Dark Sky Articles
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Where Have the Fall Solar Storms Gone? A Look at 2026’s Unusually Quiet Autumn Sky
For sky watchers and aurora enthusiasts, September and October have often been some of the most
exciting months of the year. Strong geomagnetic storms frequently occur during the fall season,
producing brilliant northern lights and occasionally disrupting communications, satellites, and power
systems. Yet in 2026, many observers have noticed something unusual: the absence of major solar
storms during a period when they are commonly expected. While smaller solar events have still
occurred, this fall has so far lacked the kind of powerful geomagnetic disturbances that have become
familiar over the past decade.Historically, some of the most significant solar storms have occurred during the fall months. One of
the most famous was the Halloween Solar Storms of 2003, a series of powerful solar flares and
coronal mass ejections that struck Earth between late October and early November. The storms
peaked on October 28-30, 2003, and included some of the largest solar flares ever recorded. The
event caused satellite disruptions, communication outages, GPS interference, power grid problems,
and auroras visible as far south as Texas and the Mediterranean. [en.wikipedia.org], [ncei.noaa.gov]Other major fall events include the September 2017 Solar Storms, when an active sunspot region
unleashed multiple X-class flares and generated strong auroras across North America. More
recently, the May 2024 G5 Extreme Geomagnetic Storm, sometimes called the Gannon Storm,
became the strongest geomagnetic storm since the Halloween Storms of 2003. It produced
spectacular auroras seen across much of the United States and was classified as a G5, the highest
category on NOAA’s geomagnetic storm scale. en.wikipedia.org], https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14835/ , [en.wikipedia.org]
One reason many experts expected strong storms during the fall of 2026 is that geomagnetic activity
often increases near the spring and autumn equinoxes. Scientists refer to this as the
“Russell-McPherron Effect,” where Earth’s magnetic field orientation can make it easier for solar
energy to couple with our planet’s magnetic field. Because of this seasonal effect, September and
October frequently produce impressive auroral displays. iscwsa.netSo why has this fall been quieter? The most likely explanation is that while Solar Cycle 25 remains
active, the Sun’s activity appears to be moving into the early stages of its declining phase. NOAA
and NASA solar cycle forecasts show that solar activity reached or passed its peak around
2024-2025 and is gradually beginning to decrease. That does not mean major storms are
impossible, but it does reduce the frequency of large Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. spaceweather.gov , https://www.nasa.gov/solar-cycle-progression-and-forecast/Another factor is simple luck. Large geomagnetic storms require several conditions to align. The Sun
must produce a major flare or coronal mass ejection, the eruption must be directed toward Earth,
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What Is Coming in October? CME, Coronal Hole, and Aurora Watch for the Great Lakes
What is coming for the first Week in October?
Skywatchers across the Great Lakes region are watching a potentially active stretch of space weather as a recent CME (Coronal Mass Ejection) and an Earth-facing coronal hole combine to increase the chances of geomagnetic activity.
A C8.6 solar flare was observed on September 30, followed by indicators that many space weather enthusiasts associate with increasing solar activity. At the same time, a coronal hole facing Earth is expected to send a stream of faster solar wind toward our planet in the days ahead.
Forecast models suggest a possible solar wind impact beginning Friday afternoon, with wind speeds potentially increasing from around 200 km/s to more than 550 km/s. If the incoming CME and high-speed solar wind stream interact favorably with Earth’s magnetic field, aurora visibility could improve across northern-tier states and southern Canada.
Cloud cover may also play an important role. Current forecasts suggest skies could begin clearing from western Upper Michigan and progress southeastward through northern Lower Michigan, including the Traverse City region. Western Minnesota may see increasing cloud cover, while a separate system is expected to affect parts of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan Saturday night.
By Sunday, clearer skies are expected across much of the northern Great Lakes region, potentially providing another opportunity for aurora viewing if geomagnetic conditions remain elevated.
As always, the intensity of any aurora display will depend on several factors, including solar wind speed, density, and the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field. Space weather conditions can change rapidly, making this a weekend worth watching for anyone interested in the northern lights.
Keywords: Aurora Forecast, Northern Lights Michigan, Traverse City Aurora, CME Impact, Coronal Hole Solar Wind, Space Weather Forecast, Solar Storm Watch, Great Lakes Aurora, October Aurora Forecast.
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Aurora Hunters Turn to Michigan’s Shorelines as Dark Sky Season Peaks
Seeing the Green Michigan is best state in Lower 48 for Aurora Hunting.
Aurora Hunters Turn to Michigan’s Shorelines as Dark Sky Season Peaks in September and October. The Great Lakes shoreline has some of the best northern‑lights viewing in the Lower 48. Michigan boasts one official International Dark Sky Park, Numerous State Dark Sky Parks and 2 Federal Park, numerous State and local parks all with good views. It also has numerous Lighthouses with northern views. Experienced hunters start heading to Iceland and Norway for Auroras and often overlook, the locations in Lower 48 states. Michigan is better situated with their miles of lake shores around three of the Great Lakes. These Lakes offer, darker views with light pollution than many states.
Headlands Dark Sky Park: Official, But Not Ideal for Auroras
Michigan’s only certified International Dark Sky Park, Is Headlands Dark Sky Park, draws heavy attention from tourists and astronomy groups. The park has worked hard to limit lighting around this area and make it more friendly to Photographers and Astrophotography enthusiasts. Depending on type of photography you want to do it can be a great place to visit. It hosts an Observatory with a host of programs. There is plenty of historical information about Astronomy on facts along the drive.
