Northern Lights Guides

Tips, Tools & Techniques to Catch Aurora in Mid-latitudes

Take a look at some of the tools I’ve developed to help people everywhere catch the Northern Lights!

Photograph by Michele Duff Aucello.

Looking for a Great Viewing Location?

Remember, viewing locations should always be kept discrete, to protect wildlife and to avoid safety risks, overcrowding, and the need for law enforcement. Once you’re ready to choose the right spot for you, browse this collection of 45 exact locations around the world, the U.S., and the region!

Browse over 45 Exact Locations

Real-Time Aurora Alerts

If you’re not sure when to go out, take advantage of these tools that our volunteer spotter teams have developed to alert you in real time when the Aurora dance!

Aurora Relay Channel: GLOW Alerts
“Great Lakes Official Web-alerts”
Serving the central U.S., Run by a spotter network from Minnesota to Wisconsin to Michigan
Join on the Telegram App: @AuroraRelayChannel

Michigan Aurora Alerts
An Alerts Only Service of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Serving the state of Michigan and similar latitudes/timezones
Join on the Telegram App: @MichiganAuroraAlerts

Photograph by Richard Montano.

Guides for Beginners

Train Your Eyes on the Sky: A Field Guide

So, you’ve chased the Northern Lights in the U.S. and come home empty-handed. You may have been looking right at the Aurora and not even realized it! This field guide will tell you how to know for sure.