Deeply dark skies, dancing auroras, shimmering stars - the beauty of the night sky calls to us. In the Keweenaw, the immense depth and availability of celestial beauty is especially a boon for astrophotographers. Nate Bett, professional photographer, shares what draws him to Keweenaw dark skies.
Take Nate's advice and use the Keweenaw's rugged landscape to your artistic advantage. (Photo: Nate Bett)
For many visitors, the true depth of the night sky is not revealed until they venture to Michigan's northernmost peninsula. A revelatory experience is lavished upon those who seek out the quiet reaches of Lake Superior's shorelines and the Keweenaw Dark Sky park - as they lift their eyes to the cosmos, the sparkling expanse of the universe is revealed. The recipe for a dark sky haven is a confluence of nature and intentionality:
Location: the Keweenaw Peninsula is located at a latitude of 47 degrees, at an ideal geographic location on the Earth's curvature for night sky and aurora viewing. Reaching far north of the rest of the state of Michigan and surrounding large cities, the Copper Country is removed from large cities and potential light pollution.
Low Light Pollution: the populous areas in the Keweenaw are much smaller compared to the greater expanse of the landscape, so light pollution remains central to their origin source. Culturally, the Keweenaw is moving towards low light pollution endeavors to ensure that the dark spaces stay dark.
Limited Daylight: post-fall solstice, the nights become markedly longer. The Keweenaw is well known for our prodigious winter season, which entails long, luxurious winter nights.
Dark Sky Photo Ops
Want our insider tips on where to head for great Northern Lights and chasing cosmic wonder? Check out our list of great photography spots that include a mix of true dark skies locales and neat historic foreground opportunities:
Keweenaw Dark Sky Park: located at the tip of the Keweenaw, this area spans many acres including Brockway Mountain, Copper Harbor, the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, and more. This DarkSkies International Park is headquartered at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, and offers both guests and visitors 24/7 access to their outdoor dark sky viewing areas. Remember to always be mindful of KML grounds and guests if you're dark sky viewing after hours.
McLain State Park: head to this western shoreline Michigan State Park for great photo opportunities with the Keweenaw Waterway Upper Entrance Lighthouse. (On the Houghton side? Get the same view on the opposite side of the Portage Canal at Breakers Beach.)
Quincy Mine: while you'll have to work with some low city-glow from the cities below, the Quincy Mine Hoist house and ruin features are stunning material to set against auroras.
Love the Keweenaw, in all the different ways you chase the Northern Lights and celestial marvels.. To Love the Keweenaw means to respect and preserve the nature and Dark Sky Parks that are made available to us. Remember to stay on designated trails and viewing areas. It's recommended that visitors explore potential dark sky viewing locations during the daylight hours. Familiarize yourself with the area and identify tripping potential tripping hazards. Be mindful of wildlife, and pack out all trash to keep the trails, shorelines, and parks pristine.
Book