It is not best for Auroral photography. First the most open area of the park faces west not north. There is a way down to the North Shore, but in winter it becomes inaccessible, due to a steep hill that they don’t keep plowed well. This beach is good as long as it not icy. It as part of Headlands Park requires use of red lights. Which can be problematic if you have 50 people snapping on readlights every few minutes. It makes getting a good shot difficult because you can’t adjust for redlights in your image. This often leaves water and shoreline colored red. Because it is international dark sky park is heavily visited by first time aurora hunters that don’t know what they are doing, which means a lot of red light use. Headlands remains a strong location for Milky Way photography, but seasoned aurora chasers say it’s not the top choice for northern‑lights visibility.
.Don’t despair though there are other areas around Mackinaw that are less used. Or are more frequented by professional Aurora Hunters where you have an easier time. Up by Mackinaw Lighthouse is a good location by keep in mind you will need to do some compensation or bracketing to balance light around the Mackinaw Bridge. There are several location from Downtown where you can get a City view and there is a road side park east of Mackinaw that does have a northern view. I recommend before going to that area, searching Google earth & Maps to find public areas that could be alternatives to Headlands Dark Sky Park.
Crisp Point Lighthouse: Remote, Dark, and Facing North
On the southern shore of Lake Superior, Crisp Point Lighthouse is one of the darkest area’s I have visited. However it is about 20 miles of gravel roads that twist and turn back to the Lighthouse. It can be difficult sometimes to to reach it due to rough roads. It was recommended to me by every local not to try it in the dark at three in the morning alone. I did it anyone and found road well graded and fine as long was you went very slow. I do not recommend drivers try this at night if they are not extremely comfortable with night driving. When I visited I could hear animals in the woods around me. I would caution people afraid of the dark and prone to getting scared easily to be prepared.
Whitefish Point: One of Michigan’s Darkest Accessible Shores
Just east of Crisp Point, Whitefish Point offers another exceptional northern view. The point extends into Lake Superior, giving hunters a clean horizon and some of the darkest skies in the state. This is often more frequently visited. It is more open and not as much wildlife to startle people. there is an outlook directly out on the beach. It most hazardous thing is in the winter don’t step off the packed path. Snow gets deep in this area, particularly in March with the accumulated snow. I have been up there in March and April and plowed snow banks are over car roof tops. Step off packed trail, you could end up hip deep in snow.
Whitefish Point is also easier to reach than many remote U.P. locations, making it a favorite for travelers who want strong aurora potential without extreme backcountry conditions. There is a local hotel on main cross roads that does have a night clerk for late check ins in off season. Main season you will need to book in advance.
Glen Haven: Sleeping Bear’s Hidden Aurora Gem
Along Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore provides high bluffs, and scenic spots through out the park that are excellent Aurora vantage points. These are spread over 50 miles running from Point Betsie Lighthouse to Good Harbor at the North end of the park. In my oppinion they offer some of the most beautiful views in the state. What is unique is areas are all within driving distance so easy to jump from one spot to another during lulls. Giving you more views in a night.
The most recognized views in the park are likely DH Day Barn and Glen Haven. Glen Haven in small storms can be an amazing place to be. You often will meet a few hunters there giving you a chance to meet other Aurora Hunters. Beware though it can become very congested in large storms and people don’t always use common sense when parking. In this area always be aware of road sides and people walking in the dark.
DH Day Barn is Iconic spot people want photos but you should be aware that barn is privately owned and is private property with the fence. I have spoken with the owner in the past. He takes a very dim view of people photographing that barn, though he can’t stop it as long as you are on park property.
Through out the park through that 50 miles you will find a wide variety of interesting topics to shoot beyond Glen Haven and DH Day Barn
Lighthouses are a Favorite for Aurora Photography
Beyond Federal and state parks. Headlands the international dark sky part and the handful of state designated dark sky parks you will find miles of shore line with numerous Lighthouses that can be photographed with Auroras and many inland areas in Northern Michigan great for Aurora hunting. Point Betsie Lighthouse is a lighthouse that is often widely photographed. Convient to Sleeping Bear, it makes a great location to go to. If one area is busy, it is easy to pick a less crowded location.
Old Mission Lighthouse has limited views of the lighthouse, due to how it is situated. But Old Mission has a long shore line to walk and makes for easy location to get away form people. Charlevoix Lighthouse is another good location but there is a trick to shooting it. You must shoot around the green pier light that marks the other side of the channel by either placing pier light behind leg of lighthouse or timing your shot to few seconds that light is out. Empire is a great lighthouse, and is accessable in the winter. Also Empire is handicapped friendly with side walks and paved parking lot.
What Beginners Should Know Before Heading Out
- Check cloud cover first — Michigan gets frequent clouding, particular in winter when lake is not frozen over all the way. Typically Cloud cover breaks with season change around March and remains pretty good through November.
- We can see auroras all year in Michigan but your times big storms are more frequently seen is in March and from Aug 20th through Nov 1st.
- Negative Bz can trigger surprise auroras even on low forecasts. If the BZ is positive watch for the flip in polarity before going to far.
- Avoid bright moon nights for best color. If the storm is bright then moon is actually a help as it will light paint your landscape, giving you a completely different look.
- Patience is requirement. Sometimes you have to wait our the solar storm. It is normal for storms to come before or after predicted. Trick is knowing when it will fall short or out perform predictions.
- Do not walk out on Great Lakes Ice Shelves in the winter they are not stable. It is generally not good to walk on any lakes in winter. You can freeze to death before anyone would have chance to save you. If you insist on being in risky situations then it recommended you use Mustang Gear, which is an insulating winter gear that doubles as a flotation device. They are really warm and if you fall through ice it will hold you up, and stave off hyperthermia for an extra 20 minutes.
- Please read our posts about Aurora Hunting and Basic. to be frank, people have died by stepping out in front of cars. If we are all on the same page on how to behave in the dark and are away of how to be safe it prevents injury.
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