Chasing the Northern Lights in Burnett County 

Burnett County’s dark skies offer some of the best opportunities in the region to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.  Below are some ways you can prepare for a successful viewing experience.

Get Alerts for Northern Lights Activity

Stay informed by signing up for alerts from trusted sources that track aurora borealis activity:

• Aurora Alerts

• Space Weather Live

• Solar Sphere

• Aurora Forecast

• NOAA Space Weather Center

Tips for the Best Dark Sky Experience

• Turn off the lights – Start by switching off all indoor and outdoor lights.  Reducing artificial light dramatically improves your ability to see the aurora and the Milky Way.

• Find open space – Move away from buildings, trees, and streetlights.  Open areas like frozen lakes or wide fields offer great vantage points for sky watching.

• Check monthly tips – Keep an eye on our page for monthly updates and tips on how to help protect and appreciate Our Nature.

Protecting Our Dark Skies: Responsible Lighting Tips

Thoughtful outdoor lighting helps preserve the natural beauty of our night skies and protects wildlife habitats.  Here are a few tips on how you can be part of the solution:

1. Be Purposeful – Use light only when and where it is truly needed.

2. Keep It Focused – Aim lights downward and use shields to prevent light from spilling into unwanted areas.

3. Choose Low-Intensity Lighting – Select the dimmest option that still gets the job done.  Reflective surfaces can amplify brightness, so less is often more.

4. Use Timers or Motion Sensors – These reduce unnecessary light and help maintain natural darkness when it is not needed.

5. Pick Warm-Colored Bulbs – Warm-toned lights (less blue light) are less disruptive to both wildlife and your view of the stars.

Let us all do our part to preserve the magic of Burnett County’s night skies — for ourselves and for generations to come.