequently during the sun's "solar maximum," a period that occurs every 11 years when the sun's magnetic field flips, creating sunspots and solar storms. The recent uptick in Northern Light sightings is directly linked to the solar maximum cycle.
In the episode, Kayali explains how these solar particles interact with nitrogen and oxygen in the Earth’s atmosphere to produce colors like green, red, pink, and sometimes purple.
"The green is most commonly seen because it’s produced by oxygen molecules at a specific altitude, while reds and purples come from nitrogen and higher altitude oxygen particles," Kayali notes.
Why Have the Northern Lights Been So Active?
If you’ve noticed more frequent sightings of the Northern Lights, you’re not alone. According to Kayali, the solar maximum we’re currently experiencing is one of the most active in recent memory. However, there’s also another factor at play: technology.
"11 years ago, during the last solar maximum, the cameras on our phones weren’t as powerful as they are today," Kayali says. "Now, almost anyone can capture the Northern Lights with their smartphone, so we’re seeing more images of them, even if the frequency isn’t significantly different from previous cycles."
How to Photograph the Northern Lights
Photographing the Northern Lights can be a challenge, especially for beginners. Kayali offers some practical tips to help you capture these stunning displays:
Find a Dark Location: Light pollution from cities can drown out the beauty of the Northern Lights. Kayali recommends heading to a remote location with minimal artificial light.
Use Long Exposure Settings: To capture the lights in detail, set your camera to long exposure. Most smartphones and professional cameras allow you to adjust exposure time, typically ranging from one second to 30 seconds.
Keep Your Camera Steady: Use a tripod to avoid motion blur. "Even the slightest hand movement can distort your image," Kayali warns. For best results, set your camera’s timer to start shooting a few seconds after pressing the button, ensuring no shaking.
Adjust ISO Settings: The ISO setting controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. For low-light conditions, increase the ISO setting, but be cautious of introducing too much grain in the image.
To get an idea of how camera settings can affect photos, use the sliders below to adjust the ISO and Exposure settings of the example Northern Lights photo. Increasing the ISO will brighten the image, while adjusting the Exposure will affect the light and motion blur. You can even upload your own image to experiment with custom photos.
Best Times to View the Northern Lights
Although the Northern Lights are more visible in winter, they can occur year-round. Kayali points out that the long nights of winter provide more viewing opportunities. For the best experience, he advises checking the moon phase, as a full moon can diminish the brightness of the auroras. "If you have a new moon and clear skies, take the chance—you’ll get the most vibrant displays," he adds.
The Best Places to View the Northern Lights
Northern Lights Over Lake Superior
Lake Superior, particularly the areas around the Keweenaw Peninsula, offers some of the best viewing spots for the Northern Lights in the U.S.
Due to its remote location and low light pollution, it’s possible to see the Milky Way on a clear night as well.
Where to See:
Keweenaw National Historical Park (MI) – Located in the Upper Peninsula, this park offers remote, dark sky areas perfect for viewing the Northern Lights over Lake Superior.
Isle Royale National Park (MI) – Remote and isolated, with excellent opportunities for viewing the auroras. Keep in mind however that the park is closed for the winter.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (MI) – Scenic overlooks and dark skies along Lake Superior's shoreline.
Grand Portage State Park (MN) – Offers high-altitude views and minimal light pollution.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (WI) – Remote and ideal for uninterrupted views of the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights in Michigan
Where to See:
Keweenaw Peninsula – Offers incredible views with little light pollution, especially in Copper Harbor.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – Stunning views along the cliffs of Lake Superior with dark, clear skies.
Marquette – A popular viewing spot with accessible parks and scenic overlooks.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Remote and quiet, ideal for clear night views of the auroras.
Isle Royale National Park – An isolated location offering an unbeatable, light-free view of the Northern Lights.
Northern Lights in Minnesota
Where to See:
Voyageurs National Park – A dark-sky park perfect for aurora viewing, with minimal light pollution.
Grand Marais – Along the North Shore of Lake Superior, offering expansive views over the water.
Tettegouche State Park – Great views over Lake Superior, particularly from high vantage points.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – Remote and serene, offering pristine, dark skies.
