The Northern Lights Made A Surprise Appearance In Michigan This Week
There are some parts of the world where catching a glimpse of a sparkling Aurora Borealis is basically a sure thing. But the US state of Michigan is not usually one of them.
Locals were delighted to discover the picturesque Northern Lights had appeared over parts of the state’s Lower Peninsula and Mackinac Bridge into the early hours of Monday morning.
WOW! Northern Lights seen last night from Frankfort, Michigan. Photo credit: Joe Holley. #Aurora #NorthernLights #MIwx pic.twitter.com/CjM2nlE7Ox
— Mark Tarello (@mark_tarello) July 17, 2017
It doesn’t seem particularly out-of-the-ordinary until you consider the fact that the months from December until March are generally considered best for catching the natural show, provided you’re located above the arctic circle in countries like Iceland, Canada or Norway.
Improved time-lapse from last night’s #NorthernLights show in Hancock, MI. Slowed down the speed a bit. #AuroraBorealis #SpaceWeather pic.twitter.com/VgoBZHux8V
— Isaac JC Diener (@isaac_diener) July 17, 2017
Auroras (or geomagnetic storms) are created when electrically charged particles travel along magnetic fields into the earth’s upper atmosphere, colliding with gas atoms that cause them to emit coloured light. To be visible from earth, Auroras require incredibly clear conditions, which Michiganders were treated to this week.
Stunning Northern Lights sub-storm around 10:15pm in Hancock, MI. @GMA @Ginger_Zee @alroker @JimCantore @ReedTimmerAccu @WeatherNation pic.twitter.com/J4i8EgFmqE
— Isaac JC Diener (@isaac_diener) March 31, 2017
(Lead image: Jim Trodel / Flickr)
