Attend an Upcoming Event
Chasing the Aurora
Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm, Canton Public Library, Michigan
Details: https://cantonpl.bibliocommons.com/events/68bf0e2bc798579c2e8e0190
Join Melissa F. Kaelin, founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of Below the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing the Aurora in the Great Lakes Region, as she shares her passion for the Northern Lights.
Chasing Aurora at Sea: Our Norway Voyage
Join Michigan Aurora Chasers Admins Melissa F. Kaelin and Christina Cantu Sharp on Zoom for a review of our 12-day voyage on the Norwegian Coast to chase the Aurora at Sea!
10:30am EST, Saturday, November 1, 2025
Virtual, Free with donations welcome
Join the Zoom meeting: https://umich.zoom.us/j/94485734147?jst=2
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1125690306383580
More on the voyage: BeyondTheAurora.Substack.com
Aurora Summit 25: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science, and Photography of the Aurora Borealis
Dates: November 7-9, 2025 | Registration launches every year in June!
Location: Legendary Waters Resort, Red Cliff, Wisconsin
Full Admission: TBD, includes all meals
Register by October 2025: TheAuroraSummit.com
Chasing the Aurora Beyond the 45th Parallel
December 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Westacres Branch of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library
Free and open to the public
Ready to catch the Aurora in your backyard? Join author and founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers, Melissa F. Kaelin, to learn about how to catch an Aurora display near your house and realize your dream of viewing the Northern Lights.
2026 Season
January 14, 2026
Private Club Event, Virtual
Central Florida Astronomical Society
January 21, 2026
Chasing the Northern Lights Program
7pm, January 21, 2026, Shelby Township Library
Shelby Township, MI | Details
Free: https://shelbylib.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=250739
When was the last time you saw the Northern Lights? This rare, natural phenomenon draws in onlookers around the world as they seek to see, experience and understand its colors and formations. Aurora has been documented in art and culture for centuries, but predicting this “space weather” is still an emerging science. Join Melissa Kaelin, founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers, as she provides a deeper understanding behind this phenomenon and reveals the best-kept secrets to chasing the aurora.
February 6, 2026
Chasing the Northern Lights
Presented by the Aquinas College OLLI Program
Membership Required, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute: https://www.aquinas.edu/offices/olli-aquinas/about-olli.html
Virtual Program
9:30am – 11:00am EST, February 6, 2026
Finland Arctic Magnificence: U-M Alumni Association (Full)
Staff Expert: Melissa F, Kaelin
From the sensational Northern Lights to a soothing sauna and revel in outdoor adventures and cool Finnish traditions, travel with the University of Michigan Alumni Association! Open to members of the University of Michigan Alumni Association.
February 24 – March 4, 2026 | $5,495 | Estonia & Finland
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Helsinki, Finland
Day 2: Helsinki
Day 3: Helsinki
Day 4: Tallinn, Estonia | Helsinki, Finland
Day 5: Lapland | Saariselkä
Day 6: Saariselkä
Day 7: Inari | Saariselkä
Day 8: Saariselkä
Day 9: Lapland | Helsinki | Depart for U.S.
Book Your Trip: https://alumni.umich.edu/travel/finland-arctic-magnificence-2026/
For Young Alumni, the U-M Alumni Association also offers the “Iceland Esscape: Escape to the breathtaking Land of Fire and Ice, where adventure awaits at every turn.” | November 25-29, 2026 | Starting Price $1,789 | Book: https://alumni.umich.edu/travel/iceland-escape-2026/
Tentative: Michigan Aurora Workshop
Save the Date! March 20-22, 2026
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Latest News & Updates
Get the latest news and updates! View stories in the press, watch videos, and get more details about current happenings.
Past Events
August First Friday: Chasing the Northern Lights
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 6 p.m. at Longway Planetarium
When was the last time you saw the Northern Lights? This rare, natural phenomenon draws in onlookers around the world as they seek to see, experience and understand its colors and formations. Aurora has been documented in art and culture for centuries, but predicting this “space weather” is still an emerging science. We are living in an unrivaled time for Aurora Chasing, with the peak of an 11-year Solar Maximum predicted to hit in 2025. Join Melissa Kaelin, founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers, as she provides a deeper understanding behind this phenomenon and reveals the best-kept secrets to chasing the aurora.
