Key Highlights
- Alexi Majors caught a spectacular Northern Lights show in November 2025.
- The event was observed in Pennfield Township, West Michigan.
- A G1 geomagnetic storm is expected on Valentine’s Day to produce auroras.
- Typically, K-index values of six or seven are needed for Northern Lights visibility in West Michigan.
The Return of the Aurora Borealis: A Spectacular Light Show in West Michigan
You might think this is new, but… The Northern Lights have been a regular phenomenon, though not always visible to everyone. Meteorologist Jeff Porter explains why we’re due for another spectacular show on Valentine’s Day.
On November 15, 2025, Alexi Majors captured an incredible display of the Northern Lights in Pennfield Township, West Michigan.
The green and red hues were a treat for those who witnessed it. This event isn’t just about colors; it’s a reminder of the dynamic solar activity that can spark such natural beauty.
The Science Behind the Aurora Borealis
There are two critical factors coming together to produce this opportunity: a recurring coronal hole on the sun and an upcoming coronal mass ejection (CME) expected to arrive on Valentine’s Day. These events interact in a way that can spark auroras, which is exactly what we’re expecting.
Preparation for Aurora Viewing
The forecast indicates that the first factor, the coronal hole, is a recurring spot on the sun. These darker areas are associated with streams of magnetic energy that allow fast-moving solar winds to spark auroras when they interact with Earth’s atmosphere. The second factor, the CME, will arrive on February 14, creating a setup for a G1 geomagnetic storm, which is at the weaker end of the scale.
Jeff Porter notes, “We need K-index values around 5 just before daybreak Sunday to see the Northern Lights.
Typically, we’d require six or seven for visibility in West Michigan.” This means that while it’s a possibility, conditions will be on the edge. If you’re hoping to catch this show, get your camera ready.
How to Spot the Aurora Borealis
To see the Northern Lights in your neighborhood, upload photos or videos to the Chime In galleries. The best time to view them is just before dawn on Sunday morning, February 18, 2026. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth a try. Who wouldn’t want to witness nature’s own fireworks?
So, get your binoculars and camera ready—this could be one of those rare moments that you’ll cherish forever.