Aurora Over Au Train, Michigan | 10.10.2024
2024 has been an epic year for aurora chasers. With solar maximum bringing more frequent and intense displays, the solar storm on October 10th delivered. After a week of heavy solar activity and a forecast promising a stellar show, I knew this night had the potential to be something incredible.
After Alex & Kate’s Upper Peninsula elopement, I stayed on Au Train Beach along the shores of Lake Superior, soaking in the night after we had parted ways.
A Sky Full of Color
When we arrived for their stargazing portraits, I already knew the aurora had a high probability of showing up as soon as darkness fell. But what I wasn’t expecting was to see movement and pillars stretching into the sky before true dark—something I’ve only witnessed a few times. That’s when I knew we were in for something special.
After an hour of capturing their portraits, we parted ways, and I headed to another section of the beach. I had barely set up when the sky absolutely exploded—in every direction. North, south, east, west, straight up above.
The full spectrum of colors danced over Lake Superior—bright reds, vibrant purples, greens, and blues, all visible to the naked eye. Some moments were fast and pulsing, zipping through the atmosphere, while others flowed slowly, hanging above us like liquid light. Overhead, the auroral corona stretched downward, making it feel like the sky itself was touching the earth.
Standing Beneath the Universe
There’s a certain peace I find in the wild, beneath the stars. And when the aurora reaches overhead and beyond, it fills me with that deep love and longing for dark skies—the perfect mix of excitement, smallness, and infinite possibility. It’s a reminder of how vast the universe is, how tiny I am, and how lucky we are to experience these fleeting, magical moments. It ignites a part of me that dreams beyond my wildest imagination and craves more.
As the night went on, more people gathered on the beach, their gasps and awe-filled whispers making the moment even more special. Experiencing raw, naked-eye aurora for the first time is something you never forget. Even after years of chasing, nights like this never get old. The way the lights filled the entire sky, colors pulsing above, the energy of everyone on the beach—this is why northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are such a dream for dark sky lovers.
Have You Seen the Northern Lights?
If you’re dreaming of seeing the northern lights for yourself, this night was proof that Michigan delivers. If you’re still chasing your first show, check out my Guide to Chasing the Aurora in Northern Michigan to learn how to experience a night like this for yourself.
Were you out on 10/10/2024? Have you seen the aurora before, or do you have a favorite stargazing spot? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