Chasing the Northern Lights
6pm, Friday, August 1, 2025
Flint, Michigan
Tickets: https://sloanlongway.org/events/first-fridays-2025-08-01/
Chasing the Aurora at Solar Maximum & Beyond
SW Michigan Chapter: American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA)
When: Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:30 pm
Location: West Michigan Aviation Academy Flight Training Center
4151 Aviator Way, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Details: https://sites.google.com/a/skywatch.org/swmi/Meetings/2025-925?authuser=0
GLAD Jam: Keynote Speaker
Discover the Magic of the Night Sky in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula
September 12-14, 2025
Houghton, Michigan
Register:
https://www.visitkeweenaw.com/glad-jam/
Join us for the inaugural Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD Jam)—a four-day celebration of stargazing, science, creativity, and community in one of the best dark sky destinations in the Midwest. From Northern Lights viewing to immersive workshops, observatory tours, and artistic storytelling, GLAD Jam is your invitation to connect with the cosmos like never before.
Whether you’re a seasoned aurora chaser, casual stargazer, passionate astrophotographer, or just curious about the universe, GLAD Jam welcomes all who dream under the stars.
Stargazers’ Camp Event: Ocqueoc Outdoor Center
Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Partnership with the Presque Isle District Library: A Fundraisers
What: Dark Sky — Stargazers’ Camp Event
Where: Ocqueoc Outdoor Center, Millersburg, MI
When: 3pm, Saturday, September 20, 2025 to Noon, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Register: https://ocqueocoutdoorcenter.org/events/
The public is invited to participate in a premiere Dark Sky & Stargazers’ Camping Event at the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Millersburg, Michigan. This special one-night event will be held during the New Moon phase when the skies are the darkest and the viewing opportunities are optimal.
Hosted as a fund-raiser by the Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center and in partnership with the Presque Isle District Library, families are encouraged to attend, or you can come solo. A welcome reception and check-in will begin at 3:00pm. A campers’ communal fire, key presentations, guided night viewing, and pre-positioned telescopes for detailed viewing, makes this a special event for all ages.
Pick your site and set up your tent. If you don’t have a tent, you’re welcome to use the bunkhouse. Later, we’ll gather together and get ready for an evening and a night under the stars at the historic Ocqueoc Outdoor Center nestled along the Ocqueoc Lake and river. Dinner and a following morning breakfast are included…and even s’mores around the campfire.
Presenters and Guided Viewing from:
Melissa Kaelin, Founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of, Beyond the 45 th Parallel”. Melissa will share ancient stories, the mythology, legends, and lore about the night skies as you look up with awe and wonder. Learn about the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis and when is the best time to see them. What is the atmospheric magnetic field? What creates the Northern Lights?
Patrick Grubba, Volunteer Astronomer at the Headlands Dark Sky Park, will share basic 101 astronomy with participants. What are the best apps to use. How to use your phone for capturing those awe-inspiring photos. Curious as to what you are looking at when you look up? Patrick will provide a better understanding of what you see when you look up at the night sky.
Participants may bring in addition to camping gear:
- Star Map or a stargazing app to help identify constellations, planets, and other objects in the night sky (remember to download apps prior to arrival due to lack of strong cell service)
- Red Flashlight to preserve your night vision. Red light is less likely to interfere with your ability to see faint stars and other celestial objects.
Event Includes: One night event 3pm, Saturday, September 20 to Noon, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Fees: $25/person $75/family
- Participants should come self-contained with a tent and all necessary camping gear.
- Bunkhouses will be provided for those without a tent/camping gear.