Northern Lights in Wisconsin
Where to See:
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Excellent spots for viewing along the shoreline or from one of the islands.
Bayfield – Located on Lake Superior's shore, offering clear skies and minimal light pollution.
Big Bay State Park (Madeline Island) – A fantastic spot with little artificial light and a great view over Lake Superior.
Northwest Wisconsin – The remote areas around Cable and Drummond offer clear skies ideal for viewing.
Copper Falls State Park – With low light pollution and scenic views, this is a great spot for aurora hunting.
Northern Lights Viewing Apps and Resources
Several apps and resources can help you track Northern Lights activity and improve your chances of witnessing them:
Northern Lights Viewing Apps Guide: Learn about the best apps to track Northern Lights activity and viewing conditions. Read more.
Dark Sky Parks near Lake Superior: Discover designated dark sky parks in the Lake Superior region for optimal stargazing. Explore dark sky parks.
NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOT): Stay updated on daily astronomical events and stunning celestial photos. Visit here.
The Magic of Lake Superior and Astronomy
Kayali, who hails from Turkey, shared his unique perspective on the beauty of Lake Superior, both as an ideal location for stargazing and for the natural environment. As a nature enthusiast and astrophotographer, he finds endless inspiration in the region’s landscapes and dark skies.
"I love Lake Superior for its pristine, untouched beauty and the opportunity to observe the night sky without the intrusion of city lights. Every time I venture out, I see something new," Kayali remarked.
The Keweenaw Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park are particularly well-known for their stunning views, both during the day and night. Kayali suggests that anyone interested in astronomy or simply appreciating nature should visit these locations.
Looking Forward: Capturing the Magic
With the solar maximum in full swing, now is the perfect time to witness the Northern Lights. Whether you're an amateur astronomer or a casual observer, Lake Superior offers the perfect setting for this celestial experience. And with tools like smartphone apps and digital cameras, capturing the magic of the auroras has never been easier.
For more insights into the Northern Lights, Lake Superior’s natural beauty, and tips on astrophotography, listen to the full episode of the Lake Superior Podcast featuring astrophysicist Ogetay Kayali.
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About The NPLSF
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.
To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.
Northern Lights FAQ
What exactly are the Northern Lights?
The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are natural light displays caused by charged solar particles colliding with Earth's atmosphere, creating brilliant colors in the night sky.
What causes Northern Lights to form?
The lights form due to magnetic storms triggered by solar activity, such as explosions on the Sun or large gas bubbles released from the Sun). Charged particles from these events are carried to Earth by the solar wind and create colorful displays.
What is the best place for seeing the Northern Lights?
The best locations for viewing the Northern Lights are in areas far from city lights, where minimal light pollution allows for clearer and more vibrant displays.
These regions are often located in higher latitudes, closer to the Arctic Circle, where auroral activity is most frequent. In the U.S., states bordering Canada, like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, offer prime viewing spots. Areas such as the shores of Lake Superior offer vast, open landscapes with unobstructed views of the northern horizon, ideal for capturing the lights.
What is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Late fall to early spring, particularly during solar maximum periods, provides the best chance to see the Northern Lights. Clear nights with no moonlight offer the most visibility. You can keep an eye on the KP index (geomagnetic activity) to predict when auroras are most likely.
When to look for the Northern Lights?
The best time to look for Northern Lights is between 10 PM and 2 AM, with the highest activity typically occurring around midnight. So dress warmly and be prepared to stay up late!
Are the Northern Lights year-round?
Yes, the Northern Lights can technically be seen year-round, but they are most visible in winter months due to the longer nights and clearer skies.
What direction should I face to see the Northern Lights?
In general, face north for the best views of the lights. There are apps that can help find a location and direction to face.
Are the Northern Lights dangerous?
No, the Northern Lights are not dangerous to humans or wildlife. They are a natural phenomenon caused by solar activity. However, the electrically charged particles could potentially disrupt infrastructure and technology.
Can the Northern Lights be predicted?
Yes, Northern Lights can be predicted to an extent by monitoring solar activity and using apps that track the KP index, which indicates geomagnetic activity on Earth. Learn more here or download an app.