Thank you for your interest in my latest virtual workshop! I keep a schedule of hosted programs, and guided Aurora Chasers on my Events page, and I occasionally add my own unique workshops to the line-up. You’re welcome to attend!

Selected Workshops on Location

Interested in joining me in real life? Below is a sample of in-person workshops:

Chasing Aurora Beyond Solar Maximum, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, June 11, 2026
Invited Charlevoix Aurora Chasing Workshop, August 1, 2026

View all Events

Upcoming Workshops: At A Glance

First Mondays | Monday, April 6, 2026 — Demystifying the Bz: The Gatekeeper of Aurora | Link
Monday, April 27, 2026 — How to Get Noticed: Writing & Publishing Your Passion | Link
First Mondays | Monday, May 4, 2026 — “L1 or Bust!” What is the L1 Point in space, Why does it matter & When does it predict Aurora
First Mondays | Monday, June 1 , 2026 — TBD
First Mondays | Monday, July 6, 2026 — TBD

Upcoming Virtual Workshops

Demystifying the Bz: The Gatekeeper of Aurora

MONDAY, APRIL 6, 7:30PM | A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
Admission: $25, plus fees
Monday, April 6, 7:30-9:00pm (One hour, plus Q&A)
Facebook Event | Register

Join me for a workshop demystifying the gatekeeper of all Aurora activity, known as #ThatPeskyBz! We will walk through what the Bz is, how it works, how it doesn’t work, and what it means. We will run several scenarios to see how they play out when favorable Bz is a factor, and we will even discuss that popular phrase “L1 OR BUST!” You’ll also get tools and techniques for predicting the next Aurora, including tips on how to stay ahead of the Bz — and when not to go to sleep!

“L1 or BUST!” Decoded
Defining Bz in simple terms, and in scientific terms
Demystify the gatekeeper of the Northern Lights and find out why this is the one variable every Aurora Chaser looks at!
Learn about an interplanetary shock and why it matters. Then learn several ways you can be among the first to know when a shock has been detected.
What to look for and what to avoid with Bz and Aurora Chasing, as well as an understanding of how Bz works across the world!
Includes a free download!

Meeting ID & Passcode will be sent via email after you register.

How to Get Noticed: Writing & Publishing Your Passion

After chasing the Northern Lights and publishing my writing for 14 years, I have become an Aurora Entrepreneur. My events, talks and workshops are in high demand at libraries, parks and festivals around the region. How did I get here? How can you turn a passion into a success story? What can YOU do to elevate your work so it gets noticed? Join me for a creative, honest and motivating conversation about how to get noticed.

This talk is geared toward writers, photographers, artists or speakers who want to do more with their passion. As I walk you through my journey, I’ll share:

Free opportunities and admission-based events I pursued that you can too
Tips for social media, community networking and promotion
Where the need is: Did you know organizations are actively looking for YOU?
Advice and wisdom that helped me, and the favorite advice I ever received
A Broad View of Places to Get Published
Resources to get you started
Q&A

Previous Workshops

At a Glance

March 2026: Arctic Bliss, A Nordic Expedition Review
February 2026: Guiding You to the Northern Lights: A Virtual Workshop
July 2025: The Latest & Greatest in Northern Lights Chasing
November 2025: Chasing Aurora at Sea: Our Norway Voyage
October 2024: Chasing Aurora in Michigan & Beyond

Past Workshops

Solar Max to Solar Min: How to Catch Aurora & What to Expect Now

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026 | Catered to Beginners
Admission: $25, plus fees
Thursday, March 26, 7:30-9:00pm (One hour, plus Q&A)
Facebook Event | Register

Do you keep hearing about Solar Maximum, the best time to travel, and even the supposed “Double Peak” in the solar cycle that creates Aurora? Are you worried about seeing no Aurora during Solar Minimum? Wondering when to expect the next Northern Lights display and how often you might be able to see it this summer and fall?

Join me for a workshop giving you the in’s and out’s of the Solar Cycle, where we are now, and what to expect going forward. You’ll learn key times and dates, when and where to chase, and what to expect for the next 5-15 years. You’ll also get tools and techniques for predicting the next Aurora, including ideas on how to position yourself favorably months in advance.

Understanding the Solar Cycle and “Solar Maximum”
Key times, dates, years and more, plus insight on what to expect where — around the world
What the trends in Northern Lights activity mean for Aurora in the mid-latitudes now
Methods to forecast the next Aurora display for yourself, even looking months in advance
Answers to all your questions after the talk
Tools and techniques to guide your chase so you can catch the Northern Lights
Preview of upcoming festivals, exhibits and contests you can take part in
A Free Download, included with admission

Meeting ID & Passcode will be sent via email after you register.

Photo of Aurora shining through a glass ceiling with the words Arctic Bliss A Nordic Expedition Review

Arctic Bliss: A Review of Finland & My Nordic Expeditions

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026

Arctic Circle Travel Tips, from my third visit to the Arctic Circle in as many countries
Most helpful apps, tools and websites for chasing Aurora in Finland
Five little-known gems from the adventure
Options, rates and tips for viewing the Aurora under glass ceilings in Finland
A comparison of five countries for Aurora viewing potential and overall travel experience: Iceland, Norway, Canada, Alaska-USA and Finland
Preview of upcoming festivals, events and contests you can take part in
A Free Download, included with admission

Register Now!

Meeting ID & Passcode will be sent via email after you register. Check back for updates!

Admission: $25, plus fees
Monday, March 9, 7-8:30pm
(Presentation approx. one hour, QA)
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1450894216566077/
Photo courtesy of Northern Lights Village, Finland

Guiding You to the Northern Lights: A Virtual Workshop

FEBRUARY 2, 2026

Get in on this virtual workshop for advice on how to catch the Northern Lights in your backyard! You’ll get personalized advice to view more Aurora locally and around the world, with answers for your Aurora Chasing questions.

In a detailed 1-hour presentation, Melissa will give you a behind-the-scenes look at forecasting the most dynamic Aurora displays, with advice on how to catch the Aurora, photograph the Aurora, and pinpoint its brightest occurrences. She will also share tips on how to spot Sub-Auroral Arcs, like STEVE, the S.A.R. Arc, and the Giant Blue Ray. There will be plenty of time after the talk, for an optional second hour of discussion. Includes:

Aurora forecasting advice, tools, and warnings and alerts
The best apps: How to optimize them on your device
Photography tips and camera settings
Tips for catching Sub-Auroral Arcs
Guides & A Free Download
Customized Viewing Location Recommendations
A glance at Aurora around the world
Q&A

7-8pm, Followed by discussion and personalized advice from 8-9pm ET
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/842327528674501

Chasing Aurora at Sea: Our Norway Voyage

NOVEMBER 1, 2025

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
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

The Latest & Greatest in Northern Lights Chasing: A Live Video (Facebook)

JULY 21, 2025

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.
Suggested donation: Sngle “coffee” donation on BuyMeACoffee.com/mfkaelin

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)

Monday, 6:00pm ET
Admission: Donation of one cup of coffee using the website; Click: https://buymeacoffee.com/mfkaelin
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/771186891924808

Chasing Aurora in Michigan & Beyond

OCTOBER 12, 2024

For a single cup of coffee, learn the ropes of Aurora Chasing in Michigan and Beyond with Melissa F. Kaelin, Author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide” and Founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers. We’ll talk about simple forecasting methods, signs to look for, how to know when to chase, valuable apps and resources, and the basics of capturing Aurora photos. Donation requested in the form of a single cup of coffee: BuyMeACoffee.com/mfkaelin