Archive for category: starwatching

2026 is bringing us a lot more fireballs but we don’t know why!

The first quarter of 2026 has produced a significant surge in large fireball events, and the American Meteor Society says that the data shows a pattern that warrants serious investigation.
Super Moon over Suttons Bay by Trish P

Saturday’s Full Wolf Supermoon will have you howling!

The full Wolf Supermoon of January 3rd is going to put in one of the brightest appearances of which our Moon is capable.
Lake Michigan ... anticipation

Meteors & Moonbeams this Weekend!

EarthSky shares that since the radiant - the point in the sky from which the meteors appear to radiate - for the Geminid Meteor Shower rises in mid-evening, you can watch for these meteors all night long in the days before & after the evenings of December 13-14.

Inflatable Planetarium Dome bringing immersive starwatching to schools

The Sleeping Bear Dunes National lakeshore now has an inflatable planetarium dome to enable immersive experiences related to the night sky, the Great Lakes ecosystem, and more!
Star Gazers at Sleeping Bear Dune Climb Star Party

Sleeping Bear Dunes Star Party this Saturday!

Join park rangers and astronomers from the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society at the Dune Climb parking lot for Star Parties. Click for schedule!
Perseid Meteor Shower at DH Day Farm by Ken Scott Photography

The Tears of St Lawrence over Day Farm

How the Perseid Meteor shower (happening now, peaking August 13) came to be known as “The Tears of St. Lawrence” and also some of the science behind this annual August sky show.

Northern Lights are coming – how to see them in Leelanau

There's a strong possibility of significant Northern Lights next week so here's our list of tips to see the aurora borealis!!
Stars Rain over Port Oneida by Heather Higham

Leelanau Dark Sky Committee working to reclaim our night sky

The Traverse City Record-Eagle shares how dark sky advocates are working to reclaim Leelanau Peninsula’s night sky heritage in 2022.
April 16 Aurora on Sleeping Bear Bay by visitsleepingbear

Aurora Spring

Here's a stunning shot of last weekend's northern lights from @visitsleepingbear on Instagram. Give them a follow!
Night Sky from Empire Beach by Imagination Works

Northern Lights likely tonight & tomorrow!

The NASA/NWS Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a G2 (Moderate) Storm Watch for September 28-29th giving folks in Leelanau have a solid chance to see the northern lights!
Otter Creek Aurora by Heather Higham

Northern Lights likely tonight!

The NASA/NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center outlook for tonight says that Northern Lights are likely tonight in Leelanau.
Comet Neowise by Ken Scott Photography

Comet Neowise is putting on a show!

Space.com says that those who have gotten up before sunrise to gaze into the twilight skies have been greeted by the best comet performance for Northern Hemisphere observers since the 1997 appearance of Comet Hale-Bopp, and now you can see it after sunset.