Aurora Borealis, September?

Hi, I am thinking ahead here.... but I%26#39;d like to book a cabin/room in September for our 20th wedding anniversary. Will we be able to see the Northern Lights then? Any suggestions on a moderate price cabin/hotel room? We like to hike, kayak, he likes to fish (i%26#39;d rather watch a movie or read a book).

Thanks!

Aurora Borealis, September?

This is far from a peak year for seeing an aurora, but if it happens during the time you are there it would be an excellent place as the light pollution is low there except for right in the town. It%26#39;s a great place for kayaking, canoeing, fishing and taking hikes. Sorry that I have no recommendation on a place to stay.

Aurora Borealis, September?

What makes it a good year to see the lights? I don%26#39;t know much about them since we live further south.....

Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are caused when large magnetic storms on the sun send charged particles into our region of space. These particles are diverted to the polar regions by our magnetosphere where they interact with upper atmosphere to cause colored lights. The magnetic storms are most prevalent when the sunspot cycle is near its peak. since we are nearing the low part of the sunspot cycle, northern lights are less likely to occur at any given date, but you may not want to wait another 5 to 7 years to look for them. Since they may occur at any time, go out in a dark place (away from city lights for sure, darker is better) and look at the night sky to the north near the horizon. Often they appear as a greenish light streaking the sky, shifting around, disappearing for a while and then returning (or maybe not). At the latitude I live in northern Minnesota I get to see them fairly frequently. Farther north will have them more often and with more color (I%26#39;ve seen the reds very rarely). Winter is better time for viewing because the air is clearer and it gets dark earlier so you don%26#39;t have to stay up so late to see them.

Just come to Ely to enjoy Ely... pretty sure the odds are not good that you will see the northern lights when you are here. I think the nicest place to stay within Ely is the Grand Ely Lodge. Might be a bit expensive but you could give it a look.