- Welcoming reception with meal on Saturday, and a Stargazers’ breakfast on Sunday
- Featured key presenters on Saturday, September 20th
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Comstock Park Branch
Thursday, August 7 , 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
Chasing the Aurora Beyond the 45th Parallel
Milford Public Library
6:30 – 8 PM, Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Free, open to the public
Register: https://milfordlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/aurora-chasing-with-melissa-kaelin/
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Gaines Township Branch,
RESCHEDULED: Thursday, August 14, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
The Latest & Greatest in Northern Lights Chasing: A Live Video (Facebook)
Monday, July 21, 6:00pm ET
Admission: Donation of one cup of coffee using the website; Click: https://buymeacoffee.com/mfkaelin
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/771186891924808
Details: For just $5 by way of a single “coffee” donation, join me to get the latest and most helpful tools and tips for chasing the Northern Lights! I’ll ensure everyone who donates at the link receives access to the program.
In this Live Video chat, you will get:
• A never-before seen tool for Aurora Alerts in the U.S.: GLOW Alerts from the Aurora Relay Channel!
• A valuable photography tool that can help anyone
• The newest & best indicators seasoned chasers are looking at to catch Northern Lights
• Four different ways to let accurate Aurora alerts wake you you up, including Telegram, SWL, SWPC and Aurora Relay Channel
• New upcoming events
• Travel recommendations
• Answers to your questions (Note: Will be adding WSA model)
Thank you for your support! BuyMeACoffee.com/mfkaelin
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch,
Tuesday, July 22, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
MI Aurora Experience: Location Coming Soon!
Where: CANCELLED due to drifting wildfire smoke
When: Friday, July 25 at Sunset
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation
RSVP on Facebook: Coming Soon!
OPC Social & Activity Center: Chasing The Aurora
Monday, July 28 at 6:00pm
Rochester, Michigan
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Alpine Township Branch,
Monday, July 14, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
OFF THE PAGE: Detroit Bookfest x Detroit Public Library
OFF THE PAGE Features Author Talks including Melissa F. Kaelin
Details coming soon!
11am-5pm, Friday, July 18, 2025
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1476911629961229/
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/
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Byron Township Branch,
Monday, June 16, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
Details: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8a362a8a83528000ff800
Dark Sky Sanctuary Adventure, Beaver Island
The Michigan Aurora Chasers are coming to Beaver Island International Dark Sky Sanctuary! Admins from the Michigan Aurora Chasers are coming out to Beaver Island Dark Sky Sanctuary to speak and chase the Aurora during the Sustainability Fair. Take the ferry out from Charlevoix and join us as we talk with guests and lead a guided Aurora Chase on Beaver Island!
Dates: Friday, June 20 – Monday, June 23, 2025
Location: Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area and International Dark Sky Sanctuary
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1491720128470538 with pinned link to RSVP [OR]
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1864289783975678/
Highlighted Events:
4-8pm Friday — Meet and Greet at Whiskey Point Brewing Company
8pm Friday, approx. — Sunset Meet and Greet at Donegal Bay Pavilion
10am-Noon, Saturday — Join us at the Sustainability Fair, Beaver Island Community Center
3-4pm Saturday — Author Talk & Book Signing with Melissa F. Kaelin, Beaver Island Library
Link: https://wvbi.biccenter.org/calendar-2#event=78001477;instance=20250621150000?popup=1
Nightly Guided Aurora Chases, weather depending, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at sunset
Getting to Beaver Island: https://darksky.org/places/beaver-island-state-wildlife-research-area/
Chasing the Aurora Below the 45th Parallel: What It Takes to Catch the Northern Lights
Kent District Library – Englehardt (Lowell) Branch,
Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Free, open to the public
Details: https://kdl.bibliocommons.com/events/67c8ac8d72a6da2f000ad8b1
Michigan Photographers Club: Chasing & Photographing the Northern Lights
RJ & Cheryl Photography, Guest Speaker Melissa F. Kaelin
Join us for a program on Aurora and Photography with a Book Signing!
Date: 7-9pm, Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Location: Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church
23925 Northwestern Hwy, Door #7, Southfield, Michigan
Admission: Free, Open to the public
This is a fun, friendly and free weekly photography class and meet-up hosted by RJ & Cheryl Jones of LIRISI Photography (www.LIRISI.com). RJ & Cheryl are also the founders and admins of the “Michigan Photographers” Facebook group, which is a great networking, knowledge-sharing, and job finding resource for thousands.
