More people are coming to visit the Upper Peninsula. And some have their sights set on the stars. Visit Keweenaw says dark sky tourism has become a growing side of the industry. Especially in the Upper Peninsula, known for some of the best continental United States’ northern lights shows. A big question, Visit Keweenaw’s Jesse Wiederhold fields each year, starts with when visitors can see the northern lights.
I would say people coming up, its certainly one of the top 10, if not top 5 questions we get. About where to go, how to see them, things to look out for. But absolutely, I would say almost 1 in 10 people are coming up here mostly for that. – Jesse Wiederhold, Community Events Coordinator, Visit Keweenaw
The northern lights are created by geomagnetic storms. Particles flying through space from the sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere, showing off streaks of greens, pink, purple, reds, and other colors of light.
So number one here is Melissa Kalin. She’s an author and an artist and she founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers. One of her special talents, and one of her incredible things she’s able to do is forecast the Aurora. She has a really good understanding of what it is, which is space weather. – Jesse Wiederhold, Community Events Coordinator, Visit Keweenaw
During GLAD JAM from September 11th to the 14th, attendees can learn about how to read NASA’s solar storm forecast. As well as learn about dark sky tourism and efforts to preserve Michigan night skies. Participants will even learn from Expert astro-photographers such as Tom Oliver. The Rozsa center in Houghton will host several of the festival’s presentations and speakers. While participants will also explore the Keweenaw peninsula. Those interested in learning more can find details about GLAD JAM here.
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