Everywhere I go, I meet people who tell me how much my advice helped them to catch the Northern Lights. I’m not a professional and I don’t hold a Ph.D. in heliophysics, and there are undoubtedly larger personalities they could learn from. It is such a surprise that my modest advice could help so many. But that’s what comes from real experience — epic failures, countless obstacles, and jaw-dropping displays. So, it checks out!
The joy of my life has been creating a community called the Michigan Aurora Chasers. We started as a social media group, and we have grown into so much more. Our community is an internationally-known, celebrated and recognized source of enthusiasm and live sightings for the Aurora.
We’ve led many successful chases of the Northern Lights, helping anyone from the public catch their first display. We’ve created interactive events to keep chasers engaged throughout the year, and we’ve been invited to speak and offer guidance in some of the most beautiful lands.
Out of this community, the 1st Edition of my book was born. My guidebook to chasing the Northern Lights in the Great Lakes region was not my first book, but it’s the most popular work I’ve written to date — with sales taking off the year it was published. You can now find the 2nd Edition of my book in our international dark sky parks in Michigan, as well as many independent stores and galleries, and online. Titled “Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora in the Mid-latitudes,” the book refines the content of the first edition, adds seven new chapters, and presents personalized writing from me, as well as two photographer bios.
It’s truly a work of art!
What is even more gratifying, though, is the inspiration and the adventures found in our growing community. I’ve bookmarked this page, so I can return to it later when I have more to share. I hope you’ll drop by too.
In the world of Aurora Chasing, it’s an exciting time to be alive!
This page has a short link: TinyURL.com/AuroraAuthor
July 2025: Now a Detroit Festival of Books selection
As founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers, every time I think about my newest invitation, my heart leaps out of my chest! As an author, I’ve been invited to exhibit during the Detroit Festival of Books at Eastern Market!
In a new event, I’ll be giving a free talk about the Northern Lights on Friday, July 18th at 1pm, at the Detroit Public Library, during OFF THE PAGE. Then, on Sunday, from 10am to 4pm, I’ll share our adventures and discoveries at the Michigan Aurora Chasers, turning the spotlight on avid chasers of the Northern Lights! Come see our table at the Detroit Festival of Books on July 20th.
It’s happening! We’re bringing the chase to Motor City. And this writer couldn’t be more thrilled… An estimated 10,000 people attend this event every year!
You can join in, too! Come on out to meet other Aurora Chasers who stop at my table, to hear some of my favorite local viewing locations, to sign up for free Aurora alerts, and to view our new Traveling Exhibit featuring the Michigan Aurora Chasers! You can also pick up a copy of my book, hear about new stargazing events and festivals, and more.
Get in on the excitement!
I’ll be updating this post with more details, as they emerge. So, stop back: TinyURL.com/AuroraAuthor
- Submit your photo to our Traveling Exhibit! Learn how: https://michiganaurorachasers.com/exhibits/
- View past presentations on the Northern Lights: KaelinArt.com/aurora
- Tell us your story: MichiganAuroraChasers.com/your-stories
Connect with us!
Melissa F. Kaelin — KaelinArt.com
Writing Creatively at BeyondTheAurora.Substack.com
Michigan Aurora Chasers — Connect with us
MichiganAuroraChasers.com | Instagram.com/MiAuroraChasers
Annual Aurora Summit — TheAuroraSummit.com
Aurora Summit Alumni & Friends Facebook Group
Presenting the Detroit Book Festival!
Detroit Festival of Books
Beyond the 45th Parallel & Founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
10am-4pm, Sunday, July 20, 2025
Eastern Market, Shed 5: Table 28
2934 Russell Street
Detroit, Michigan
Free and open to the public
Details: https://detroitbookfest.com/
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/992860616037289/
Are you a Group Expert, long-term member, or seasoned Aurora Chaser? Contact me if you’d like to spend an hour at our table!
Live Talks! Free & Open to the Public
OFF THE PAGE: Detroit Bookfest x Detroit Public Library
OFF THE PAGE Featuring Author Talks including Melissa F. Kaelin
Melissa will speak at 1pm Friday in the Galleria, Detroit Public Library
11am-5pm, Friday, July 18, 2025
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
melissa f. kaelin 