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1236570687692511
Sign up: https://forms.gle/o2YXTUFE9mtL9yYL9
Longway Planetarium: Book Club Featured Guest
May 1, 2025, 5:30 – 6:30pm
Flint, Michigan
Details: https://sloanlongway.org/events/books-and-stars-05-01/
Aurora Program and Book Signing
Thursday, April 17, 7:00pm
Farmington Community Library, Farmington Hills
Free and open to the public
RSVP: https://farmingtoncommunity.librarycalendar.com/event/northern-lights-michigan-31045
Studio Interview
Slated: “Astronomy for Everyone”, FAAC
April 23, 2025
Our First MI Aurora Experience
MI Aurora Experience
Where: Tentatively Point Betsie Lighthouse
When: Thursday, April 24, 2024
7:30pm until at least 11:30pm
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation
RSVP on Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/473902625784745
A Variety of Events for Creative People
Over time, the events you’ll find here will include a variety of activities, ranging from exploring the Northern Lights to creativity, inspiration and entertainment. Check back for opportunities to participate in these types of events:
- Book Signings & Planetarium Shows
- Conferences & Festivals
- Creative Writing
- Guided Tours & Socials
- Arts & Culture
- Northern Lights & the Night Sky
Check out the selected events below to learn more about the variety of topics.
Book Signings & Planetarium Shows
Planetarium Event & Book Signing: Celebrating the Art, Culture, History and Science of the Aurora
Awe-inspiring to observe, the Aurora have astounded skywatchers for centuries. A good historian can find countless references to the Aurora in art and media, cultural legends, historical accounts, and scientific research. Discover the Aurora in a new light as you hear about each of these topics with Melissa F. Kaelin, the founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers.
Date: 6:00pm, Friday, August 2, 2024
Location: Longway Planetarium, Flint, Michigan
Admission: $8/Adults, Varies
Tickets: https://sloanlongway.org/first-friday/
Chasing the Aurora “Below the 45th Parallel”
Program & Book Signing Hosted by the Crystal Beech Cottages Association
Date: 7:00 PM, Saturday, August 12, 2023
Location: Event for Local Community Near Frankfort, Michigan
Website: https://crystalbeachcottagers.com/event-5299393
Conferences & Festivals
The Inaugural Aurora Summit: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science and Photography of the Aurora
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2017
Location: Two Harbors, MN
Admission: Included with conference registration
Website: TheAuroraSummit.com
Details: This 3-day conference brings people together to share their passion for the Northern Lights and astrophotography. Co-created by Melissa F. Kaelin, Dixie J. Burbank, and Mike Shaw Photography, the workshop features a keynote speaker, a panel discussion, and dozens of educational sessions on topics related to the Aurora and the night sky. Registration is typically launched in June.
#AuroraSummit17
Inaugural Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
A weekend celebration of our dark skies with various speakers
April 21-22, 2023
Chasing the Northern Lights in Michigan with Melissa Kaelin
2:00pm, Saturday, April 22, 2023
Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park
Admission: $125 per person
Register: SOLD OUT
Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival
Make the Dream A Reality! Chasing the Aurora in the Mid-Latitudes
Date: February 2-4, 2024
Location: Virtual
Admission: $399: More than 30 presenters & more than 40 classes!
Register: npsummit.live/melissa
Night Photo Summit
How We Got The Shots! Featuring 5 Photographers, 5 Stories
Date: 8:00pm ET, Friday, January 26, 2024
Location: Virtual
Admission: Free
Register: npsummit.live/freefriday
Astronomy at the Beach: Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs
Keynote Speaker Melissa F. Kaelin
Keynote: 7:45-8:45pm ET, Friday, September 20, 2024 | RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1015106566748616/
Date: September 20-21, 2024
Location: Maybury State Park, Michigan
Admission: Free, with state parks pass
Details: https://www.glaac.org/
Creative Writing
Pay It Forward Day: Writing Seminar Honoring the Late Mike Resnick
Variety of speakers, with Melissa F. Kaelin presenting “Revise to Impress Your Readers: Getting Constructive Feedback & Finding Writers Groups”
11:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. Eastern, March 5, 2022
Virtual seminar via Zoom
Admission: Free
Register: https://shoemaker.space/pay-it-forward-day/
Summer Book Launch & Party: The Social Gap Experiment
Performances by artists of the Social Gap Experiment Anthology
Details: 2 p.m., Saturday, June 12 in Moore’s Park in Lansing, Michigan
Free and open to the public
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/192947789242284/
Website: KaelinArt.com/social-gap-experiment
Social Gap Experiment Virtual Launch Party
Performances by Authors & Artists of the Social Gap Experiment Anthology
7:30 pm, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020
Watch the Facebook Video: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.f.kaelin/videos/10106791466718128
Website: KaelinArt.com/social-gap-experiment
East Lansing Art Festival
Fiction 440, Flash Fiction Reading with Various Authors
3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2019
East Lansing, Michigan
Website: East Lansing Art Festival Performers
Guided Tours & Socials
Our First MI Aurora Experience
MI Aurora Experience
Where: Tentatively Point Betsie Lighthouse
When: Thursday, April 24, 2024
7:30pm until at least 11:30pm
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation
RSVP on Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/473902625784745
Michigan Aurora Chasers Social
A Social Gathering for Members of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: 7:30pm, Friday, December 30
Location: The Limberlost, Houghton Lake, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/6lc1hMq5H
#MIAuroraSocial
The First Official Live Chase: Michigan Aurora Chasers
Meet us at one of two events on Friday to chase the Northern Lights, in a #LiveChase led by Melissa F. Kaelin and Nate Stovall.
When: 8 p.m. Eastern, Friday, April 1, 2022
Where: Glen Haven, Michigan OR Port Austin, Michigan
Admission: Free
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1342756526219074/
International Tour: Iceland and the Northern Lights
Northern Lights Staff Expert for the University of Michigan
Dates: November 2-10, 2024
Location: Iceland
Admission: Booked Full; Open to members of U-M Alumni Association, Details: https://alumni.umich.edu/travel/iceland-and-the-northern-lights/
Northern Lights & Night Skies
Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Location: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Registration Required
Admission: Free, Dinner available for $20
Registration opens in January: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/michigan-aurora-chasers-workshop-2138611316
Art & Culture
“Art-A-Whirl”
Event: A large, public open studio tour, presented by
the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association
Date: Friday, May 16, 2014 — Sunday, May 18, 2014
Location: Studio 402B, Northrup King Building,
1500 Jackson St. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Open Hours:
5pm to 10pm, Friday
Noon to 8pm, Saturday
Noon to 5pm, Sunday
Admission: Free
Website: http://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl
Details: Presented by the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country. It’s an opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with artists and purchase original work. This annual event takes place on the third weekend in May. It is free and open to the public.
“Thirty Years of Hope”
Event: “Thirty Years of Hope” benefiting the MN AIDS Project
A joint effort by Altered Esthetics and Hennepin County Library
Date: November 1 — December 31, 2013
Location: Cargill Gallery, Minneapolis Central Library
Open Hours: Weekdays 10-6 pm, except Thursday 10-8 pm & Sunday Noon-5pm
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/libraries/cargillhall.cfm
Details: The exhibit will be on display during Minnesota AIDS Project events including their 30th anniversary celebration. The event will acknowledge the suffering and loss caused by HIV and AIDS and celebrate the progress the organization has made against this once deadly disease.
Summer Art Exhibit
Event: First exhibit ever!
Location: Apple Valley Dunn Bros.
Date: June 26 — August 20, 2013
Open Hours: Monday through Thursday 5:30am – 8pm
Friday 5:30am – 9pm
Saturday 6am – 9pm
Sunday 7am – 7 pm
Admission: Free
Details: I am pleased to announce my first-ever art exhibit! Stop by to get a deliciously strong coffee and view my artwork. Special thanks to Jacob Wicker and Lisa Anderson for inviting me to share my work!
melissa f. kaelin 